CAMP SKYLINE RANCH'S EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM

     There are many reasons why Camp Skyline has decided to offer its campers this very extraordinary opportunity to broaden their camp experiences. The first and foremost reason is our own personal love for horses and riding. At Camp Skyline, we see our riding program as one of the strongest programs at camp.  Not only is horseback riding great exercise for the body; it is exercise for the mind and spirit as well.  For example, horseback riding can make an athlete out of a person who has never before excelled in sports.  It can improve a person's self-esteem by providing them with the chance to learn and to excel at new things.

The Daily Schedule   Group 1 - Advanced Riders Wake up Morning Watch Flag Raising Breakfast Club Meetings 1st period: Grooming, tacking, begin riding Beli Deli 2nd period: Riding 3rd period: Untack and clean stalls Lunch Rest Hour Bell Deli 4th period: Ground lesson/classroom lecture 5th period: Activity of choice 6th period: Free time or activity of choice Shower Time Flag Lowering Dinner Evening Activity, Campfire, Lights Out Group 2 - Beginning Riders Wake up Morning Watch Flag Raising Breakfast Club Meetings 1st period: Ground lesson, classroom lecture Beli Deli 2nd period: Clean stalls, groom horses to ride 3rd period: Ride Lunch Rest Hour Beli Deli 4th period: Ride 5th period: Activity of choice 6th period: Free Time or activity of choice Shower Time Flag Lowering Dinner Evening Activity, Campfire, Lights Out **Campers may choose to help with feeding before breakfast and dinner.

     The equestrian program at Skyline will give campers the opportunity to concentrate on horseback riding while still enjoying all the things that make camp great - like evening programs, club competition and other activities.

     Campers participating in the new horseback program will concentrate on riding/horsemanship four periods per day and will be able to choose two other activities from our program (for example, swimming, tennis, canoeing, cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, circus, or our ropes course).  Horse program campers will also participate in an out-of-camp overnight trail ride/camp-out in celebration of their new skills.

     Camp Skyline Ranch's Equestrian Program will follow guidelines set forth by CHA (the Certified Horsemanship Association ).  CHA is an international non-profit membership association dedicated to improving the safety and quality of group riding programs. 

     Upon arriving at camp, campers will be given an initial assessment of their riding skills and horsemanship knowledge.  Based on their performance during this initial testing, campers will be placed in one of two groups: beginners and intermediate/advanced. They will then begin working on their horsemanship skills in one of the following levels based on their current skills:

• Level 1 -This is the beginning level, and includes safety rules, mounting and dismounting, basic position and control of the horse at the walk and trot.  This level also includes approaching, haltering and leading, basic grooming, saddling and bridling, and parts of the horse and tack.
• Level 2 -In level 2, campers will work on improving balance of the horse and rider, beginning the canter or lope, introductory Western patterns and obstacles, and introduction to jumping (English).  This level also includes trail riding, horse behavior, colors and markings, terminology, and horse breeds.
• Level 3 -Level 3 riders focus on refining their use of the aids and other technical aspects of good horsemanship, including riding on contact, more complex rein, weight and seat aids and ring figures. This level also includes leads at the canter or lope, more involved transitions, backing, improving the seat at the trot, and riding bareback.
• Level 4 -This level is for campers who can ride at all gaits with good form and control. Campers working in this level will be learning about schooling horses and preparing for competition. They will also learn about general horse care, hoof care, conformation, vaccinations, and deworming.