Equestrian Camp
For horse‑crazy campers age 11‑15 years |
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 Equestrian camp offers campers the opportunity to experience much of what resident camp has to offer while giving them a chance to improve their riding. Every morning is spent at the barn where they will groom and tack their own horse, participate in an hour long riding lesson from a trained instructor, and participate in non-riding activities that could include Barn Olympics, Amazing Horse Race, Career Day, arts and crafts, climbing, and team building activities. At least two afternoons a week are spent back at the barn participating in clinics. These clinics are meant to show the campers the world of opportunities that lie in the horse world and that it's not just limited to jumping, reining, or wherever their interest lies. Campers can choose to ride a horse bareback, participate in drill team, learn how to bathe, clip, and braid a horse, drive a cart, play in modified pony club games, or try their hand at mounted trail obstacles. One morning a every week each cabin group heads to the barn before breakfast to saddle up their horses and head out on an early morning trail ride through our Oak Forest. Wildlife is abundant at that time in the morning so we're sure to see something exciting out on the trail. Afterwards, they head back to the barn, help feed the horses, and then treat themselves to a breakfast at the barn until the rest of the cabins arrive for morning activities. Each morning starts off with a horsemanship parable that relates an aspect of horses or riding to a Biblical verse or story. The five core values of the YMCA (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith) are listed around the barn as reminders of how we need to act and treat our fellow campers.
 Levels Program
Once your child arrives at camp, they will be interviewed by one of our qualified directors who will gauge your child's riding ability through the questions asked. Your child will then be placed into an appropriate riding class with other campers of the same level and will be matched with an appropriate horse. Our ratio of instructor: student is 4:1. There are 6 different levels in our riding program going from those campers who have never been on a horse before to those who show and ride at home. We are able to place your camper in the appropriate level for them so that they can be successful and improve. Our first level is our Colt level where campers learn to independently walk, stop, and guide their horse. The next step is our Yearling level where campers will learn how to sit and post the trot and better their steering. The Mustang level adds the challenge of cantering our horses and learning the diagonals at the posting trot while fine tuning our steering. The Bronco level continues to build upon everything the camper has already learned by refining their use of their natural aids to communicate to and influence the horse and to partner with the horse so they can accomplish more advanced movements. The Junior Wrangler and Wrangler levels are our most challenging levels as the camper has shown a steady and balanced seat and an aptitude for using the natural aids and will begin learning advanced movements. Some of the campers at this level may experience rollbacks, leg yields, collection and extension of the walk and trot, jump cross rails, and more. Our instructors diligently strive to help your camper improve their riding ability so that they go home a more confident, safe, and secure rider.
For the Parents
Camp Tecumseh is an American Camping Association (ACA) accredited site as well as a Certified Horseman's Association (CHA) accredited site. Our site and safety practices meet all ACA and CHA guidelines. Our director is also a CHA certified instructor. All of our counselors and instructors have gone through a week long training that models the CHA instructor's certification training. Each child is to wear an ASTM/SEI certified helmet that is no older than 5 years of age and properly fits their head. Your child is more than welcome to bring their own helmet as long as it meets our guidelines and it fits their head properly. A proper list of items to bring to equestrian camp will come to you in a welcome packet when you register.
Click here to see a typical Equestrian Camp Daily Schedule
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For more information
Contact Us!
Camp Tecumseh YMCA
(765)-564-2898
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