EQUEST FARM SUMMER CAMP
WHERE HORSES BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU!!!!!
Has your child always wanted to learn how to ride a horse or been fascinated with
horses? Do you dream of a summer camp experience that is truly unique? How about
spending a week with one of Mother Nature’s most fascinating creatures? Horses can
inspire such wonderful qualities in children such as compassion, love, responsibility,
sensitivity to others, pride in accomplishments and a desire to set and reach goals. If
these are qualities you seek for your child, then Equest Farms summer camp is for you.
The following paragraphs are short descriptions of what each week of camp will be.
Camp Themes:
Horse Show Camp
Competition and good sportsmanship are a large part of horseback riding. Horse shows
provide riders with a goal. Being judged against one’s peers in the show ring is a
wonderful gauge by which to judge a rider’s abilities and progress. This week of camp
will teach our riders not only to ride but proper horse show grooming techniques, attire,
sportsmanship, braiding, leg wrapping, and what judges are looking for when you enter
the show ring. After this week of camp, campers will be offered the exciting ability to
compete in a horse show in Folsom, La. All levels from Walk-trot to Pre-Children’s are
available to compete. Campers should at least be able to ride at a walk-trot to sign up for
this camp.
Horsemanship Camp
Horsemanship camp appeals to both boys and girls who love being around horses, caring
for them and riding them. To be a good horseman you need to learn how a horse thinks
and how to care for them properly. This is exactly what our camp offers. Our mission is
to expand on your child’s love of horses by putting them in the horses’ shoes. By doing
so they will get a better understanding of equine behavior and what it takes to establish a
willing and enjoyable partnership with a horse. By participating in daily riding and horse
activities your child will learn the proper and safe way to care for their equine partner.
Western/Rodeo Camp
Unlike the other Equest Farm camps, we will explore the art of Western Riding. We will
introduce the western saddle, western gaits and for the more advanced riders, poles and
barrels. We will bring Mr. Tom Wildey and his daughter with their horses to
demonstrate what a high level of Western Riding can be. So bring your boots, hats and
jeans to this fun week of western horses and trail rides.
Pony Club/ Scouts Camp
This week will be a combination of pony club, which introduces riding, safety habits and
daily care of a horse and tack, and boy and girl scout badges. Pony Club is a system of
riding proficiency accredited with the United States Pony Club. At the beginner level,
campers will learn to ride independently at the walk, trot and canter and over low fences.
Boy and Girl Scout badges focus mostly on horse care and safety around horses. Campers
will be given a history of how horses have been used in society and have them illustrate it
through art. They will be taught some of the common illnesses associated with horses
and how to take care of them. The veterinarian will demonstrate how a horse is
examined for soundness. To earn the badge at the end of the week they will have to
know the parts of the saddle, bridle and the horse and must be able to control their horse
at the trot.
3 Day Eventing Camp
This week will be an introduction to the three different riding styles of Dressage, Stadium
Jumping and Cross Country. It will be tailored for beginners as well as advanced riders.
Demonstrations of the three disciplines will be available throughout the week with a
cross country course set up on our new grass field in the park. We will bring in a three
day event specialist to enhance this week’s experience.
Gymkhana Camp
This week will emphasize the many games that have been played on horseback for
hundreds of years. Match races, relay races and skills competitions both on and off the
horse will be featured. Strategy, good horsemanship, preparation and, most importantly,
good sportsmanship are the cornerstones of this camp’s agenda. Fun for all and prizes
aplenty.
Olympics Camp
In closing out the summer, we will have the Olympic Games. We will form four teams
one from France, England, Mexico and the United States. Each group will be evenly
divided so that the teams are competitive. There will be a dressage section, stadium
jumping and cross country. We will combine horsebackriding, horsemanship and
sportsmanship throughout the week. A brief history of horses in each of these countries
wil be covered and how they did in the past summer Olympics.
All of the above camps will be available for beginners up to advanced students.
Groups will be no larger than 6 campers per instructor with 1 to 2 junior
counselors. The children will ride for at least 1 hour a day.