Riding Instruction at Camp
Explore riding programs:
Riding at Chincapin: 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.
School-year 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.
Fall lesson session 2026
Greetings Riders!
Our fall riding session runs September 14–October 31, 2026.
Riding lessons are offered in multi-week sessions at $70 per semi-private lesson (2-3 riders) or $90 for a private lesson (1 rider).
Lesson Schedule: September 14th - October 31st (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
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
All lesson request forms must be submitted by August 28th, and lesson groups will be finalized by September 4th. You will receive an email with your day/time by September 4th. Requests submitted after these dates may still be considered, subject to space and scheduling availability.
To apply for lessons, please complete the form below. Our team will follow up to confirm placement and scheduling.
Equestrian experiences
Horse Care at the Barn
Saturday, November 21, 2026
1:00–3:00 PM
Grades 3–7 | $40 per participant
Ever wonder what it takes to care for horses and keep a barn running? Horse Care at the Barn invites girls and boys in grades 3–7 to experience a “day in the life” at Chincapin Equestrian Center.
Through hands-on activities, participants will learn about horse care and barn management while having fun, building confidence, and spending time with their favorite Chincapin horses.
Registration: Log in to your CampMinder account, enter your child’s information under Camper Application, and select Horse Care at the Barn under Equestrian Experiences
On the Ground with Horses: Winter Series
Grades 3–7
Four Saturdays | 11:30 AM–12:45 PM
$35 per session or $125 for all four sessions
Build confidence and explore the fundamentals of working safely with horses in this hands-on winter series at Chincapin Equestrian Center.
Participants will work directly with our horses while developing practical groundwork skills and a deeper understanding of horse behavior, communication, and care. This program focuses entirely on unmounted activities in the barn.
Session Dates:
November 21, 2026
December 12, 2026
January 16, 2027
February 20, 2027
You will initially be billed $125 for the full four-session experience. If your child is unable to attend a session, we will prorate the total cost accordingly.
Registration: Log in to your CampMinder account, enter your child’s information under Camper Application, and select On the Ground with Horses under Equestrian Experiences.
Summer riding programs 2027
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
Barn Bunch is for campers in rising grades 3–10 and requires at least three weeks of enrollment. In special circumstances, exceptions to the three-week minimum may be considered for talented riders.
Space is highly limited (no more than seven riders per group)
