Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) has opened registration for Equine Summer Camps in June.
There will be a beginner and an intermediate/advanced camp offered. Both camps will run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at SMWC’s campus.
- June 1-5: Beginner Equine Camp for students entering grades 2-10 will learn about horses, including safe horse handling practices, how to bridle and halter correctly, lead, ride, groom and care for a horse. Horses will be provided. There are 18 beginner camp spots open. The cost is $350 for the week. Lunch and snacks are provided.
- June 15-19: Intermediate/Advanced Equine Camp for youth riders looking to hone their western or hunt seat equine skills. There are 10 intermediate and 10 advanced spots open. The cost is $400 for the week. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Campers must feel comfortable with their riding techniques and work to elevate their form. The camper must know how to saddle and mount the horse without assistance, as well as walk, trot and canter. A video of a student riding and cantering must be submitted when signing up for the intermediate/advanced camp.
Advanced riders can choose between western and hunt seat at registration. Students will receive one-on-one instruction in western or hunt seat riding, troubleshoot areas for improvement, prepare for show season, learn different aspects of the equine industry and the importance of form to function for horse owners. Campers must bring their own horse for this camp.
“Our main purpose of these camps is education,” said Angie McMillin, SMWC’s director of agricultural operations. “We help them to hone their skills, especially the beginners, and give them the experience of learning how to properly care for a horse, how to properly and safely tack them and ride them.”
The registration deadline for both summer equine camps is Friday, May 8. For more information or to register for the camps, visit https://www.smwc.edu/community/the-woods-summer-equine-camp/ or contact Kyley Pelfrey at kyley.pelfrey2@smwc.edu.