Camp Details

Kids Camps: 

Ideal for ages 6-13 for complete beginner through intermediate level skills. Campers are divided into groups based on experience. For more experienced riders, please see advanced camp requirements. 

What kinds of activities do they do at kid’s camp?

Our camp is very horse-centric and hands-on. We do not spend hours crafting every day. Time is spend both learning how both ride and take care of horses. Activities include but are not limited to:

Mounted	Unmounted	Other
formal daily lesson	blindfolded horse identification	learning about different kinds of bits
trail rides*	lunging	take apart/put together tack
bareback riding	applying polo wraps and boots	tack cleaning
mounted games	free jumping (a horse)	tie dye shirts
riding sidesaddle (with a spotter)	horse anatomy / hoof care	custom painted horseshoe photo frame craft
barrel racing	basic horse first aid	identifying footfalls
flag races	bandaging/wrapping	horse trivia
	braiding mane and tail	learn colors and markings
	herd dynamics	design and build a jump course
	identifying lameness

What is the main educational focus of the kids camp?

• Learning basic equine independence for beginner level riders both mounted and unmounted
• To help those with beginner and intermediate level experience sharpen their skills and obtain a more holistic equine education, while having fun! 

How much ride time do the get per day?

• Minimum of one mounted lesson per day. Full day campers ride again in the afternoon, usually for mounted games, bareback, or trail rides. 

Adult Camp:

Who is adult camp for? 

• This camp is ideal for adults who are interested in having fun while broadening their knowledge of both mounted and unmounted equestrian related activities
• Campers should be over 21

What skill level is required?

• No minimum skill requirement, however some activities may be amended for more beginner riders. 

What type of skills do you work on in advanced camp?

• Adult camp will consist of both mounted and unmounted activities with the goal of broadening equestrian knowledge. 

How much ride time do they get per day?

• One formal lesson and other less formal riding activities

Do you need to be a current student? What if you are not?

• You do not need to be a current student. A brief evaluation will be conducted at the start of camp to determine skill level. 

Advanced Camp: 

Who qualifies as advanced? What skills are required?

• Advanced Camp is ideal for ages 12+. Riders must he able to independently catch, care, and tack their horses. All riders must be able to confidently walk, trot, and canter, as well as jump a minimum height of 2ft. 

Do you need to be a current student? What if you are not?

• You do not, a brief evaluation period will be conducted at the start of camp to determine skill level. 

What do you focus on over the three days?

• Developing riders with experience into more well-rounded equestrians. Sample topics include, but are not limited to: horse healthcare and nutrition, soundness and conformation, rules of equestrian sport, and understanding course design in addition to challenging mounted education.

What types of activities are included?

Additional activities include cross country riding lessons, trail riding, and mounted games! 

What to Wear:

Proper attire is extremely important to ensure safety of both horse and rider. We provide ASTM approved helmets of various sizes and require all students wear one at all times when mounted.  You are welcome to bring your own helmet as long as it is ATSM approved.

• Long pants – Not baggy or loose
• Closed toe shoes with a slight heel (like a western boot, english riding style boot, or rubber rain boot). Tennis shoes are not permitted.
• Open toe shoes should never be worn on the farm

Your instructor may regulate activities based on attire for safety reasons. Safety is the top priority at GEC.

What to Bring:

Each camper should bring an insulated water bottle or other appropriate beverage.  We have a water cooler where they can refill. Summer campers should bring sunscreen and a change of clothes.

• Half day camp does not have a lunch break – but campers may bring snacks.
• Full day campers should bring lunch that does NOT need refrigeration.

Where do I go:

Registration occurs under the trees at the top of the driveway on your right, near the fire hydrant. Please do not stop in the driveway to drop off – park in the lot and walk to registration.

Parking:

There is ample parking available in the parking lot.  Please do not park outside of the designated parking places.  Also please do not stop along the driveway to drop off or pick up students.  Two-way traffic flow must be maintained along the driveway at all times.

Cancellation Policy:

The camp cancellation policy is on the first camp page under the schedule, in the booking confirmation email as well as in the camper registration package.  Please be sure to read and understand the policy before booking.

Weather Cancellations:

GEC may have to cancel due to wind gusts over 35 MPH, persistent lightning, air quality emergencies or if the temperature+humidity is over 180. Activities may have to be modified or limited due to the level of impact to the horses based on heat/humidity.

When should I arrive for camp?

On their first day of camp for the summer, campers should arrive 15 minutes before the start time for orientation and required emergency plan training.  After the first day they should arrive at the start time. Before and after care is available, organized directly with the Program Director.  Email grahameclessons@gmail.com.

Barn Rules:

Copies of the barn rules are posted in both the main barn and the lesson barn, please make yourself familiar with them. Unruly or out of control children cannot be tolerated on the property due to safety reasons.  Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.  Students are expected to clean up after themselves and treat ALL animals, property and equipment with respect.  All family members or persons providing transportation to students are also expected to treat ALL animals, property and equipment with respect.  Parking/stopping/standing/drop off and pickup is absolutely not allowed along the driveway, students are to walk to and from the parking lot. Speeding on the driveway and in the parking lot will not be tolerated.

Link to barn rules here

GEC reserves the right to expel anyone from the property due to unsafe, disrespectful behaviour, violating barn rules or refusal to follow direction, including boarders, students, campers and their companions.