Tips On How To Enjoy Horse Summer Camp

It’s every girl’s dream to go to horse summer camp and take riding lessons. Horse camp allows you the freedom to learn new skills and develop new friends – both animal and human. In fact, a horse summer camp can give you and or that special someone a chance of a lifetime.

1. Do Your Homework
There are a couple of different horse summer camps in the Lower Mainland you can choose from. Before you decide, you need to figure out what your ultimate goal is. Do you want to just have fun or do you want to quickly gain skills to become a better rider? Different camps will give you a different experience.
You should always do research before embarking on a horse summer camp. Is the camper experienced or will this be the first time they have gone away without parental supervision?
Check out the camps website and their reviews online, especially their google reviews. It will give you an idea of what to expect if you do decide on that particular camp.
Although you should do your initial research online, you should always visit the camp before committing to it and try to find people who’ve actually stayed there. It’s always best to see how things run first hand.

2. Find A Camp That Emphasizes Safety
Horseback riding can be dangerous so you’ll want a camp that knows how to teach safety first. Helmets are a must for all riders and should be properly tested and certified. If any camp owner tells you it’s okay for a camper not to wear a helmet or to wear a bicycle helmet instead, find a different camp. It means they don’t take safety seriously enough.
Next, find out what type of insurance and certifications the instructors have. You’ll want to know the instructors have been properly trained and have the required experience. If an accident does happen, you’ll want peace of mind that insurance will cover hospital stays, ambulance rides, and any other costs that might arise.

3. How Adaptable Is your Horse?
While your rider might love the great outdoors and go on an adventure, you need to consider your horse might have different ideas. Some horses are natural campers, while others are a little shyer. Your horse may be nervous or distracted interacting with unfamiliar horses or in a setting they don’t know. You’ll want to pay close attention to how your horse behaves at the camp. Be aware your horse may fuss or fidget and at nighttime he may whinny and act differently than you’re used to.
Your horse has both physical and emotional needs and if he or she acts differently then you may not want to ride him too hard or for too long. You may need to ease your horse into camp. Use your communication skills and knowledge of your horse to settle him down.

4. Create a Packing List
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect summer horse camp, you’ll want to know what to pack. Look up checklists online so you have everything you need and you don’t forget anything. Call the camp coordinator to ensure that if they don’t have it, that you bring it with you. Every camp will be a little different. For example, if you have booked a cabin then there’s no need to bring a tent.
One of the most important things to consider is food for both yourself and our horse. Depending on how many days you stay, you’ll need the corresponding food and perhaps the utensils, pots and pans to make it. Lastly, you’ll want to pack a large water bottle and a bowl you and your horse can use. It will likely be hot and if you especially ride out in the open, dehydration is sure to set in.