Summer Horse Camp Tips

There are lots of great horse camps in the Memphis Area this Summer!

I've got a "few" years of experience under my belt teaching horse camps and camps in general to youth both as a Riding Instructor, former Teacher, and former Program Assistant for Youth Education programs at the Memphis Botanic Garden. From my experience, here are some tips for selecting the best camp situation for your child!

1. Ask if the Lead Trainer/Instructor will be providing instruction to your child, & how much will he/she be involved with the kids? It's common for camps to need lots of  assistants and helpers to assist with lots of kids, BUT, a trend with camps these days seems to be for the majority of teaching to come from these assistants-who may not have much actual experience working with kids, teaching kids, or experience as a Horse Riding Instructor. IF this is important to you, Ask....ESPECIALLY if the camp price is significant! In my opinion, the higher price tag for instruction should coincide with the lead trainer at a facility teaching your kids- not high school or college kids.
2. What type of environment are you interested in for you child? Do you want a low-key, more individualized setting offering individualized attention with an educational experience that is hands-on... with one horse, or do you want a more social experience for you child...with fun, activities, and lots and lots of kids and lots of horses? Ask yourself what learning style and environment your child prefers- low stimulation or high? There are low-key, smaller camps and big camp options with lots of kids in our area!
3. How much Adult supervision is occurring during the camps? Are there adults present at all times who have experience with kids? All camps should have an adult present at all times!
4. What condition are the horses, farm animals, and what is the general look of the facility? Are animals good weight and healthy looking? Are grounds kept and stables in generally good appearance and well-organized? This is a good indicator of a well-run program that focuses on SAFETY- which is extremely important with horses!
5. Do camps emphasize Horse Safety, learning about proper horse handling, and behavior before delving into more? Kids running around and "horse-playing" around horses is NOT a good mix and a recipe for a potential accident. 
6. Are the actual Riding Professionals who teach camp, willing to schedule a meet and greet tour of the facility and answer your questions? A 15 to 20 minute quick meeting and tour can provide you great insight into if the camp is the right fit for your needs....so can a professional who is not as willing to meet with you individually...

Although we are NOT in the business of camps at Meadowthorpe, we HIGHLY recommend them as excellent fun and effective learning experiences for kids. These provide a great introduction to horses and a way for kids & parents to get a taste of what horsemanship is like to see if there's further interest in pursuing more riding...and lessons?

Check out the Mid south Horse Review's May 2019 issue page 6 for more information on Summer Camps available in our area this summer.