Camp Winding Gap

Riding Program

Campers that participate in the Riding Program may participate in classes which include mounted and unmounted lessons in basic Western Horsemanship and Pack & Trail. With trips and other programs, campers in the riding program average 3-5 lessons per week.  Classes last between 45 minutes and one hour per day.  Program fee is $80/week and limited to 50 campers per session. The program is designed to teach all levels of riders, from beginners through advanced.  Campers are grouped according to ability and lessons begin from that point.

While many other camps choose to assign a horse to a camper for the duration of their stay, we feel it is important for campers to become familiar with and ride all types of horses, and even mules!  At Camp Winding Gap, horsemanship is taught on a variety of horses. Campers will also learn to feed and care for them through hands-on experience. 

Lessons include mounted and unmounted lessons: theory, tacking, parts of the horse, grooming, packing, conformation, care of the horse, skills practice, and much more. Riding lessons begin in the ring and move out onto the trails as ability permits. Experienced riders staying at least three weeks will have the option of a horseback lunch or supper ride and/or an overnight campout. 

Camp Winding Gap teaches from the basics of catching the horse, grooming/tacking, basic seat & hand positions, and improving the seat at the walk/trot/canter through learning about overnight picketing of horses, and even using a pack horse to carry the gear!


 

Awards and certifications are available at several levels including CHA Elementary and Intermediate; Pack & Trail awards include Trail Rider and Overnight Rider. Experienced riders staying at least five weeks may be selected to participate in two or three day Pack & Trail Trips. Experienced riders also have the option of assisting with the lower level riding classes on occasion. This not only allows more time with the horses, but also increases skills by practicing teaching them! 
Camp Winding Gap is dedicated to the safety and well-being of your child while in our care. In addition to safety helmets (always worn, and provided by the camp) and proper clothing for riding, we place your child in the level of riding for which they are most suited. Your child will become comfortable in the horse world by gaining experience and confidence through our program.

The riding staff is highly qualified with certifications through CHA and international organizations such as Pony Club. All riding staff also receive an intensive week of training prior to campers arrival. They are all devoted to helping children of all ages enjoy the safety and fun of horsemanship. Camp Winding Gap will introduce your camper to the joy of horsemanship in a safe and comfortable learning environment.


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