Having a solid foundation of knowledge on how to work safely around horses on the ground is just as important as knowing how to ride them. This is why Freedom Woods is excited to bring back our new full-immersion Horsemanship Camp program beginning in June, 2010.

Our program gives campers ages 8 and older a fun, safe, hands-on opportunity to learn and engage in all facets of horsemanship. Campers will receive top-notch hunter seat riding instruction and theory from staff. They will also experience daily barn management, horse health and nutrition, and learn about horse behavior and care. The goal for each week will be for our campers to become solid horsemen, utilizing proper barn and horse handling skills.

CAMP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• 8:30 A.M. drop off - 12:30 P.M. pick up *
• 5 campers to 1 staff ratio
• Ability-based grouping for riding time (evaluation and placement on first day)
• Fun, safe working environment while around the horses
• Games and hands-on activities in and around the barn
• Professional clinics conducted by veterinarians, farriers, dentists and nutritionists
• Behind the scenes experience of the daily workings of a stable

We have made some great improvements to the teaching standards for this year's camp. This year all riding time will be instructed by senior trainers. To ensure safe and proper placement, all riders will be evaluated on the first day of camp. Students who are not currently in the lesson program at Freedom Woods are required to complete one private lesson prior to the beginning of horsemanship camp. All rider evaluations will be
completed by our Horsemanship Camp instructors: Betsy, Alex, or Sandi.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up From Camp

Drop-off every day is 8:30 A.M. Please drop off your child at the office in the green barn. Pick-up is 12:30 P.M. Please do not drop off any earlier than 8:15 A.M. Staff will not be prepared to receive campers prior to 8:15 A.M. Also, it is important that parents are on time at the 12:30 P.M. pick-up time since staff members have schedules to keep. Late pick-ups will be charged at the rate of $1.00 per minute.

Personal Belongings

Please write your child’s name on everything he/she brings to camp to reduce the number of misplaced items. A permanent marker is suggested for labeling, as it is waterproof. There are now silver “Sharpie” markers available at most stores that work great for dark items like boots and crops. Freedom Woods will not be responsible for any belongings which are lost or damaged.

Lunches

Your child must bring his/her own snack, lunch, and beverage to camp each day. A refrigerator and microwave are available for student use. There is also a soda vending machine in the clubroom. Drinks cost $1.25. Please label any bags with campers’ name and date.

Apparel

• Long pants in the form of breeches, jeans or stretch pants must be worn at all times. Please do not dress your child in loose pants, sweat pants, shorts or skirts. Any looser fitting pants will cause burns on your child’s legs. Chaps or half-chaps are recommended with jeans because they add an additional layer of protection for your child’s legs.
• Boots must be worn at all times. Children who do not have proper boots will not be allowed to participate.
• Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. Bicycle helmets are not allowed. We recommend purchasing your own riding helmet, although there are loaner helmets available at the barn.
• Proper riding apparel can be purchased at one of our area tack stores. See front desk for details and coupons.
• Campers are required to wear their camp t-shirt each day.
• Each camper will receive one complimentary t-shirt.
• Campers will receive their shirts on the first day of camp.
• Additional t-shirts are available for purchase.

Dates