ADK WildHorse
Resident Camp
Overnight Summer Horse Camp
Ages 9-17 Resident horse camp runs up to 9 weeks. The camper can choose to stay with us for a week, or the whole summer, as early as June 21st. The longer the girls stay here with us the more they learn, and the more time they have to establish friendships and connections that continue as lifelong sources of strength.
Each and every day matters when bonding with your equine friend. The horse, your future best buddy while at camp will need some time to get acquainted with you - who would want to allow a stranger ride on your back without first covering all the basics ? Well, as in human friendship, equine friendship is very much the same.
Each and every day matters when bonding with your equine friend. The horse, your future best buddy while at camp will need some time to get acquainted with you - who would want to allow a stranger ride on your back without first covering all the basics ? Well, as in human friendship, equine friendship is very much the same.
Objectives for Resident Campers:
Learn how to improve your riding skills in both English and Western disciplines (rider's choice). Campers will learn different horse behaviors, ride several horses to determine ability. Some campers are assigned one permanent mount for the week / stay (generally more experienced campers receive single horse assignments), while others share horses due to varying ability levels. For this reason we suggest that campers choose a two week program as it takes a rider a little while to adjust to her horse, and if possible, the camper will get an independent horse assignment for the rest of her stay at camp.
Here, at WildHorse, we want to see your daughter embrace & share the wonders of the wild Adirondacks, form life-long friendships, improve habits and responsibilities. Our program fosters adolescent independence & teamwork through character development.
Our riding lessons use methods of natural horsemanship and will help
develop balance, coordination and teach the imperative communication between
the child and her horse. We teach the work of the most famous horse whisperer,
Monty Roberts.
Our instructors are sensible, and will not push a rider to do something they are not comfortable with. Campers will be introduced to new ideas, methods and obstacles, however, it is their choice to progress, in a friendly, working environment. We are not a competitive camp, and do not intimidate our riders by using negative reinforcement.
The camp operates in a easygoing atmosphere, which is the key to raising good-natured horses. Among the activities, your daughter will enjoy trail rides, explore local attractions, be a part of organized trips to organic farms (dairy, produce etc), participate in community activities & volunteer, enjoy the beach, the lakes & great outdoors.
Depending on age, the off site camp activities offer wilderness trips & safety, canoeing, music & theater, food preparation & nutrition, and much more.
Depending on age, the off site camp activities offer wilderness trips & safety, canoeing, music & theater, food preparation & nutrition, and much more.
Each program is customized to the learning capability of each camper.
Riders participate in group lessons as well as receive one-on-one instruction from the instructors. This individual attention will promote a better understanding of progress, and will allow campers to work on their skills separately, without disturbance or distraction.
Riders participate in group lessons as well as receive one-on-one instruction from the instructors. This individual attention will promote a better understanding of progress, and will allow campers to work on their skills separately, without disturbance or distraction.
We believe more in pro-active safety rather than reactive safety. All our horses are specially schooled to respond to beginners and experts.
At Camp WildHorse, we are very safety-conscious and have an excellent safety record. A large portion of our staff is also trained in trauma and life-support and required to certified in advanced first aid.
At Camp WildHorse, we are very safety-conscious and have an excellent safety record. A large portion of our staff is also trained in trauma and life-support and required to certified in advanced first aid.
Daily camp activities include chores such as feeding the horses and cleaning stalls, a riding lesson in the arena, and instruction in horsemanship. The program uses several manuals as a study guide for the campers. In addition to riding, the girls learn about the care of horses, participate in tacking, washing and grooming.
A fun horseback riding activity is held in the afternoon, such as a game, a trail ride, or bareback (only on days when not participating in off-site scheduled activities).
A fun horseback riding activity is held in the afternoon, such as a game, a trail ride, or bareback (only on days when not participating in off-site scheduled activities).
Horse Care
Summer Horse Resident Camp Activities:
- 2 riding periods a day (2-2.5 hours a day) Please visit: ADK Lessons. Campers have one formal lesson and a second riding activity each day (lesson or game). Campers have a choice between choosing a second riding activity or an off-site activity. For a selection of off-site activities, please go to: ADK Activities
- Veterinary Clinics - on site surgeries, dentistry procedures and education (scheduled throughout the sessions on camp horse needs)
- Farrier Clinics - Learn how farriers correct various hoof alignment issues with proper equipment and tools.
- Natural Horsemanship - round penning and bonding
- Campers learn how to care for their horses with activities such as grooming, tacking, first aid, hoof care, nutrition and anatomy.
- Barn Chores - every day ! - Campers learn how to care for horses by participating in daily chores- mucking stalls, cleaning tack, feeding and barn maintenance.
- X Country Arena- Once riders are ready, they have the opportunity to practice jumping on our open pasture cross country jump course.
- Western Disciplines & Lessons - barrel racing, reining, western pleasure, ranch horse work.
- Attend local horse shows, talk to the active show riders (all ages), see how youngsters turn into experts !
- Field trips to local Adirondack attractions & activities, learn more about animals, and even take a real wolf for a walk !
- ​Enjoy hiking into the high peaks, hiking, swimming, canoeing, rafting and the great outdoors !
