Campers start by grooming and learning to saddle their horse. After the introduction we move to the riding ring and learn the basics while getting to know our horse. There is always a staff member alongside each horse during these lessons to make sure nothing spooks the horse and to keep a close eye on each camper. Once everyone feels comfortable on their horse and passed the basic training we can move on to the next level. For some campers the basics may take one activity period and for others it may take a few days. Everyone is encouraged to take their time and move as slow as needed.

Trail Riding Adventures Through the Adirondacks

On camp we have miles of our very own trails through lush Adirondack forest. Campers love to take a nice easy ride and explore the grounds. You never know what you might see in the trails. The forest if full of deer, moose, turkey, fox and you might even see a bobcat or black bear (from a distance)! Sometimes we even head out for a horseback picnic lunch where campers ride their steeds to a private lunch next to a beautiful babbling brook. There are bridges, rivers, beaver dams and an old abandoned boy scout camp to be discovered.

Advanced Riding Program: Jumping & Gymkhana

For our more advanced riders the program grows in intensity. Our horseback riding camp counsellors are all well trained with years of experience and love to teach beginners, on the other hand they do get excited to train our advanced campers. Their knowledge and passion for the sport really shines when working with kids and by the end of camp the bond between camper, horse and counsellor is unbreakable! We teach English style riding and take every measure to ensure the safety of our campers and horses.

Advanced riders can learn jumping and at the end of each session we have our own gymkhana for parents to watch on parents weekend.

What to Expect at Our Horseback Riding Summer Camp

Each day of the horseback riding summer camp in Long Lake Camp Adventures is an experience of outdoor adventure and learning hand-on. The campers enjoy the complete pleasure of the horsemanship in a secure, instructed, and thrilling environment.

Here’s what to expect:

• Personalized Riding Lessons: The campers are assigned the best horse according to their skill level. Amateurs get introduced to mounting, balance and control and advanced riders practice English style, jumping and transitions.

• Trail Riding Adventures: Our scenic Adirondack trails covering many miles of camping history allow campers to trail ride to explore rivers, meadows and forest trails. It is a combination of nature, freedom and fun that makes each ride unique.

• Horsemanship Training: All the campers are taught how to groom, feed, and saddle their horse. These day to day activities educate care, patience and respect, something that all good riders must have.

• Confidence and Connection: Campers learn to be independent and self-assured by working with their horse. The attachment that they develop with the horse develops both the ability and emotional maturity.

• Safe and Supportive Instruction: Our horseback riding summer camps are staffed by certified and experienced staff whose main concern is safety. Helmets to the supervised classes, campers are guided and encouraged always.

You need horse riding camps nearby or a real horseback riding overnight camp, you can find it all at Long Lake Camp, a good combination of skill development, adventure, and memories.

Safety at Our Horse Riding Camp

Everything in Long Lake Camp Adventures center is safety. Our horseback riding summer camp is exhilarating and highly professional so that all the campers, first-time riders, and advanced equestrians feel safe and secure.

These are the ways that we ensure that all rides are safe and fun:

• Experienced Instructors: All lessons of riding are conducted by qualified professionals, they are experts in teaching the youth and horsekeeping. They educate the campers on the behavior with horses, how to build trust, and behave in different situations.

• Well-Trained Horses: Our horses are gentle, well-mannered, and matched carefully to each camper’s experience level. This one-on-one pairing helps riders progress comfortably and confidently throughout the session.

• Protective Gear and Supervision: Our horses are docile, well behaved and assigned to the camper depending on his level of experience. This individualized session facilitates the development of the riders to the extent that they feel comfortable and encouraged during the session.

• Safe Facilities and Trails: All the riders are wearing the helmets, boots, and other safety equipment. The camp personnel are available at all times, there is at least one instructor per horse in beginner lessons, and it has a completely monitored and controlled setting.

• Progressive Learning Approach: The horseback riding summer camp includes a safe barn, basketball training areas, and miles of perfectly-kept Adirondak Trail. Safety measures are never behind whether it is in the ring or on the trail.

• Emergency Preparedness: Campers travel at a slow-paced speed. There is no rush or compelling someone out of his comfort zone. Skills are also offered progressively starting with basic skills like control to more advanced skills such as trail riding and jumping in case of an advanced rider.

English Riding Style: What Makes It Different

In Long Lake Camp Adventures, we offer a horseback riding summer camp, which teaches the conventional English style of riding, a sophisticated, balanced, and accurate method of horsemanship that develop confidence and control in the riders of all grades.

It is what makes English riding unique and why it is a favorite of campers:

• Focus on Balance and Posture: Campers get to know how to keep a strong and straight seat and to speak with the horse with a clear message using slight movement. This brings harmony between horse and rider which is one of the important aspects of English riding.

• Elegant Techniques: Contrary to western riding, the English style involves the use of smaller saddle and closer contact of legs whereby riders have more control over commanding movement of their horse. It is ideal in developing fine motor control and skills.

• Jumping and Dressage Basics: Our horseback riding summer camps are used to introduce horseback riders to the fundamental English disciplines such as flatwork, jumping and dressing alike control. The advanced campers will be allowed to practice jumps as well as attend friendly competitions.
• Confidence Through Mastery: As the campers improve their balance, posture and style, they feel confident on and off the saddle, which is just but one of the numerous reasons why parents prefer our horseback riding summer camp to teenagers.

FAQ

What’s the difference between English and Western riding?

English riding is more concerned with balance, posture and accuracy and the smaller saddle and tighter contact between legs give greater control. Western riding would ride on a bigger saddle and would focus on the use of comfort in long distance riding.

Can beginners learn to jump at horseback riding camp?

Yes. Basic skills of riding are learnt first, followed by low jumps under strict supervision after the beginners are ready and comfortable.

Do parents get to watch horseback riding activities?

Absolutely. Parents are invited to witness special occasions such as gymkhana performances or end-of-session exhibitions so as to view the progress of their camper.

Can advanced riders improve their skills at camp?

Yes. Further campers train in jumping, gymkhana and English techniques with skilled tutors who adjust the lessons to their level.