It does not matter if you have never touched a horse or if you are an advanced rider, there are numerous horseback riding camps across Maryland that are designed for riders of any level. These day camps are typically designed for children and offer camps during the summer months and school breaks.
Locations
There are numerous horse centers in Maryland that offer horseback riding day camps. The Columbia Horse Center is located in Laurel. This center offers various day camps including summer break, winter break and spring break camps. This facility is located on 88 acres and includes two indoor rings, two Grand Prix-sized outdoor rings with lights, a 100-stall barn, miles of trails and a cross-country course.
The Woodland Horse Center is located in Silver Springs. This facility offers several day camps through the year including holiday camps, adult camps, spring fling camps and summer camps. This facility is located on a 25-acre estate and features a lighted outdoor ring, dressage ring, indoor ring, several open meadows and an extensive trail system.
Features
There are several horseback riding day camps in Maryland that offer a variety of instructions. This includes hunt seat, dressage and eventing lessons. Day camps are typically available to children ages five to 15. Additionally, several of the horse centers in Maryland offer adult riding camps.
Typical Day
At horseback riding camp, riders are grouped together with other campers of similar ages and skill levels. During the day, the campers complete two horseback riding lessons and learn horsemanship, grooming and tacking, trail rides and complete various games on horseback. The camps often have non-horse related activities such as athletic games and arts and crafts.
Fees
As of 2010, the Horsemanship Camp at the Columbia Horse Center costs $760 per two-week session. In addition to the fee, riders must also own riding boots and approved riding helmets. The day camps at the Woodland Horse Center begin at $375 per one-week session.
Considerations
According to the Hughston Sports Medicine Institute, more than 2,300 riders per year are hospitalized due to a horseback riding related injury. Common injuries occur with the shoulder, elbow and wrist. The most frequent injuries are bruises, sprains and strains. Due to the risk of falling or being thrown from a horse, individuals are advised to wear a hard shell helmet at all times when riding a horse. Proper riding boots reduce the risk of having the foot caught in the stirrup. Boots are suggested because this can help prevent an individual from being dragged by the horse.
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