Camps
CELEBRATING OUR 10th YEAR of HORSE CAMP!
Open Late May through August 2012
Daily Nature Camp, Critter Camp, Pony Camp and Horse Camp
(note: our booking system does not yet feature the shopping cart option. Each item and date chosen has to be checked out separately. The company tells me they are working on adding that feature later this year. If you have multiple days and dates to book, call and we will process this for you.)
For non-horse lovers, we have two camps that are very easy-going and fun. Critter Camp focused mainly on animals, and Nature Camp focused mainly on supervised outdoor play and exploration.
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Vail Horse and Pony Camp offers a hands-on learning experience in a playful, yet safe atmosphere. Unlike other "horse camps", the majority of the day is spent with a horse or pony. Our friendly instructors teach both boys and girls to lead, groom, saddle and ride their very own horse. Skill-building drills lead to nice long trail rides on our non-system trails at the base of Bald Mountain.
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Riders that feel ready are given opportunities to test their riding ability at the walk, trot and canter. Parents often ask if we do the same thing every day. While it may be the same routine, two days are never the same. Horses have personalities just as humans do. One day, a horse may be cooperative by putting their head down so a child can comb their forelock, and the next day they may hold it high in the air, which provides the perfect opportunity for a camper to learn problem solving skills.
That's really what we teach, problem solving skills. How does a 40" kid put a saddle onto a 58" horse? They always figure out some way of accomplishing the task. Where do all of the straps, buckles and snaps go on a saddle? They figure that out too. What happens if the horse stops to eat? The instuctors do demonstrations of each process and then assist as necessary, but not too much.
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| Ellen | Cynthia | Adriana |
Kids have the flexibility to eat, drink and rest as they need. Breaks often come in the form of a visit to the petting zoo.
Parents love our flexible schedule which allows children to attend one, two, ten or many more days of camp throughout the summer. Camps begin in May and ends in August. Camps run Monday through Friday, no weekends.
| Full Day | 1/2 Day a.m. | 1/2 Day p.m. | |
| Drop Off | 8:30-9:00 | 8:30-9:00 | 12:00-12:30 |
| Pick Up | 3:30-4:00 | 12:00-12:30 | 3:30-4:00 |
Combine two 1/2 day camps for a full day of fun. 1/2 hour between camps is FREE!
| Full Day Camp | 1/2 Day a.m. | 1/2 Day p.m. | |
| Horse Camp | $165 | N/A | N/A |
| Adv. Horse Camp | $215 | N/A | N/A |
| Pony Camp | N/A | $85 | $85 |
| Critter Camp | N/A | $40 | $40 |
| Nature Camp | N/A | $30 |
$30 |
(note: our booking system does not yet feature the shopping cart option. Each item and date chosen has to be checked out separately. The company tells me they are working on adding that feature later this year. If you have multiple days and dates to book, call and we will process this for you.)
We provide helmets.
The horses and ponies are gentle, and the counselors are the same girls that have taught at this camp anywhere from 3 to 6 years in a row.
| Camp enrollment is limited. All desired days and times must be reserved and paid for at the time of booking. There are no cancellations, no makeup days (this includes illness), no refunds, no exceptions. Please carefully consider any conflicts prior to booking. Thanks! |
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PONY CAMP
Kids 3-6 years old are ready for Pony Camp!
Pony Camp is perfect for younger kids and those not sure if they are ready for a full day of full-size horses. The basic skills needed for horse camp are taught in pony camp. Yes, you do get to ride the pony a lot! First the kids lead, groom, saddle, learn some ground skills and then ride, rest, ride. If the kids are feeling a little tuckered out, they can stop for snack at any time, get a drink, visit the restroom, or jump into the petting zoo. You are in our backyard and we want you to learn from kind, experienced instructors in a playful, safe atmosphere. $85 for 1/2 day a.m, or 1/2 day p.m.
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BASIC HORSE CAMP
Kids 6-12 years old can be in Horse Camp!
Horse Camp is perfect for first time, beginner and intermediate riders. It's a day of hard work grooming, leading, saddling, riding a little bareback, learning skills around obstacles, and then hitting the trail. We will select a horse perfect for your riding ability. When you become proficient, you will be upgraded to a horse that will challenge you to improve your horsemanship skills. You may trot or even canter if you feel ready. It is possible to fall in love with many different horses. We promise. $165/day. (no 1/2 day option)
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ADVANCED HORSE CAMP
8-14 year olds might qualify for Advanced Horse Camp!
Advanced Horse Camp is for riders that really know their stuff. If you think you may be scared to gallop across the mountainside and would hold up a group of good riders, start with Horse Camp. The girl pictured below has attended our camp since she was 4 years old and barrel raced in the Beaver Creek Rodeo under the direction of our head counselor. A simple evaluation by the instructors will determine if you can be in Advanced Camp. $215/day. (no 1/2 day option)
CRITTER CAMP
For kids that are 3-10 years old that find small animals interesting.
Chicks, Kids (baby goats), Goslings, Puppies, Kittens, Ducklings, a Mini-Donkey and we are looking for a Pot-Bellied Piglet! Study the characteristics of each animal, feed them, pet them, and most importantly laugh at their antics. $40 for 1/2 Day a.m., or 1/2 day p.m.
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NATURE CAMP
Kids 5-12 years old can build on our fort in the woods!
Every year we start a new fort. It's a masterpiece of dead-fall, twine and rocks. What can you add? Sometimes we track wildlife, play in the stream or hike around for natural treasures. Fairy houses anyone? Supervised outdoor play. What everyone craves. $30 for 1/2 day a.m., $30 for 1/2 day p.m.
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