Campers at Mohawk can partake in our Equestrian Program. Riding Lessons are available to all campers, regardless of age or ability.
Equestrian Program
Stable Management
One of the activities campers can select is Stable Management. During one of the hour long activities of the day, campers will learn the basic of caring for a horse in a barn environment. This includes learning about the anatomy of a horse, different breeds, how to tack and groom, clean stalls, and feed the horses.
Campers also have the option of joining the riding staff each morning. They can help groom and tack the horses to get them ready for the day.
This program does not cost extra and is available to all campers.
Please be advised that horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity with the possibility of falls and serious injury.
Riding Lessons
All campers are welcome to participate in our Riding Lessons. 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.
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.
We provide hard hats with safety straps and all other safety equipment. 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, two 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.
Horseback riding lessons are available for $190 per week.
Please be advised that horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity with the possibility of falls and serious injury.