Frequently Asked Questions
8:00–9:00 AM: Arrive, groom, and tack up your camp horse.
9:00–10:00 AM: Ride.
10:00–10:30 AM: Untack and care for your horse.
10:30–11:00 AM: "Brunch" break (campers bring a hearty snack or early lunch).
11:00–11:45 AM: Horsemanship activity/game.
11:45 AM–12:30 PM: Craft.
12:30 PM–1:00 PM: Wrapping up activities.
1:00 PM: Pickup.
A: No, your child does not need their own horse! We provide safe, well-trained lesson horses for all campers to ride and enjoy.
Here’s what your child should bring to camp:
A closeable water bottle: Tumblers are not recommended since they’re prone to spilling, especially when we take them out to the arena.
Long pants and boots with a heel: These are required for riding to ensure safety and comfort.
Optional: Shorts and tennis shoes to change into after riding. (No flip-flops—shoes must be closed-toe.)
A sack lunch: Please pack enough to keep your child fueled and ready for all the fun activities!
The cost of camp is $475. This is paid in two parts – first, a $200 non-refundable deposit is due within 24 hours of submitting the online application. Then the remaining balance can be paid at any time before the first day of camp.
This is a valid question! We understand that the cost of horse camp may seem high, but it reflects the exceptional care we provide for our horses and the high-quality experience we aim to deliver.
Our horses receive top-tier care, including:
Premium quality grain and plenty of hay to keep them healthy and happy.
Soft bedding in clean, comfortable stalls that are thoroughly cleaned daily.
Routine farrier work, veterinary care, and dental care to maintain their well-being.
Specialized treatments like joint injections and chiropractic care when needed.
Beyond horse care, there are many other factors that contribute to the cost:
Compensating our adult staff and teenage helpers.
Covering insurance to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
Keeping up with rising costs due to inflation.
Purchasing supplies and equipment to make camp activities fun, engaging, and memorable.
When you break it down, the cost of camp works out to $19 per hour. For comparison, the average cost of daycare in Nacogdoches is around $13 per hour. And trust us, this is WAY more fun than daycare! While we could cut corners to reduce costs, we believe in prioritizing safety, quality, and enjoyment. Our goal is to provide a super fun, super safe experience that campers and families can cherish for years to come!
Yes, but all phones stay in the office for the duration of the camp day. We want kids to be actively engaged in camp activities, not on their phones.
Each camper is assigned a dedicated counselor who will guide and assist them throughout the week. While some counselors are pre-teens or teenagers, all have significant horse experience and have completed our comprehensive Counselor Training Program. I also serve as the Head Counselor, overseeing all activities to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
In case of bad weather (like heavy rain), we move activities indoors or adapt our schedule to include games, crafts, and horse-related lessons in a sheltered area. In the case of extremely bad weather (like a hurricane or tornado), we will either reschedule or refund that day of camp.
Definitely not! While learning about some basic barn chores is an important part of understanding horse care and responsibility, it’s just a small portion of our camp activities.
Signing a liability release is a standard requirement for any activity involving horses. While we do everything possible to ensure a safe environment, it’s important to understand that horses are large animals with their own instincts and reactions.
Here’s what we do to minimize risks:
We provide well-trained lesson horses chosen specifically for their calm, reliable temperaments.
Campers are supervised at all times by experienced, knowledgeable staff.
Safety gear, including helmets, is required and provided.
We prioritize teaching campers proper handling and riding techniques to build their confidence and ensure safety.
While there is always some level of risk in working with animals, our team is well trained, and our safety record speaks for itself. Signing a liability release is simply a precaution to acknowledge the inherent risks of equine activities.
To reserve your spot for camp, you pay a $200 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due on the first day of camp.
We do not offer refunds in the event of a cancellation. However, if you’ve paid your deposit but can no longer attend, you may transfer your spot to another child. The new participant will pay a $50 transfer fee, which is not included in your deposit and must be paid by the new attendee.
If you have any questions about this policy, feel free to reach out to us!
Beginner Camp is perfect for campers with little to no horse experience. If your child does have some horse experience, that’s great—they’re still welcome in Beginner Camp! We have plenty of activities that can be adapted for campers with a bit more know-how.
Intermediate Camp is designed for campers with more experience. To join Intermediate Camp, your child must:
Be able to groom and tack up a horse independently.
Be able to walk, trot, and steer on a simple pattern (like a figure 8).
Be at least 10 years old.
For campers who are not currently enrolled in our program, we require a video audition to assess their skills and ensure Intermediate Camp is the right fit.
We understand parents may want to watch, but to help your child focus and fully engage, we recommend dropping them off and picking them up at the end of the camp day. Don’t worry—we’ll share plenty of updates and photos throughout the week!
At the end of the camp week, we’ll host a special Horse Show where parents are invited to come and watch their child showcase the skills they’ve learned. It’s a highlight of the week, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
