Horse Camps

“The time my son spent at horse camp helped him to build up his confidence. He had a great experience. Thank you very much!”

-Parent of a Horse Camper

HORSE PROGRAM AT MAIN CAMP (GIRLS, GRADES 2-5)

Frost Valley YMCA’s horse programs are ideal for campers who want to live the life of an equestrian, but also participate in traditional camp activities. Campers spend half of each day learning the basics of horsemanship and developing riding skills, while the remainder of the day is devoted to a wide range of other camp activities, including swimming in the lake, hiking, arts and crafts, climbing, overnight camping trips, and more. Campers live in a lodge or cabin with counselors who have exceptional skills with horses and childcare. No previous riding experience is required.

MAIN CAMP HORSE PROGRAM

MUSTANG VILLAGE (girls, grades 2-5, ages 7-10)

AVAILABLE SESSIONS 1: JUNE 27 - JULY 9 2: JULY 11 - 23 3: JULY 25 - AUG 6 4: AUG 8 - 20

For more information on any of our horse programs at Main Camp, or to find out which program is the best match for your child please contact Jessie Emmons at (845) 985-2291 ext. 305 or email jemmons@frostvalley.org today!

HORSE TRAILS

boys & girls, grades 8+, min. age 13

AVAILABLE DATES 1B: JULY 4 - 9 2B: JULY 18 - 23 3B: AUG 1 - 6 4B: AUG 15 - 20

Saddle up and hit the trail for this exciting horse trekking adventure through pristine Catskill Mountain trails. Spend full days exploring nature on horseback and cozy nights sitting by the fire reflecting on the day, making memories with new friends, and sleeping under the stars. Riders will have full responsibility for caring for their horse while on the trail. Learn outdoor wilderness skills while packing out at campsites. In addition to polishing equestrian skills, there will be plenty of non-horse adventures! This challenging yet fun excursion requires that riders be confident walking/ trotting a horse and comfortable in the great outdoors. Participants must have previous riding experience, preferably in Frost Valley’s equestrian programs. Call to find out if Horse Trails is a good fit for your camper.

For more information on any of our horse programs at East Valley Ranch, or to find out which program is the best match for your child please contact Megan Cheney at (845) 985-2291 ext. 348 or email mcheney@frostvalley.org today!

EAST VALLEY RANCH PROGRAMS

Located just one mile from Farm Camp, East Valley Ranch is set in a picturesque location dedicated to providing campers with an exceptional experience working with horses and enjoying summer camp. This program is designed for campers with all levels of horse experience from all disciplines and our highly knowledgeable and passionate staff are eager to help them develop confidence in their abilities both in the saddle and in life. The East Valley Ranch programs teach primarily Western style horseback riding techniques, but experience from all backgrounds and disciplines are welcome. Campers sleep in yurts arranged by age and enjoy their own private dining hall and a variety of program areas.

SESSION DATES

2 WEEK PROGRAM girls only, grades 5+, ages 10+

SESSIONS ARE FULL! 1: JUNE 27 - JULY 9 2: JULY 11 - 23 3: JULY 25 - AUG 6 4: AUG 8 - 20

Young equestrians will learn not only how to ride, but also the responsibility that comes along with caring for horses. Campers are assigned a horse for the whole session and spend half of their day at the barn, focusing on their riding technique and learning about grooming, tacking, veterinary care, and training techniques. Another portion of each day is spent hiking, completing high and low ropes elements, boating, and making arts and crafts. Campers will enjoy swimming several times each week, an overnight camping experience, and an all-camp day focused on a theme. During their second week, campers can choose a specialty program either trail riding, where they spend the week exploring on our 14-mile network of trails or in the arena, focusing on progressing through the fundamentals of riding and good horsemanship.

4 WEEK PROGRAM girls only, grades 8-11, ages 13-16

SESSION DATES SESSIONS ARE FULL! SESSION 1-2: JUNE 27 - JULY 23 SESSION 3-4: JULY 25 - AUG 20

For advanced riders who already have consistent control in walking, trotting, and cantering, this month-long adventure will provide new challenges, riding opportunities, and guest presenters for our most advanced campers. This program is designed to enhance and perfect riding technique. Campers will work on drill team maneuvers, learn horse training techniques, discover ways to coach and teach other riders, and much more. As with every program we teach, campers learn confidence and independence to take home and apply to their everyday lives.