Riding Instruction at Camp
Riding at Chincapin Camp: 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.
Riding Lessons
Chincapin offers riding lesson sessions each spring and fall, as well as private lessons throughout the school year. Lessons are available for riders of all ages and skill levels—adults included.
Our instructors carefully match riders and group participants with suitable horses based on their skill level to ensure a safe, personalized experience. Private lessons are available upon request.
Spring Lesson Session - 2026
Greetings Riders!
Our instructors, horses, and team are thrilled to kick off our spring riding lesson sessions! Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Riding lessons are offered in multi-week sessions at $65 per semi-private lesson (2-3 riders) or $85 for a private lesson (1 rider).
Lesson Schedule: March 30, 2026 - May 16th (7 weeks)
Monday - Friday:
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM
Saturday:
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
All lesson request forms must be submitted by March 1st, and lesson groups will be finalized by March 13th. Requests submitted after these dates may still be considered, as space and scheduling allow.
To apply for lessons, please complete the form below. Our team will follow up to confirm placement and scheduling.
Winter Programs
On the Ground with Horses
Explore the fundamentals of working with horses in our Winter Series: On the Ground with Horses. This four-part, hands-on program is perfect for riders and horse enthusiasts looking to build confidence and skills through groundwork and barn-based learning.
Program Details
When: One Saturday per month, November–February
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Dates:
November 8
December 13
January 10
February 21
Where: Tannerwood Farms (Chincapin Barn)
Cost: $75
Includes free tuition to the Lake Erie College Horsemanship Clinic in March
This program focuses entirely on groundwork techniques designed to deepen participants’ understanding of and connection with horses.
Erie College Horsemanship Clinic
For the first time, Lake Erie College is offering a special horsemanship clinic exclusively for Red Oak Camp campers. Led by Lake Erie College staff and students, this clinic provides a unique opportunity to learn more about horses and equestrian skills in a collegiate setting.
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Erie College Equestrian Center
8031 Morley Road, Mentor, OH 44060Cost: $25 per family
Free for campers who attended the Winter Series: On the Ground with Horses
Summer Riding Programs 2026!
Acorns (Rising 1st–2nd Graders)
Campers participate in two barn experiences each week, including one mounted riding lesson, along with introductory barn exposure.
Chincapin Riders (Rising 3rd–7th Graders)
Campers receive three mounted riding lessons each week and are grouped by riding ability.
Barn Bunch (Rising 3rd–10th Graders)
Barn Bunch is designed for independent riders who want an immersive, horse-focused camp experience. Campers spend time each day at the Chincapin Equestrian Center participating in:
Five mounted riding lessons per week
Five ground lessons per week
Hands-on involvement in horse care and barn management
Barn Bunch campers also spend time at Basecamp enjoying classic camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, ropes course, woodworking, crafts, and more.
Barn Bunch Requirements
Minimum enrollment of three camp weeks (preferably consecutive)
Space is highly limited (no more than seven riders per group)
