equestrian camp
If you’re a horse lover, our Equestrian Camp is your happy place!
Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced rider perfecting your jump, our experienced instructors and gentle horses help you build confidence and skill in the saddle—all while enjoying the best parts of overnight camp.
Campers spend their days riding, learning, and bonding with these incredible animals—then join friends for swimming, campfires, and creative fun. Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, our one- and two-week sessions let riders fully immerse themselves in the world of horses while experiencing everything that makes Camp Horizons unforgettable.
For Beginners and Advanced Riders
Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’re ready to fine-tune your canter and jumps, our instructors meet you where you are.
Beginner riders learn
- Steering and balance
- Post-trotting and pole work
- Horse grooming and basic care
Advanced Riders Focus on
- Cantering and controlled jumping
- Building finesse and precision
- Polishing show-ready skills
Personalized instruction ensures every camper feels challenged, supported, and confident, both in and out of the ring. Every session ends with a Saturday morning Horse Show, where campers get to strut their stuff and show off what they’ve learned. It’s a celebration of progress, effort, and lots of cheering from friends, counselors, and families.
Beyond the Barn
When campers aren’t riding, they’re soaking up everything camp has to offer, swimming in the pool or lake, playing large group games, creating art, performing skits, and gathering around the campfire for songs and s’mores. It’s the best of both worlds: a focused horseback riding camp and a full Camp Horizons overnight experience.
Our herd of around twenty amazing horses and ponies is the heart of our horse barn at summer camp! Camp Horizons owns most of its horses, which live on site year-round and are cared for by our amazing full-time equestrian team. From gentle trail companions to seasoned lesson pros, each one brings their own personality and charm to every ride. We’ve got sweet ponies perfect for our youngest riders, steady schoolmasters who love to teach, and a few spirited trail horses who enjoy exploring the woods as much as our campers do. Whether you’re grooming, learning to trot, or heading out on a sunny trail ride, our horses are patient teachers and trusted friends. They help campers build confidence, learn new skills, and make unforgettable memories all summer long!