Thanks for coming to Summer Camp this Year!

Come out and enjoy our lesson programs this fall!

Woodland Horse Center conducts several excellent camps a year. The Spring Fling Camp coincides with the Montgomery County School System's spring break, Summer Camp (Horsemanship Campand Pony Pals Camp) runs during June, July and August, and the Holiday Mini Camp takes place during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Both the Spring Fling, Holiday and Mini-Camps are open to children from 5 - 15 while Summer Camp is divided by age - children 5 - 7 are in Pony Pals while children 8 - 15 are in the Horsemanship Camp.

The program of all three camps includes general lectures, arts and crafts and, of course, lots of riding. Lectures are interactive with campers participating in, and not just listening, feeding, grooming, cleaning and fitting tack, and, MOST IMPORANT - safety around the horses.  After all, Woodland's main goal is to improve riding skills safely and with LOTS OF FUN!!! Arts and crafts are a fun time where the campers do a variety of things - making bracelets for their favorite horses, making picture frames, cut-outs, decorating small utility buckets, writing and acting out horse stories, and so on.  Woodland works hard to add new lectures and crafts each year.  There is game day for games on foot and horseback and, of course water games (depending on the weather). And who can forget RIDING. Pony Palers ride once a day while those in the Horsemanship Camp ride twice a day.  

Under our riding program, campers are evaluated and placed in groups according to their skill levels. Beginners learn how to get their horses to move, stop and turn around. They will learn the posting and sitting trot and begin cantering and jumping small (6") jumps. Those campers who have been in a structured riding program will improve on their skills and learn more difficult movements.  Trail riding is part of the program; however, it is dependent upon the weather and condition of the trails. Since we have an indoor ring, campers won't miss their riding because of inclement weather!

The last day of each session is graduation day. The individual groups have worked on a drill, set to music, to show off their new skills to their parents, relatives and friends. Campers also get a ribbon and a medallion. Refreshments are served following graduation.

Sessions: 

All summer camps have the same hours, Monday - Friday, from 9:00 - 4:00; however, we gladly offer extended care. Parents may drop their children off as early as 8:00 and pick them up as late as 6:00 for a small additional fee.  Pony Pal camp runs in weekly sessions, with the last session being a half a day while the Horsemanship Camp runs in 2-week sessions. Additional weeks may be purchased in both camps.

Food: 

Woodland does have a refrigerator, but we suggest that campers should bring their lunches in their own coolers. We suggest a well rounded lunch with an afternoon energy snack and plenty of liquids (water is best, but juice is also very good).  We also suggest that all campers should eat breakfast before coming to camp. We have soda, juice and water machines and the Tack Shop carries a variety of drinks and snacks. Parents should give their children $2 -3.00 to spend in the Tack Shop.

Dress Code:

Campers should wear jeans or long pants, with a light-weight shirt or blouse, all of which are suitable for riding and farm activities (campers will get dirty).  It is also a good idea to send a jacket along.  Hard-soled shoes are more appropriate than sneakers. Campers must wear helmets whenever they ride. For their safety, all campers must have their own helmets; they may buy them at the Tack Shop for 10% off the regular price.