Does your kid dream of galloping through fields clad in their favorite horse riding jodhpurs? While they may not have their own pony, summer horse camps in the UK open the stable doors to everyone. This blog post will guide you through the diverse and exciting world of horse camps to find that perfect match for your young rider.
What Makes a “Perfect” Summer Horse Camp for Young Riders?
A great summer camp offers a comprehensive experience that transcends mere horse riding. The magic potion includes well-schooled ponies and professional tuition. These camps cater to complete beginners and confident riders and have qualified instructors guiding the trotters (without any tut-tut’s).
Importantly, these camps should be a hub of supervised fun, assuring safety with video surveillance, trained staff, and licensed facilities. Look for BHS or Pony Club approvals for a stamped assurance of quality.
Types of Summer Horse Camps in the UK
Residential “Pony Camp” at Riding Schools & Equestrian Centres
Residential pony camps provide a full week of equestrian excitement for kids. They offer accommodation, meals, and a smorgasbord of activities. Kids enjoy daily lessons and pony care, leaving them neighing for more!
An example is Higher Farm Equine in Cheshire. Catering to ages 5-15, it offers progressive lessons under 24-hour CCTV protection, so your child is as safe as houses—stable houses, that is! Learn more about what they provide by checking out equestrian clothing for your next camp.
Multi-Activity Adventure Camps with Pony Options
These camps wrap horse riding around a wider adventure camp experience, offering kids a cocktail of thrilling activities. For instance, PGL offers half-a-dozen riding lessons along with outdoor zip-lining and canoeing. It's a rhapsody of thrills!
Want a linguistic twist? Exsportise, near London, combines English lessons with horse riding, ensuring minds and bodies gallop together!
Day Camps & Non-Residential Pony Days
For those hesitant about overnight stays, day camps provide a nourishing nibble of the full experience without saying neigh to home comforts. The kids return grinning from hours spent learning to groom and manage horses.
Do You Need Your Own Pony to Attend Camp?
Rejoice! Most camps provide their own ponies—no personal pony required. Camps like PGL[source1], and Higher Farm[source2], specifically design programs for riders using their facilities’ trusted equine companions.
Key Safety & Quality Markers to Look For
Safety and credentials must rule your stable mind. Ensure the instructors are BHS qualified. Look out for whether operators like PGL show markings of ABTA, BAPA, and Ofsted registration. A well-run stable is a happy stable![source1]
Supervision & Safeguarding
Check for 24-hour supervision, so you can be reassured your little ones are nestled safe—like beans in a pod. Enquire about first aid certifications and insurance before clopping down the booking route.
Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child
Selecting the right camp involves ensuring both your and your child’s wishes align in unbridled harmony:
Start with Your Child’s Goals and Confidence Level
For beginners, camps like Higher Farm are a great start, emphasizing welcome to all experience levels. For those with weekly riding experience, programs like Exsportise might be ideal as they push the equine envelope.
Residential vs. Day Camps
Residential camps offer that immersive experience like Valley Farm in Suffolk.
Day camps provide structured days without overnight commitments, ideal for nascent trodding totters.
Check Credentials
Confirm teaching instructor qualifications and ensure the yard operates under recognized accreditation. An unregistered school is a risk, while a registered one is a vouched-for triumph!
Costs & What’s Included
Horse camps vary; day camps can be pocket-friendly while residential versions might require a bit more hay from your wallet. Do they offer multi-buy or loyalty discounts? Is the equipment rental included?
Typical Day Costs
Typical costs can include a half-day camp, like at Higher Farm. Charging £65 for a pony day including lunch and a riding lesson[source2].
Final Tips for Parents Booking a Summer Horse Camp
Before saddling up to book: Imagine how the camp fits with your child’s summer goals. Consider visiting, reviewing, and asking about inclusivity. Always book early—popular camps get filled faster than a swift gallop can carry!
Allow these tips and tricks to lead your thoroughbred choices for that perfect camp, maximizing both saddle time and sun time for your pint-sized equestrian!