Summer Riding Camp 2008

Our Goal

The goal of the Summer Riding Camp is to accelerate the acquisition of horsemanship skills and theory. By working with the same horse for the entire session, each student will develop a true equestrian partnership involving mutual understanding and trust.

The Summer Riding Camp is designed for everyone - from the novice or young rider to the experienced or advanced rider. There is no rider too old to participate; everyone will learn new skills.

The Typical Day

Arrival

The students will check on the well-being of their assigned horse, groom their horse, and tack up using all equipment suitable for the day's riding activities.

Riding

We will focus on three main areas of riding to assist the rider in becoming a well-rounded equestrian. These are…the discipline of dressage, the precision of show jumping, and the controlled excitement of cross-country.

Theory

Real riding requires a partnership between horse and rider that starts on the ground and progresses to horseback. The more time spent with the horse, the more there will be a reciprocal understanding. The student will learn that as demands on the horse and rider increase, issues of horse management become essential. Some of the basic skills needed to become an accomplished rider include: correct warm-up and cooling down; correct application of protective equipment; and being able to assess the horse's health and attitude.

Barn Activities

In addition to riding, students take part in barn-related activities such as learning feeding requirements and understanding pasture management.

Shows

The last day of each Summer Riding Camp session features a show in which riders get a chance to compete and demonstrate the horseback riding skills they have learned during their session. These shows are open to participants of the Summer Riding Camp only, and divisions will be set up according to the skill level of the riders. Parents and guardians are most welcome to watch their children's shows. Check with your child's instructor for the show time for his or her division.

Camp Times

The Summer Riding Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Students are required to bring their own lunch.

About Us

Harrogate Hills Riding School has been in operation since 1985, specializing in providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for students to ride, respect and understand horses. Our school horses come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments, helping to provide students with many positive learning experiences. Each year in July and August, the staff and horses turn their attention to providing a high quality summer camp. As in any sport, good basics are the foundation upon which all future successes are built and at Harrogate Hills our teaching, program and outlook incorporate this philosophy.

For Safety

To ensure that our high safety standards are maintained, we ask that all riders be suitably dressed. For riding, long pants and boots with a half-inch heel are mandatory. Helmets, which we will provide as needed, must meet industry standards. All saddles are equipped with breakaway stirrups, which provide additional safety for the rider. Due to the outdoor nature of the Harrogate Hills summer riding program, we sometimes have to adjust our program according to weather conditions. These adjustments are always made in the best interest of the riders and the horses.

Cost

Ten Day Camp - $650
Nine Day Camp - $585

About Our Discount Policy: There is a 15% discount for registrations paid in full before February 14, 2008. Discounts apply only to registrations that are paid in full by the discount deadline. Applications received with post dated cheques are not eligible for discounts.

Transportation not included: Costs do not include transportation to and from Harrogate Hills. Riders are expected to obtain their own transportation.

Registration Form

Click here* for the 2008 Summer Registration Form. To apply for our Summer Riding Camp, print a copy of the registration form, complete and sign the form, and mail it to us with your cheque.

Brochure

Click here* for the 2008 Summer Camp Brochure.

Notes

1. Please note that all applications, signed, dated and accompanied by the appropriate deposit, will be considered for acceptance by Harrogate Hills in the order that they are received in our office. A letter will confirm acceptance.
2. The Summer Riding Camp begins at 8:30 a.m. and is completed by 4:00 p.m. Riders must bring their own lunch. Juice is available, as is FreshWater™ bottled water.
3. Each day, riders should bring boots with a half-inch heel and long pants. Riders should also bring shorts, running shoes, and a sun hat to wear after riding activities. We have sun screen available, however if riders have a preference, they should bring their own.
4. Harrogate Hills has helmets available for riders to borrow. If riders have their own approved riding helmet, they can use it. Bicycle helmets are not acceptable.