July 6-11, 2008
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2008 promises to be a great year for Horse Week. This year we have the opportunity to share camp with main camp campers as well. The requirements for Horse Week remain the same, any boy or girl, age 10 to 16, who has an available horse (owned, rented, borrowed, or leased) for the week is eligible. Horse Week is a unique experience providing daily activities for both horse and rider. Each camper will be responsible for the care of their horse during week. In addition, campers may choose three riding classes where experienced counselors will help to improve skills or teach something new. Our experienced Night Watchman oversees the horses’ well-being in the evenings.
Hope to see you at Horse Week 2008!
Meredith Lewis, Horse Week Director
About
This is a strenuous program for you and the horse you bring. Campers are reminded to get themselves and their horses in to shape by riding at least one hour each day for a few weeks prior to camp.
Specialty Camp Fee: $15
When
Sunday, July 6 - Friday, July 11, 2008. Horse Camp Registration is Sunday, July 6, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. only. (Gate will open promptly at 1:00 p.m.) There are no early admissions. Program begins at 4:00 p.m. for all campers. Camp ends Friday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive on time for camper and horse pick up.
Where
4-H Camp Wyomoco, Varysburg, NY. We have outdoor tie stalls for your horses and comfortable, rustic cabins for the campers.
Horse Nutrition
All campers are expected to bring their own hay and supplemental feeds to maintain good equine nutrition for the week. Water and shavings for stalls will be available.
Mandatory Riding Equipment
An approved riding helmet must be worn at all times while riding. (Type ASTM-SEI Certified). Boots with at least a 1/2-inch heel are also required. Sneakers are NOT allowed.
A negative Coggins certificate (within calendar year of 2007 or 2008) and a certificate of Rabies Vaccination (within one year) must accompany every horse. These will be checked at the main gate before admittance to camp. Both of these certificates must be up-to-date.
A health form is also required for every camper. You can download it here, but you will also receive a copy with your parent handbook.
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“Rent a Horse for the Week” Program
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Campers who cannot bring a horse to camp may enroll in this program for an additional $75. (This fee includes all feed and tack for the leased horse.)
The “Rent a Horse for the Week” program exists for campers who have horsemanship experience, but do not have access to a horse during the week of Horse Camp. In this program you will be assigned to a horse that you will ride in classes with other participants in this program. You will be expected to perform all horse chores including feeding, watering and cleaning out its stall.
This program is not designed for the first time horse person, but rather the camper who has experience and would like to increase their knowledge in a more advanced setting. Horse Camp is not suitable for beginners. Although campers in this program begin in separate classes, our goal is to mainstream all “Rent a Horse for the Week” riders as soon as they are able.
Enrollment in this program is limited to 15 campers, so if you are interested, it is urgent that you respond as soon as possible to apply for your place in this program. Those campers not qualified for this program will be recommended for the horsemanship class in Weeks 2 to 5.
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| 6:30 a.m. |
Rise and shine |
| 7:00 |
Feed horses |
| 8:00 |
Breakfast |
| 8:30 |
Report to Horse Area |
| 9:00 |
First Class |
| 10:00 |
Second Class |
| 11:00 |
Morning Classes End - Settle Horses For Afternoon |
| 12:00 p.m. |
LUNCH |
| 12:30 |
Rest Hour |
| 1:40 |
Announcements |
| 2:00 |
Report to Horse Area |
| 2:30 |
Third Class |
| 3:30 |
Afternoon Classes End |
| 4:00 |
Free Time |
| 5:00 |
Return to Cabin |
| 5:15 |
Mandatory Graining |
| 5:30 |
Dinner |
| 6:00 |
Mandatory Watering - Settle Horses For Evening |
| 6:15 |
Flag Lowering & Evening Activities |
| 10:00 |
Lights Out and Quiet |
Sample Evening Programs
Evening programs are always flexible and dependant on weather. Below are some examples of activities that have been done in the past.
SUNDAY - Introduction to Camp
MONDAY - Campfire/Hike to Gorge
TUESDAY - Water Fun Olympics
WEDNESDAY - Counselor Fashion Show
THURSDAY - Dance
FRIDAY - Campfire
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Horse Camp Classes
-
The skill level of the rider will be evaluated the first day of classes. Riders will be placed in the class where they can safely have the optimum learning experience.
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Please make sure you refer to the application when signing up for classes.
Each class is taught at appropriate level for horse and rider.
- Classes subject to change without notice.
THE HUNTSEAT RIDER – Focusing on English Equitation, instructors will teach position at the halt, walk, and trot. Riders with the ability to canter will further polish skills and position. The most advanced riders will focus on polishing show ring technique. All classes will be interspersed with fun games and exercises, which will help to develop control, balance, and confidence. This class takes place inside of a ring.
THE STOCKSEAT RIDER – Focusing on Western Equitation, instructors will teach position at the halt, walk, and jog. Riders with the ability to lope will further polish skills and position. The most advanced riders will focus on polishing show ring technique. All classes will be interspersed with fun games and exercises, which will help to develop control, balance, and confidence. This class takes place inside of a ring
LET’S JUMP - Introduction to basics, beginning over cavelletis and advancing towards simple lines and courses. The safety of the horse and rider is the prime consideration.
TRAIL CLASS OBSTACLES - Learning to introduce your horse to a variety of challenging trail class obstacles. Our experienced instructors will help promote confidence in the partnership between horse and rider. This class will be held outside the ring.
PLEASURE TRAIL RIDE - Fun, scenic, easy camp trails at a walk and trot. Secure riders with the ability to control their horse may be grouped into a class that negotiates more challenging trails.
GAMES TO START OFF WITH - This class is an introduction to games on horseback. Riders will ride at the walk and trot. Control, confidence, and fun will be the focus.
LET’S BRING DOWN THAT TIME - A class that will focus on traditional games in 4-H. This class is for the advanced rider and will explore these games in detail to find ways to lower riders’ times.
COMBINED TRAINING - This class is for the advanced hunt seat rider and will focus on the three elements of combined training: Dressage, X-Country, and Stadium Jumping. Riders will be exposed to each element and given the chance to try each. This class will occur both inside outside of the ring.
FUN ON HORSEBACK - This class will be made up of non-traditional games and experiences. Examples include broomstick polo, frisbee golf, etc. Riders will be expected to have control of their horse at the walk, trot/jog and canter/lope.
THE JOY OF THE HORSE - This class will give a general introduction to various parts of the horse world including fitting and showmanship, trail obstacles, etc. Riders will be expected to walk, trot/jog, and halt.
DRILL TEAM FUN - This class will design and implement a drill team. Riders will learn how to work cooperatively with other riders in performing various drill team patterns. This class culminates with a performance at the end of the week. This class will occur inside of a ring.
ADVANCED TRAIL - This class is for the advanced rider age 14 or over. Riders will travel on challenging trails, and even learn how to make their own trail.
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