Adult riding camps: what they are, who they’re for and why you should book on
Do you ever wish you were still young enough for pony camp? If so, here’s what you should be planning this summer!
Adult riding camps – have you ever thought about attending one?
Perhaps you went to Pony Club camp when you were younger or maybe you fancy a UK horse riding holiday with some added dressage training. Is going to camp is even on your horsey bucket list?
Whether you’re thinking of some horsey time away to help smash training goals or simply a break with like-minded people, adult riding camps offer many possibilities.
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- What are adult riding camps?
- Who are adult riding camps for?
- Do I need to have my own horse?
- What to expect
- Packing checklist
What are adult riding camps?
Adult riding camps are residential trips with your horse and last anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more.
They usually take place at an equestrian centre that has facilities beyond simply an arena and jumps on offer. These facilities might include a horse simulator, cross-country course or gallops. Alternatively, the centre might have great things on offer locally, like beach riding or a forest with extensive off-road hacking.
Depending on where the camp is and how much it costs, accommodation might be provided or there might be a field for camping. Meals are usually included in the price.
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Who are adult riding camps for?
Simply put, they are for everyone. However, it’s definitely worth finding the right one for you with a bit of research.
For example, you can find camps geared towards:
- confidence and mindset
- general training
- discipline-specific training
- new skills, such as groundwork or liberty
- Western equestrian sports
Do I need to have my own horse?
In short, no! Adult riding camps based at riding schools frequently have horses available for those who don’t have one.
Depending on where you’d like to go and your experience level, there are options available for anyone from a beginner to someone ready to take on high-level dressage movements with a schoolmaster.
If you do have a horse, however, there is plenty of choice when it comes to adult riding camps.
Adult riding camps frequently involve more than one ridden session per day.
What to expect at an adult riding camp
Jessica Jackson and her 19-year-old Irish sports pony, Bonnie, are riding camp veterans.
“I typically attend one or two a year all over the country,” she tells H&H. “For some I went with friends; others I braved alone.”
Jessica says camps are a great way to bond with your horse, meet like-minded people and challenge yourself.
“You become completely consumed by horses while gaining invaluable knowledge from experienced coaches in a supportive environment.”
In addition, camps offer Jessica a way to switch off.
“My favourite thing about them is the mental escape they gives me, with uninterrupted time to focus on myself, my riding and to strengthen my partnership with Bonnie.”
Jessica also tells us how riding camps have evolved over the years.
“They’re no longer just about time in the saddle, but improving from a more holistic standpoint. Nowadays, many camps often incorporate activities such as Pilates, mindfulness talks, wellbeing sessions, team-building games, sports massages and even mechanical horse sessions.”
Some camps also have talks and demos from equine professionals, such as nutritionists who might bring a weigh bridge to weigh your horse, for example.
Jessica’s advice for would-be adult riding camp attendees is to do your research before booking. “Start by looking at the venue’s location and facilities. Do they suit your requirements, goals and expectations?
“Check out the camp itinerary and ensure it is appropriate. Are you looking to improve a particular discipline? Enjoy a relaxing getaway? Or set a challenge in a new environment?”
Jessica also suggests looking into the coaches. “Their experience, teaching style and areas of expertise should align with what you want to achieve.”
Finally, Jessica suggests making sure the facilities are suitable for you and your horse.
“Do they provide turnout? Stabling options? Check out what accommodation and amenities are available for riders too. Some camps offer an all-inclusive package, while others will require you to bring your own bedding, for example, more like DIY.”
Preparing for your first camp
“At your first riding camp, expect to challenge yourself, learn a lot and have plenty of fun!” says Jessica. “From experience, they all offer a supportive, friendly and relaxed environment where riders and horses are encouraged to develop and progress at their own pace.”
Jessica adds that camps can be physically demanding with multiple sessions each day. “Make sure you and your horse are fit enough to make the most of the experience.”
Jessica also states the importance of going with an open mind. “Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, embrace the opportunity to learn, make new friends and try new things. Book the camp – you won’t regret it!”
Make sure you bring enough forage to last the duration.
Horse camp checklist
Wondering what you might need for a camp? Here is what you should consider:
For your horse
- passport
- tack – saddle, bridle, martingale or breastplate (if you need one) and his girth
- a saddle pad, plus spares so you always have a dry clean one
- protective boots, such as brushing boots or overreach boots
- hi-vis for hacking
- headcollar and leadrope
- any rugs currently in use
- a fly mask (if using)
- enough forage (unless supplied), feed and supplements for the duration
- bedding (if stabling and not supplied)
- water carrier (like this one, for the journey and to put in your wheelbarrow to save lugging buckets)
- feed and wash-down buckets
- haynets
- any licks or treats you use daily
- grooming kit
- first-aid kits, including relevant medication, creams and ointments
- everything on your normal travel kit checklist
For you
- riding hat
- riding boots
- body protector
- air jacket (if you have one)
- riding tights and/or breeches
- riding tops, with extras so you always have clean, dry one
- long riding socks
- lightweight waterproof jacket
- warm layers or a riding robe
- enough pairs of underwear
- toiletries
- a torch
- towels
- your phone charger
- a power bank
- personal first aid/medication
If you’re camping, you’ll also need:
- tent
- sleeping bag
- sleeping mat
- pillow
- camping light
- portable camping fan (if it is likely to be hot)
- plastic crockery and cutlery
- sit mat or picnic blanket
- camping table and chair
- camping stove, kettle and cooking implements (depending on your camp setup)
- For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
A horse owner and rider with more than 20 years experience, Bethany has been writing for equestrian publications since 2017. Over the course of her career, she has reported from major British Riding Clubs and British Dressage championships, covered Badminton Horse Trials and interviewed equestrian sport’s best athletes. Her work can also be found in Country Life, The Field and Breathe magazine.