How To Select The Best Equestrian Summer Camp For Your Child
Most children are ecstatic to learn that their parents have agreed to send them to equestrian summer camp
. Visions of galloping across open meadows, following tree-lined trail rides, and vaulting over breath-taking jumps will probably run through their imaginations. However, the reality is that much of their time will be well spent learning about grooming, safety, riding equipment, and equestrian apparel long before they ever attempt their more grandiose ideas of horsemanship.Parents, however, have the more pragmatic job of finding a good barn where a reputable summer camp is being held. For the uninitiated, this can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, there are only three major factors that must be considered to find the best equestrian summer camp for your child this year: location, instruction, and equipment.
Location, Location, Location
You can send your young rider off to a destination camp or find one that is local. Destination camps are excellent for the more mature rider as they will meet many like-minded individuals their own age and be involved with horses more in-depth than they can be at a local camp.
Local camps have the advantage of a lower cost, and your child spends the night at home. This also means rides must be arranged, so distance is a factor to be considered. Most barns are located in rural areas, away from busy streets and distractions, which make them an even better location for a summer camp of any kind.
Interview The Instructor
There are a variety of equestrian instructors out there, all who teach in different styles, have a varying volume of students at a time, and abide by different riding philosophies. It is important to find a good match between the rider and the instructor. Instructors should be licensed and insured, and should not mind if you come and watch them work. It is normally easy to see what type of interactions occur between the instructor and their students. If everyone appears comfortable and confident, that's a good sign.
As you visit with the instructor, be sure to ask how many riders will be in each class and if there will be assistants available to help. Take a close look at the property while you are there as well. Trash, damaged equipment, discarded equestrian apparel, and old feed should never be in sight. Also check to be sure that the barn rules and emergency policies are posted clearly.
Equestrian Apparel And Ring Equipment
This is the most important aspect of any riding situation. Poorly maintained equipment indicates a poor attitude and dangerous circumstances. Clarify what equipment is provided by the barn and what riding apparel must be provided by you. Spend a few minutes in the tack room and look to see that the equipment is clean and well maintained. A broken girth or rotted reins can be devastating.
As the parent, it is up to you to ensure that your child is wearing the appropriate equestrian apparel. The first article of equestrian apparel needed is an ASTM/SEI approved helmet. Some barns will provide this crucial piece of equestrian apparel, and others will require that you purchase or rent your own. If a barn does not require students to wear an approved helmet at all times, find another barn.
Nearly any sort of shirt will do, so long as it is not baggy. Most young riders prefer dressing the part in stylish shirts that provide extra cooling effects to counteract the summer heat. Of course, they will want to top off their outfit with a pair of matching socks under their new riding boots.
Riding boots or paddock boots are preferable to any other type of footwear. Even hard-soled shoes are not designed to keep a foot safely placed in the stirrups. Another basic item on the list is riding pants, known as breeches or jodhpurs. They come in several styles: full seat, knee patch, pull-on, front zip, side zip, and more. Riding tights provide great contact with the horse while protecting sensitive skin from chafing.
Taking the time to find the best barn and the best instructor is half of what it takes to create fantastic summer memories for your child. Ensuring that they will be riding with equipment that is safe and sound and in equestrian apparel that allows them to look and feel their best will be all you need to do to relax, knowing that your child is going to have the best summer ever!
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