What’s involved in the horseback riding lessons?

All campers are welcome to participate in our Riding Lessons. Riding Lessons begin with basic skills such as mounting, dismounting, and helping girls feel comfortable around the horses.

Campers soon learn proper foot and hand positions, how to maintain balance in the saddle, and the basics of controlling a horse. Intermediate classes move on to posting trot, gymkhana games, and fieldwork. Advanced classes offer instruction designed for each individual rider’s ability level including dressage, jumping and trail rides.

The goal of our riding program is twofold. We want campers to be safe, and we want them to have fun as they ride. Horseback riding can be a lifelong form of exercise and enjoyment. We aim to introduce this sport in a way that will nurture a girl’s interest in horses. Riding lessons are taught in the English Hunt Seat style. We provide riding helmets with safety straps. Boots are available if needed, but please bring a pair of boots or shoes with heels if you have them. This is important for proper foot placement in the stirrup. Please label all riding apparel.

Our stable area consists of a barn specially designed for our riding and farm program, a paddock area, three riding rings, fieldwork area, and a small brook. Small group lessons are taught in riding rings with three instructors for each twelve students.

Grooming and feeding of the horses are not required parts of our riding classes. However, those girls who wish to assist with these aspects of horse care are welcome to do so. They merely need to speak to the Riding Director to express their interest. The Director will schedule a time when the girls can work along side the riding staff as they care for the animals. Campers are also invited to become involved in animal care through our farm program, which includes sheep and fowl.

Please be advised that horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity with the possibility of falls and serious injury.