Attending a summer horse camp can be a life-changing experience for your child. But just like a riding instructor and stable  must be the right fit for your child for lessons to be enjoyable, a summer horse camp also needs to be the right one for your child if it is to be a positive experience. So how do you determine if a summer horse camp is the right one? We’ve come up with some points you’ll want to consider.

The Amount of Time Your Child Will Ride

Riding camps are all structured differently. Some camps are riding-intensive, with your child riding multiple times a day and spending additional hours in the barn learning about or caring for the horses. Other camps have a less rigorous focus on riding, with your child riding once a day or possibly less. These camps typically offer many other activities, though. Which type of camp is right for your child will depend on your child’s priorities – does your child want to go away to camp specifically to improve as a rider, or does he or she want to get a more varied camp experience?

Specific Opportunities Provided By the Camp

Are there specific advantages to a particular camp? Perhaps a certain camp offers overnight trail rides, the opportunity for campers to bring their own horses, or multiple shows. The opportunity to train with a talented trainer can also provide incentive for your child to attend a certain camp.

Your Child's Current Riding Level

The level that your child is currently riding at will also influence what type of camp he or she should attend. Many camps have various programs to suit campers riding at different levels. Be sure that the camp that you choose has a program that is suitable and safe for your child’s riding level.

The Camp's Location and Duration

Consider how comfortable your child is in leaving home when evaluating potential camps. Sending a child who has rarely been away from home to a camp hours away for a month-long program may be overwhelming. However, that situation might be the perfect opportunity for more seasoned campers. A camp’s location in relation to your home, along with the length of its programs, will influence your decision.

The Camp's Cost

Don’t forget to consider the camp’s cost when deciding on the right camp for your child. The cost of horse camps can be significant, but remember that your child will be receiving multiple riding lessons and unique horseback experiences. You might want to calculate what the same instruction would cost if provided by your child’s regular riding program to help you weigh the different camp options.

Horseback riding camps are great experiences for children, but the camp needs to be the right match for everyone involved.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/ymca-snoco/9401469905

Original Source: http://blog.classic-equine.com/2014/05/finding-the-right-summer-hor...