In 2001, we introduced a summer camp here at Huntermark, and it's tons of fun! This camp gives kids (adults, too!) a chance to learn all about horses and horse care, get riding experience, and is also a great day care for working parents! 

WE ARE AT A NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR: 11818 95th Avenue, Blue Grass, IA!!

at Hundred Oaks Stable (formerly known as Horses of Course)

2024 Weekly sessions June 24-28 July 8-12 July 15-19 July 29 - August 2

KEY:

Blue blocks - All ages Camp

Friday afternoon of each week of camp we will have a Fun Show Game Day.  Parents, friends, and family are invited to come and watch the campers play games on horseback!

All campers get a free T-shirt!

  Please specify size when you enroll so we can order in advance.

HELMETS are required and are available for purchase from the camp.  They come in various colors and sizes and cost $59 (tax included).  You may bring your own riding helmet if you have one, but no bike helmets.

EARLY BIRD SESSION:

    The regular camp session is from 9 - 5 (they can stay after 5 and watch the lessons etc.), but some parents work early and need to get the kids on their way before 9am. During the Early Bird hours (from 7:30am - 9:00am), kids will do indoor activities such as diagrams of horse and saddle parts, horse movies, coloring sheets, arts and crafts, horse puzzles, and other games. 

ALL AGES CAMP (6 and older) - will be divided into groups based on experience/ability

Students will do various horse-related activities including some but not every one of these topics:  learning about feed, how to groom a horse, how to longe a horse, how young horses are trained, how horses are judged in competitions, how to massage and stretch a horse, how to clean and condition saddles and bridles, how to wrap the horses' legs for shipping, riding, or an injury, how to clean a stall, diagrams of horse and saddle parts, horse movies, horse treat prep, arts and crafts, how to bathe a horse, how to clip a horse for a show, how to pull mane, how to braid manes and tails, and everything else involved in complete horse care and showing.  For the riding portion, campers will be divided into pairs, and each pair will work together to groom and prepare one of the horses. They will have whatever assistance is needed to saddle and bridle the horse, but are encouraged to do as much as possible on their own progressively throughout the week.  The riding for younger or disabled riders may be done entirely on the longe line.  Advanced riders will be given the opportunity to do more advanced things, including jumping.  Students who participate in camp for multiple weeks in a row will progress quickly in their riding by taking 5 lessons a week.  Riders who have their own horse are encouraged to bring them (even if the horse and rider have never ridden English before).  There will be exercises that are suited to beginner and first time riders, that will serve as a warm up for the more advanced riders.  There will be exercises on the flat geared towards preparation for jumping, but jumping is NOT required.  Each student will be able to do exercises relevant to their ability and comfort levels, with opportunities to do more as those levels increase.  Half day campers may do the riding or the activity each day, or they may be given the chance to do an abbreviated version of both, but there is no guarantee half day campers will ride every day like the regular full day campers will.

On Friday, campers are given their T-shirts and there is a fun show (games on horseback) performed by the campers.  Family and friends are welcome to watch the campers ride any of the days, but traditionally most come to watch the fun show.

Weight restrictions:

more than 250 lb - no riding, ground activities only

225-250 - riding at the walk only

200-224 - riding at the walk and trot

less than 200 lb - no restrictions

CAMP COSTS:

    Early Bird Program 7:30am - 9:00am M-F = Supervision for early drop-offs (puzzles, games, horse movies, etc.)

  $35/day

 $140/week

  Full Day Camp 9-5  M-F

$105 - per day

$425 - 5 day week

$395 - additional 5 day weeks in the same season (no T-shirt for additional weeks)

  Half-Day Camp 9-12 or 2-5  M-F

Half-Day Campers are NOT guaranteed to ride every day.  They will either ride or do the activity.

$  60 - per day

$255 - 5 day week

$225 - additional 5 day weeks in the same season (no T-shirt for additional weeks)

    Board, if you bring your own horse to camp (bring your own feed and bedding)

 $100/week (Sun-Fri)

$25/day 

WHAT TO BRING:

     -clothes for riding (breeches, jods, schooling tights, chaps, jeans, stirrup pants, or spandex pants are all fine), you'll also need a hard soled shoe with a heel, preferably a pair of boots.  No sequined or jeweled back pockets on pants, unless you bring your own english saddle and it fits the horse.  No sandals or open toed shoes.

    -helmet (new helmets are available in various sizes and colors and can be purchased from the camp for $59, tax included)

     -water bottle(s) 

    -clothes you can get paint, dirt, and oil on (may become irreversibly dirty).

     -lunch (refrigerator and microwave available)

     -sunscreen 

F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q. What if I've never ridden before?

    A. No problem!  Lots of people who come to our camp have never been around horses before.  The horses are well-behaved and treat beginners kindly!  This is a great way to get a start into the world of riding because so much exposure each day compounds more quickly than if you took one riding lesson a week for 5 weeks.  Your riding ability will go from 0 to great in one fun week!

Q. What if I have ridden for years?  Will I be bored?

    A. Only if you don't like horses!  Even for people who have been in a lesson program for years, there are many things that can't be covered in lessons such as braiding, breaking and training, judging and more.  Sometimes there are green horses you can work with, or additional opportunities after camp hours.  Your riding may be used as a demonstration for the other campers.  Plus, a jumping lesson every day!

Q. What weeks are available?

    A. This web site is frequently updated and all the available dates listed above are current.

Q. If I own my own horse what could I possibly learn from this camp?

    A. There are many things to learn about horses, horse care, and other topics.  The exercises both on the flat and over fences are designed to tune up even well-schooled horses and riders.  Like an extended clinic or Horsemastership Training, this camp might give you a little insight that will give you that edge at your next show.

2024 Summer Camp registration forms are now available:

  click here for all ages camp 

Every camper will also need to read and sign a release form

    If you have any specific questions about Summer Camp at Huntermark Farm, please e-mail:  camp@huntermarkfarm.com  or text (309) 738-7767