Horse Camps at Pine Trails Ranch

What to bring to camp:

• Required
  • Long pants – no shorts or capri’s! These are unsafe for riding.
  • Socks
  • Water Bottle
  • Packed lunch
  • Filled out copy of our Riding Release Form if the student will be dropped off for camp by someone other than their parent or guardian. Students will not be allowed on a horse unless we have a signed copy of this form.
• Recommended
  • Comfortable, sturdy, closed toe shoes – students must wear riding boots (provided by PTR) when handling horses, but may prefer to wear their own shoes when not riding.
  • Sunscreen
  • Raincoat (Holiday camps only)
  • Snacks for afternoon
• Provided by PTR (No need to bring, but if you already have these, feel free to bring them)
  • Riding Boots – Must have a half inch heel but not a high fashion heel!
  • Riding Helmet – Safety standards on horseback riding helmets are higher than many bicycle helmets. Students will not be allowed to use bicycle helmets unless they meet riding helmet safety standards.

Camp Rider Level Description

Beginners Camp:
We recommend kids try a lesson before camp to help them start with confidence and have fun!
For kids who are new riding or have ridden only occasionally. They will learn to groom their horse, tack up, and to ride at the walk and trot. They will also learn to bathe their horse, the parts of the horse, colors, markings, and about English and western tack and how it’s used and maintained. Students learn about bits and how they work as well as alternatives such as hackamores. They will also learn about the basic needs of their horse including feeding, bathing, foot care, and vet care. Ages 7 to 14 unless student has been taking lessons at Pine Trails and has specific permission.

Advanced Beginners Camp ages 7 to 14:
For kids who have been taking lessons and are Not fearful. Students must have worked on trotting and want to do more. They will continue to learn care of the horse and to ride at the walk, trot, and perhaps some cantering or loping. They will learn all the things taught in the beginners class as well as cost of horse ownership and ways to ride and work with horses without owning a horse. They also learn how to see things from the horse’s perspective for better empathy. Most kids will do more than one week at this level.

Low Intermediate Camp Ages 7 to 15:
For kids who trot well and know their diagonals. Students must be able to trot a figure 8 pattern and should have tried a lope or canter and want to do more. The students will be working on trotting pole courses, small jumps, and trail obstacles and good control at the lope or canter. They will also continue to build on their horse knowledge by learning about the conformation of the horse and what can happen when the parts don’t go together right. They learn that some horses have limitations, but can have a happy life if we respect that. They will also learn about types of shoes and why some horses need different shoes or others don’t need any. The students will also learn about basic first aid and how to bandage a horse and much more. For some fun, we will be learning a little about how to ride bareback, and how to do carrot stretches with their horses for fun and stretching their horse. This level can take multiple weeks to master.

Advanced Intermediate Camp – Have an interest in learning the skills for competitive riding? Ages 8 to 16:
For kids who are riding regularly and can trot and canter patterns well. Students must ride over obstacles and have good speed control at the trot and canter. We will be working on good balance and control over jumps and obstacles and riding at shows. The students will also learn about horse lameness and how to responsibly select a horse that should be sound and comfortable for the type of riding they would like to do. They will also learn about how to keep a horse fit and presentable for competition or strenuous riding and avoiding injuries to their horse. The students will also learn about horse careers and hobbies that they might enjoy such as search and rescue, equine rehabilitation, and others. They will also try more bareback riding and learn some good techniques to help their horses and themselves warm up for strenuous work.

Counselor in Training -CIT
This program is designed for older youths age 12 and over, who are experienced riders. This program provides students with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills. CITs will assist counselors with grooming, saddling, as well as helping with lessons and trail rides. CITs will also work on improving their own horsemanship skills in a daily semi-private riding lesson. This program is a great way for young riders to increase their horsemanship experience and confidence as well as learning valuable skills in working with young student riders. To be eligible for the CIT program, students must be at least 12 years of age and have completed the highest level of camp offered in the week they are attending, or have equivalent experience and specific approval of PTR.