Hoofer Youth Summer Camp
The Hoofer Riding Club and its herd of 15 dedicated lesson horses invite you to the 2008 Youth Summer Camp! Camp registration begins April 1, and registration forms are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Some sessions fill up quickly, so please apply early!
At our camp you’ll have a riding lesson every morning, and then you’ll spend the rest of the day learning about horses—how to understand them, how to care for them, how to ride them (with breaks for some non-horse related activities like tag and water play). Our goal is for campers to have fun while developing a life-long appreciation for our equine companions.
This year we are offering seven week-long sessions:
- Beginner/Intermediate Camps: June 16-20/Aug. 4-8
- Intermediate/Advanced Camps: July 7-11/Aug. 18-22
- All Levels: June 23-27/July 21-25/Aug. 11-15
Which level is best for you?
- Beginner: The camper has not ridden at all, has ridden a few times at the walk and/or trot, or has attended a riding camp for one or two weeks.
- Intermediate: The camper has taken riding lessons or has attended several weeks of horse camp. He or she should be able to control a horse at the walk and trot and to post correctly most of the time at the trot.
- Advanced: The camper has taken ongoing riding lessons and has learned to control a horse at a walk, posting trot, and canter.
What are camp rates?
- The camp fee is $275 per week.
- After-camp care is $11 per day.
Horse camp-counselor-in-training program
This year we are offering horse camp-counselor-in-training opportunities. Youth 16 or older with the necessary skills can help our instructors teach riding lessons in the morning and/or assist with equestrian-related lessons in the afternoon. Youth between the ages of 14 -16 can assist with the afternoon lessons. The $25 a week HCCIT fee includes a t-shirt, certificate, and a supervised ring-ride after camp hours. Download the HCCIT application below.
Where is the Hoofer Equestrian Center and how do we get there? The Equestrian Center is located in Belleville, WI. Click here for directions. In the past, many parents have been interested in carpooling. There is a spot on the registration form where you can indicate whether or not you want your contact information shared with other campers during your session.
Are there scholarships? Yes. Due to the generosity of past Hoofer Youth Camp families, there are two partial scholarships available that will be distributed based on financial need. Download the scholarship form below or call the Hoofer office at 262-1630 to request a form. The application deadline is May 15.
What’s the weekly schedule? In the mornings when it’s cooler, campers will ride in groups of five; groups will be based on riding level. All 10 campers will work in pairs to tack and untack the five horses used in lessons that day. While one group is riding, the other group will either play a group-bonding game, take a tour of the facility, or do an equestrian-related activity.
In the afternoons, campers learn more about horse health, behavior, and care…which often involves more time with one or more of our horses. The instructors will also schedule riding demonstrations, equine veterinarian talks, and farrier visits as available. At least one expert will share their knowledge at camp per session.
What about lunch? Campers must bring their own lunch each day. Refrigeration is not available, so please pack lunches in a cooler or pack non-perishable foods. Campers will be provided with a snack each afternoon.
When’s the horse show? The Friday show and ice cream social is an exciting time for the campers to show off what they’ve learned all week. Each riding group will perform their own show early in the afternoon. The instructors will let you know at the end of the day on Monday which group your camper is in and what time his or her show will be.
Summer Camp Gymkhana August 24! More details to come!
How do we register?
1. Fill out the registration form and return it to the Hoofer Office with deposit by mail, fax, or in person.
2. When you have received your confirmation postcard, fill out the indicated forms and return them to the Hoofer Office as soon as possible, and no later than two weeks before your camp session begins (the same time your entire payment is due). If you are unable to download and print the forms, please call the Hoofer office at 262-1630 to have them mailed to you.
What if I’m too old for camp, but I’d still like to spend a week at the Hoofer Equestrian Center? This year we are offering horse camp-counselor-in-training opportunities. Download the HCCIT application form below to learn more.
