Horse Back Camps at Belle Wood
Camps are a fantastic way for students to be introduced to the sport of horseback riding or for a current equestrian to further develop their skills. Campers will be placed into groups with others of similar age and skill level. Riders will stay within that group for the duration of the camp. We will have several camp options as well depending on rider’s age and skill level.
The Summer Camp program at Belle Wood has been have developed to provide a solid foundation for students in proper horsemanship. During the camp day we will move campers through a series of activities that will benefit them in all aspects of Horsemanship. Our program is based on the Ontario Equestrian Federation “Learn to Ride” Program and the LTED (Long Term Equestrian Development) Program created by Equine Canada. Each day will include horse riding lessons by our instructors, games, educational lectures, and horse care management. At the end of the week, there will be a parent's show with ribbons!
Our goal is to teach campers all the responsibilities’ of owning and taking care of their equine companion. Safety is the priority, students must respect the rules and horses at Belle Wood. Students will be learning about the daily routines of taking care of horses.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about:
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Horse and Rider Safety
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Take care of the horse – from stable management to feeding routines
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Grooming including bathing
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Tack management, care, and cleanliness in the barn
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Experience vet, farrier, and equine chiropractor work
Students are required to bring:
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Jeans or tight fitting pants (No sweatpants, no baggy clothing or thin-strapped shirts)
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Lunch and snacks with plenty of water
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Hat and sunscreen
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Running shoes and boots with a one-inch heel (No sandals/flipflops)
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A change of clothing (shorts)
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Riding gloves are NOT required, however we find some children may find them more comfortable when riding
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We recommend that students leave cell phones or gaming devices at home. Belle Wood Equestrian will not be responsible for any lost or damaged electronics.
2019 Summer Camp Schedule
Don't want to commit to a full week in case your child doesn't like riding? Book an introductory riding lesson before summer camp to ensure your child will make the most of their camp week!
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: $355.00 plus HST
** Book Before March 31st, 2019 Receive 10% Off **
** Further discounts apply when you pay by cheque or e-transfer **
16 students MAX Per week
2019 Summer Camp Dates
Session #1- July 8th-12th. ** SUPER HERO **
Session #2- July 15th-19th ** SURVIVAL **
Session #3- July 22nd-26th ** HARRY POTTER **
Session #4- July 29th - August 2nd ** BELLEWOOD OLYMPICS**
Session #5- August 12th- 16th ** CIRCUS WEEK **
Session #6- August 19th - 23rd ** WILD CREATURES **
Session #7-August 26th-30th ** FAIRY TAIL **
Contact us for more information or to register!
Lots of Hands-On Horse Experience for Campers
What will my child do in Camp?
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Ride twice a day in an instructed lesson
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Exercises encouraging working in a team setting and learning about the world of horses (Horse care, health, behaviour, equipment, feeding, grooming etc.)
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Learn how to properly groom and tack up a horse, including how to bathe a horse.
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Watch a volunteer demo ride to demonstrate what its like to canter and jump
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Meet special visitors such as our Vet, Farrier, Equine Massage therapist and Chiropractor to provide demonstrations to the campers on the variety of professions within the industry
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Instructor & volunteer lead trail ride
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Inflatable UNICORN sprinkler to cool students down on hot days
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Learn the parts of the horse, horse breeds and horse colours
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Learn how to clean and take apart tack and equipment
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Bob for apples - a huge hit every year!
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Discover the differences between hunter/jumper
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Active team games and crafts themed to each week to build team building skills and make new friendships
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Parents show on Friday with a ribbon keepsake and treats
FAQ's of Summer Camp
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"What time does camp start/end?" Camp goes from 9:00-4:00
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"What should my child bring to camp?" Please see the What To Bring section on this page.
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"Is there before/after care?" Yes, for an additional charge. Please give the farm at least 24 hours notice for this service so we can have staff available.
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"How many times a day will my child ride?" Campers get two lessons a day.
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"When will the parents show be?" The show will be on Friday afternoon, times TBA pending on numbers that week.
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"What happens if it is too hot/raining?" If it is too hot, for the health and safety for both kids and horses, we will do a water fun day with the unicorn sprinkler and provide cold treats for campers. If it is raining, we thankfully have an indoor arena and lots of indoor space for activities and riding.
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"How many kids will be riding at the same time?" Our max per lesson is 6, and for children learning how to steer, they will have a volunteer leading them.
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"My child has special needs, will this camp be okay for them?" Because this camp involves horses and following instruction, we strongly recommended for safety purposes that campers are able to follow directions and function without constant attention from our Instructors as this takes away from the other children's experience. If your child has special needs and an interest in horses, please check out Windreach farm as they specialize in this department!
Rider Level Camp Information
Ontario Equestrian "Learn to Ride"
Preparation Camp and Testing
9:00 am to 4:00pm
$455.00 plus HST
Includes $25.00 Certificate Fee and Examiner Fee
MAX 14 Riders per week
All levels of riders welcome
This week of camp is designed to bring students through the Ontario Equestrian "Learn to Ride" Program and Testing. More information on the Learn to Ride programs can be found on the Ontario Equestrian Website linked below. This is a great program for riders looking to work towards becoming a coach, working in the stables, or just interested in increasing their horse knowledge.
Through the week all lessons both on and off the horse will be catered towards aiming to pass the testing on the Friday.
Our week of camp includes; theory workshops with take-home study sheets, stable management lessons, practice riding both the flat test and the over fences components as well as learning how to set and ride the gymnastic portion.
Please have an Ontario Equestrian Membership & Your Rider Level Books Purchased BEFORE camp!
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Ontario Equestrian Membership
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Rider Level Books
https://ontarioequestrian.ca/programs/learn-to-ride/
