Equestrian Activities
Fun with Horses
Our introductory horsemanship activity is a good way to introduce girls to equestrian activities. Girls learn about how each horse is cared for and the very basics of riding. Girls learn to clean and groom the horses and ride on the last day.
Limited space available and an additional fee is required for all equestrian activities. No refund for missed equestrian classes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Horsemanship
Beginner lessons teach how to safely ride a horse, with the focus on leading, mounting and dismounting, steering, stopping, moving forward, and being aware of others around us. Advanced lessons in horsemanship teach more effective communication with the horse through a combination of dressage and jumping, as well as aspects of training horses. Riders learn how to care safely for horses as part of their riding lessons. All lessons are supervised by a CHA instructor. For campers finished grade 5 and older.
TWE Equestrian Immersion
Offered only during our Two Week Experience (Weeks 4-5), your daughter can spend her entire afternoon each day with the horses! Campers will arrive halfway through Free Time and spend Third and Fourth Activities in the stables. During this afternoon block, she will have one riding lesson, a lesson in horsemanship that will support what we are learning on horseback, and time to get into the nitty gritty of working with horses. Aspects of horsemanship we may focus on are training, conditioning of horse and rider, equine management, trail riding, drill work, and much more! For campers finished grade 5 and older.
*The horsemanship program strives to provide a safe and enjoyable experience to horses and riders. Due to the nature of the program and structure of the horses and ponies, a weight restriction may be enforced to preserve the safety of horse and rider.
All lessons are supervised by a CHA certified instructor, but the horses may be the most important instructors. Horsemanship is about learning how to connect with an equine partner. Through concentrated time together as the campers ride each day, they will develop greater understanding and skill. No matter the level, campers learn more effective communication and experience the unique partnership between a girl and her horse.
Leasing a Horse
Did you know that Camp's horse Versailles needs a winter home each year?
We are currently searching for the right family for the 2022-2023 off-season.
The Pony
Versailles Winston Cedarbrook is a 12 year old pony cross who has been owned by camp since 2014. He stands at approximately 14.1 hands. He is the type of horse who everyone enjoys riding; from beginners to advanced riders. He is a hunter type horse whose experience includes jumping courses, trail rides, basic dressage, and a few local shows. He is very smart and keeps us laughing. He is very well behaved.
Who can lease Versailles?
Any family with a heart to serve camp through caring for a horse! Since Versailles works well with a variety of riding levels there is no riding skill requirement, though we may recommend some riders take lessons while leasing him. This is a great opportunity for a family who is considering purchasing a horse. Owning a horse is a big commitment– but leasing a horse just for the off-season is a great way to learn about horse ownership firsthand without diving right in.
Versailles is available as a free lease in the off-season (mid-August to mid-June). The lessee is responsible for transportation, board, routine dental work, farrier work, feed including hay and grain, and any minor medical issues that arise. Camp provides yearly routine vaccinations and Coggins testing. Camp equestrian staff are available to provide support and answer questions throughout the year.
The lessee is responsible for providing a safe living arrangement which could be at their home or at another approved facility (i.e. a farm that offers boarding services). Facilities must be approved before the lease is finalized and should include at a minimum: safe and secure fencing, pasture, water, and shelter.
Please contact horses@campcedarbrook.org or 518-608-6800 to find out more.
