Choosing the best horse camps for you can be an overwhelming task. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can help you work out which are the best horse camps to choose and will help you have the most enjoyable experience and adventure.
Figure out what you want from a horse camp
Before you decide on the best horse camp to attend for either yourself or your child/children, there are some things you need to ask yourself. What are you looking to get out of your experience?
Do you want it to build character? Maybe you would like it to be a learning adventure? Are you just wanting the physical challenge of it? Just some summer fun or maybe to build your skills? Maybe you are goal-oriented and determined and it’s all of the above!
Researching the best horse camps
1) First read up on some websites for horse camps
All of the best horse camps have a website that you can go and check out. Each camp’s website should have plenty of information that you are looking for on it, including the contact information. If you think of any other questions while reading through the website, be sure to write them down.
Also, you might want to check for a Facebook page. If they do not have an official page there may be other pages put up by previous campers. This would be a great source for reviews and testimonies from others.
Consider the location – how far do you want to travel and do you bring your own horse or not? What are the logistics involved in that?
2) Call the horse camps
Once you have a list of all the questions that you want to ask, then start calling the different camps. Don’t try the “live chats” or emailing them. Talking to someone personally is the best way to get the answers that you are looking for.
Most camps do not keep a “year-round staff” on board so call until you are able to speak to a real person or leave a message for a callback.
Write down the name of the camp and the impression you get after speaking to each one. This will aid you in making your final decision.
Find out the best horse camp locations
Google Maps is a wonderful program! It can be used to check out each camp’s location. This program will give you a view of the entire campsite and all of the area around it. This is extremely helpful; you wouldn’t want to attend a horse camp that’s next to an airport!
Consider the weather
You can go to one of the weather applications to find out what the weather will be like on the dates that you are wanting to attend camp. You can check on the average number of days it rains in that area, what the temperatures are usually like. You can even check what the mold and pollen are like.
Consider the facilities
The facilities available at the horse camp are normally one of the most important qualities that campers look for. Some campers prefer a more modern camp with some luxuries. Other campers would rather a camp be wilderness-oriented and have that old rustic look to it.
If you are wanting a “special interest” camp then it would be a great idea to call and check on what specialized equipment and qualities they have to offer.
Scholarships, camperships and financial aid
There are a lot of camps out there that offer “Camperships”. This is a form of financial aid for families. Make sure to ask about this because it is not always shown on the website or Facebook page.
Even if the camp itself doesn’t offer financial aid, there are usually independent groups that will offer aid for the summer campers. You can also try searching the web for “Camp Scholarships”.
International horse campers
If you’re thinking of travelling to the USA and Canada for an overseas adventure, many camps do cater to international campers.
Contact the camp to see if they accept international campers and also ask about accommodations and travel planning.
If the camp you choose does indeed allow international campers don’t forget to look into what visas may be required for you to legally enter the country.
Special needs horse campers
Many horse camps are happy to take a camper’s special needs into account. Before you book make sure that you speak with each camp in-depth and ensure that the programs they offer are appropriate and they have the right staff and facilities on hand to cater to your needs.
Horse camp safety
Before choosing a camp, ask about the safety programs that they have. Are the staff trained in CPR and first aid? Is there a doctor and nurse on call? It’s also important to make sure that the camp staff are highly experienced – especially those dealing with horses. Ensure they know proper safety procedures around horses and are well equipped to ensure the campers will follow safety guidelines.
Camp food
Some may see this as a trivial question, but it is important to know about what type of food is served at the camp. Do they serve hot food? Are they equipped to handle a camper with certain food allergies? Do they serve “junk food” or nutritious food or a combination of both?
Special programs
Apart from horse riding, it’s important to consider what other programs the camp offers. Some might have overnight canoe trips, contests, parent’s day, musicals, and even star-gazing get-togethers. Whatever camps you are considering, be sure to find out which programs they have.
What is involved in a normal horse camp day?
It’s always good to inquire about what a normal camp day is like. How much activity do they have that is structured? How much free time do they have during the day? What time are the meals? Do they have my religious services? How are the weekend days different?
Testimonies from previous campers
The camp’s Facebook page and/or website should have testimonies of other campers, take the time to read through them.
What do you need to bring to camp?
You will need to find out what is and isn’t allowed to be brought to camp. You may be able to find out this information on their website. Most camp websites have a list of these things that you can download. If they don’t. Make sure to ask.
Conclusion
Planning a summer trip to one of the best horse camps you can find can be so enjoyable. Remember, the more you put into the planning, the more fun you will have.
Ask all of the right questions and make sure to listen to the staff’s answers. This alone can ensure one of the best horse camp experiences.