There is a romantic notion that goes along with horseback riding. Maybe your kids have fallen in love with horses at a local stable or county fair. If they've graduated beyond the basic pony ride and are looking to grow their love of horses and horseback riding, there are many places along Southern California's Palos Verdes Peninsula that offer riding camps for children.
Getting Started
Before you ever sign your child up for a horseback riding camp there are some things you will definitely want to take into account. Be sure your child won't be afraid of the horse---of course the idea of horseback riding camp probably wouldn't have come up if he didn't like the animals. You will also want to make sure that your child isn't afraid of high places. Riding a pony is one thing, but climbing on top of a horse can be a completely different, and sometimes frightening, experience. Do some research to learn about everything that goes into horseback riding, then talk with your child and make sure that it is something that he is still interested in.
Public Stables
If you want to get your child started with riding---but you don't own a horse---a public stable may be the way to go. The city of Rolling Hills offers pony camps to children ages 6 to 12. The week-long camp is held at the Pete Weber Equestrian Center and teaches basic horsemanship. Wagon Wheel Ranch also teaches the basics of preparing your horse before, during and after the ride. Their hour-long and two-hour long trail rides use horses that are suited to beginning riders.
Private Stables
Once your child has decided that she is interested in going beyond the basics of horsemanship, it could be time to try a private stable. The Portuguese Bend Riding Club in Rancho Palos Verdes offers English riding lessons for riders of all skill levels, ages 5 and up. Every rider will begin with individual lessons, but once the basics have been mastered, group lessons are available. Portuguese Bend also offers horse training if the rider's interests are aimed at competitive riding.
Independent Schools
Frequently, there are camps and lessons given by individual instructors at different stables. Callie Bell's summer camp is a week-long experience for children ages 7 and up. Lest the little tykes get jealous about big brother or sister having all the fun, Bell also offers a program for children ages 3 to 6. Jan Ball works at the Rolling Hills Estates Equestrian Center and provides private and semi-private lessons for children on show-quality horses. She also offers boots and helmets for rent.
How to Choose a Riding Camp
Like many other things, picking a camp to allow your kids to start riding can be as easy or as difficult as you make it. Of course, price will likely be a concern, but you also want to be certain of the level of instruction. The first thing you should do is evaluate your children's skills as a rider and gauge their interest in the sport. If they are interested in riding as something more than just a fun summer afternoon activity, then consider enrolling them at a camp that will help them enhance their skills. Be sure to check the qualifications of the riding instructor.
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