Summer camp - a place where memories are made and hours are whiled away in the pursuit of Fun. This year, we decided to pull together the facts on equestrian camps in the Northwest. Since this is a first-time effort, we're bound to leave off a few well-deserving names. If so, please let us know and we'll add you to the list for next year.
Please investigate any camps you are considering carefully, depending on your interests and needs. It's important to evaluate the appropriateness of school horse mounts, instructor capabilities, group sizes, and the availability of safety equipment, such as helmets. Many camps fill quickly, so act quickly to reserve your session of summer fun. For those of you who do attend these camps, send us a postcard! We'd love to hear what made your camping experience special.
(503) 224-7800
www.portlandcampfire.org
Girls & boys ages 10-17
Basic through intermediate
Western for beginners; English for more experienced riders
Week long camps by age group
Located on 600 acres on the shoulder of Mt. Hood, this camp offers riding, hiking, nature study, archery, arts and crafts, and a ropes course. Campers are responsible for horse care. Cabin groups take turns, to get a part of all that it means to have a horse. Established in 1924 and run by CampFire USA. July-August
(541) 595-1006 · truenorth02@hotmail.com
www.camptamarack.com
Girls, boys, families
First time to advanced
English & Western
Week long overnight camps by gender
Horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, tennis, creative arts, or mountaing biking. Set in the Deschutes National Forest on the shore of Dark Lake. A horse program is available for 8 to 16 year old girls and boys; there is also a more concentrated "Ranch Hand" program for 12 to 16 year old girls, with more intensive focus on the horses and horse care and an overnight pack trip. July-August
(509) 674-4903
www.highcountry-outfitters.com
Girls & boys
First time to advanced
Western
Week long overnight camps
Children are encouraged to experience adventure, develop horse handling skills, build friendships on the road to becoming self-confident with horses. Handling, saddling, bridling, and riding with an emphasis on safety. Each camper grooms and cares for his or her own horse. Features an overnight back country outing. July thru August.
(503) 873-8296· info@canyonviewcamp.org
www.CanyonviewCamp.org
Girls & boys ages 8-11 and 10-18
English & Western
First time to Advanced
School horses provided
Week-long overnight camp
Non-profit organization & member of Christian Camping International & the Certified Horsemanship Association. Canyonview boasts a herd of 55 horses. All instructors are CHA certified. Swimming, boating, games, talent nights, campfires, worship & Bible studies. June -August
(541) 573-3307· jimmonab@centurytel.net
Girls & Boys, D-rated Pony Club
English (jumping, cross-country, dressage, trails)
Bring your own horse
3-day overnight camp
Rimrock Pony Club is hosting this three-day camp for D-rated Pony Club members. Limited to 20 riders on a first-come, first serve basis. Ride cross-country and on trails, practice stadium jumping and dressage. The last day will feature a gymkhana. August 1-3.
(360) 457-4897· freedomf@olypen.com
Girls & boys, ages 6 & up
Beginners thru advanced
English
Horses provided
5-day overnight camp
Focusing on safe horsemanship and equine care. English riding instruction, playdays, games, and a mock horse show. This camp features games and crafts, as well. Kindercamps for ages 5 & 6. June-August.
(503) 678-6336
www.frenchhillfarm.com
Girls & boys, ages 7-14
Kindercamp, ages 5 & 6
Beginners thru intermediate
English riding
Horses provided
Weekly day camps
A fun and safe environment for learning to ride and taking care of horses. Bathing, grooming, horse & tack care. Limited to six campers per session. June-August
(503)628-7293 · fullcirclefarms@hotmail.com
Girls & boys
Beginners thru advanced
English
School horses or bring your own
Weekly day camps
Focus varies by ability level. Beginners learn grooming, handling, tack, walk/trot and introduction to canter. Intermediate riders are introduced to dressage basics and jumping. Advanced riders learn a solid base of dressage and/or hunter/jumper, cantering full courses and riding in the open safely. Unmounted sessions include veterinary care, horse management, and more, appropriate to each group.
(503) 632-7904
Girls & boys
Beginning thru advanced
School horses or bring your own
5-day overnight camp
Intensive five-day riding courses include riding skills, horse care, and stable management. Dressage, trails, jumping, cross-country. Facilities include a large indoor arena, cross country courses, and 70 acres of open fields and wooded trails. June-July
(541) 929-5706 · hoofprints@inavalefarm.com
www.inavalefarm.com
Girls, boys, adults
Beginner thru advanced
Day camp
Horses provided or bring your own
Learn basic riding skills in the beginner camp or the three-phases of eventing in the eventing camp (dressage, stadium jumping, cross-country). Amenities include indoor and outdoor arenas and a cross-country course. General horse knowledge, lunging, games, ending with a short show. June thru August.
(503) 636-1319, huntclub@pacifier.com
www.lakeoswegohunt.com
Girls & boys, age 7 & up
Beginner to Advanced
English
Weekly day camp
Learn horse care and enjoy three hours of riding each day. Groups for all skill levels with instructors specializing in basic horsemanship, dressage, jumping, cross-country. Daily trail rides. Indoor & outdoor arenas. June-August
(425) 392-0111
www.highcountry-outfitters.com
Girls & boys, ages 6-16
Horses provided
Day camp
Safe, comprehensive training to learn riding and enrich self-esteem through age-appropriate activities including arts, crafts, gardening, and games. July thru August
(360) 686-3737
www.RoyalRidges.org
Girls, boys, adults
English
Basic to intermediate
Horses provided
Overnight camp & day camps
A variety of programs, including a single-gender resident horse camp for 4th through 12th graders & a co-ed Day Camp for kids from 8 years old to 6th grade. Wilderness horse packing available for kids from age 15 to adult. Hiking, swimming, hay rides. Learn to groom and care for their horses. Capped off with an on-site horse show. Indoor & outdoor arenas. June-August
(503) 625-7337
Girls & boys, ages 7-15
Basic to advanced
English, western, trails
Horses provided or bring your own
Weekly day camps
Riding instruction including games on horseback and trail rides on a 40 acre horse farm. Unmounted classes in horse care, grooming, and feeding. Limited enrollment.
(541) 934-2088 · tripleh@oregontrail.net
Adults (over 18 years old)
Beginners to third level Dressage, up to Intermediate eventing
Bring your Horse
Two to three day overnight camps
Bring your tent, camper, motorhome, or sleep in your trailer. Guest cabins are in the works. Indoor & outdoor arenas, stadium jumps, cross-country course (beginner to novice level). Horsemanship skills on the ground & in the saddle. Gourmet dinners. 1,400+ acres of trails, galloping tracks, and gorgeous scenery.
(541) 426-8053
www.wallowaranchcamp.org
Girls and boys, ages 12-15
Basic to intermediate
Western
Horses provided
Week-long overnight camp
Each camp is limited to 12 students, who develop horsemanship skills, work with ranchers & learn about ranching, wildlife habitat, & natural resource stewardship. Journal about your experiences. Set in the mountains of NE Oregon. June-July
(509) 773-4536 · www.ekone.org
Girls & boys, age 8-18
Basic to advanced
English & Western
Horses provided
Week-long overnight camping
Orientation to basic horse handling & training skills. Riding instruction, trail riding. Experience life on a working horse & buffalo ranch while learning environmental awareness, planetary healing skills, building self-esteem & purpose. Swimming, games, self-reliant skills & crafts.