This year, Woodsong Farm is excited to continue it's partnership with City to Saddle!  more...

Horsemasters

Horsemanship Day Camp

For experienced riders ages 9-18yrs.

This program is open to experienced riders age 9-18yrs. and is designed for the serious riders preparing for a horse of their own, or riders who already have their own horse. This is a challenging program requiring not only riding experience but also maturity, organizational skills, diligence, and the ability to work independently as well as with others. The objective of the Horsemasters program is to improve the riding and horsemanship skills of the camper.

Acceptance into the Horsemasters program requires a specific minimum level of riding proficiency. Riders must have previously had English riding lessons and be able to mount, walk, and do a posting trot, correctly, safely, and with control over their horse in a group, without requiring supervision or assistance. This is our minimum riding level for acceptance into the Horsemasters program. Until riders reach this level, they will ride in our Pony Kids day camp program where riders are supervised in individualized riding lessons at their specific level which is more appropriate and safer for them.

All riders will be responsible for preparing their horse to ride. Riders who are not regularly grooming and tacking their mounts without supervision or assistance must register for the full week program. For more experienced riders who have previously participated in this day program, a partial week is an option if space and/or horses are available. Full week requests will be accepted over partial week requests.

Horsemasters participants will be involved with the full care of the horse and stable on a daily basis. First aid, feed and supplements, ailments, the application, fitting, and care of tack and equipment for the horse, rules and procedures for competitions, shipping, and proper show turn-out for the horse and rider will be among the topics covered in this program.

Riders in the Horsemasters program must be appropriately dressed in their own regulation helmets, riding boots, riding pants or chaps, and have their own bat/crop, no exceptions. If you need assistance in outfitting your rider, please contact The Tack Shop here at the farm prior to your arrival and we will be happy to help you.

Riders interested in the Horsemasters program, who are not currently Woodsong Farm students, are asked to send with their application the following information: a brief history of riding and stable experience, the name of the stable at which he or she takes lessons, the name and phone number of the riding instructor, and the goals the rider has set for him or herself. If available, a current video of your riding would be great! This helps us to make sure this is the appropriate program for you, and helps us to choose a suitable horse for you. We also offer the opportunity for riders to participate in horse shows, dressage competitions, and two-phase events. When you send your application, please let us know if you are interested in competing!

It is our goal in this program to not only develop riding and horsemanship skills, but also develop independent thinking, organizational skills, problem solving, and self-confidence through challenges presented to participants. Participants in this program should expect to be pushed, not pampered. While not required, we strongly suggest a minimum of three full weeks enrollment to meet the goals of this program.