Riding Instruction at Camp
Riding at Chincapin Camp for girls: a RICH TRADITIOn
Chincapin Camp, founded in 1957, focuses on the fundamentals of English riding, emphasizing safety and horsemanship. Our dependable lesson horses, alongside experienced instructors, create a fun and positive learning environment for every camper.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking to hone your skills, our experienced staff makes our camp the place to ride! For summer camp horseback riding, check out Chincapin Camp and learn more about spring and fall lessons below.
All riders will have the opportunity at camp to take the Chincapin Horse Shoe Tests on equestrianism from elementary to advanced levels. Passing each level is a worthy achievement, and their increased knowledge helps campers qualify for future programs and even Counselor in Training opportunities when they are of age!
Summer Riding Programs 2024!
Acorns Rising 1st - 2nd graders.
Two experiences at the barn each week, one of which includes a mounted riding lesson.
Chincapin Riders Rising 3rd - 7th graders.
Two mounted lessons and two ground lessons each week. Campers will be grouped by riding ability.
NEW THIS YEAR: The “Barn Bunch” 3rd - 10th graders - see requirements below
Barn Bunch Campers spend their mornings at the Chincapin Equestrian Center, with four mounted lessons and five ground lessons each week—lots of time in the saddle and the barn to bond with the ponies and their friends, learning and making memories together. These independent riders, grouped by ability, want to take their skills to the next level. These equestrians will be deeply involved in horse care and barn management, learning from and loving their time together at Chincapin! Afternoons are spent at Basecamp for all the other fun activities, including swimming, canoeing, ropes course, woodshop, crafts, and more!
Requirements for The Barn Bunch:
Campers must apply for consideration to qualify for this program.
Applicants must demonstrate independence in their riding skills with a free riding evaluation at the farm (scheduled here) or by sending a video (uploaded here).
This program requires a minimum attendance of three camp weeks, preferably consecutive weeks, to build skills and bonds.
Space is highly limited, with no more than five riders per group.
After your application is accepted, this program will cost an additional $100 per week. Fees for this program will not be applied until your application is accepted.
Riding Lessons
We offer riding lesson sessions each Spring and Fall. We also schedule private lessons all school year. We work with all types of riders from a wide range of skill levels and ages. Adults also enjoy our lessons!
Our riding instructors ensure a tailored experience, uniting participants with suitable horses.
Riding lessons are offered in multi-week sessions. Riders will be grouped based on skill. Our riding instructor team will create lesson groups matching riders with appropriate horses. We are happy to accommodate private lessons.
Spring Lesson Session
Riding lessons are offered in multi-week sessions at $65 per semi-private lesson or $85 for a private lesson. Please read below to view Spring enrollment details.
Spring lesson session: 6-week sessions, March 4 - April 13 and April 15 - May 25
Our team at Red Oak will do our best to reschedule lessons canceled due to weather or other reasons. Unfortunately, participant-canceled lessons will not be rescheduled.
Lesson time slots.
Monday, Tuesday*, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
* No 4 pm lesson on Tuesday.
Saturday
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Lessons are offered in a semi-private lesson with two riders or a private lesson with one rider.
To apply for lessons, please fill out the form below. After you complete the form, our team will do our best to accommodate your schedule and reach out to you directly to enroll your camper. Our team will create lesson schedules and work to match riders with appropriate horses.
