| Here at Fir Hollow Stables, we provide a safe and caring environment for your child to experience horsemanship. Your child will participate in a riding session each day, and the rest of the day will be filled with fun and learning. Our instructors and aides are skilled riders with extensive horse experience and are hand picked for their “fun-ability” with children.
Your child is welcome to bring their own horse or we have safe, experienced school horses available. If you desire to bring your own horse, please notify us and we will discuss further arrangements.
All camps are offered for all riding levels. Within each camp the children will be divided into groups depending on riding ability and experience. Small group size at a maximum of six riders offers your child individual attention and time with trainers.
Theory lessons provide a chance for the children to learn more about horses and what it takes to maintain them. We have been working hard on developing our theory program this year and are really excited to share it with the campers. Each of the theory lessons will be geared toward the specific level of the group and also have been designed to be "fun" while learning. Theory lessons will include safety around horses; cleaning and maintaining tack; horse breeds, colors and confirmation; equine anatomy; equine nutrition; different styles of riding and tack; grooming, bathing, clipping, braiding, preparation for show; hoof/veterinary/dentistry care, first aid; stable/barn management.
We will be doing arts and crafts again this year. We will also be adding other activities such as soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, relay races, treasure hunts and more. The token program has been a huge hit every year and will also be returning for this summer. Your child will be "rewarded" for good behaviour and/or being extra brave or helpful. There will also be contests and games where they can win tokens. At the end of each session we have "store" where they can spend their tokens.
On Friday of each session there will be an awards ceremony and horse show for our campers to show what they have learned throughout the week. Friends and family are welcome (and encouraged) to attend these events on Friday.
RIDING LEVELS
Beginner I: A beginner I is a child who has had very little or no experience with horses. This level will be taught all of the basics of horsemanship and especially safety. They will be riding daily and participating in theory lessons. They will participate in the horse show at the end of the camp session.
Beginner II: A beginner II is a child who has had limited riding time. A beginner II should be able to control a horse at a walk and trot. A beginner II should be able to groom and tack up their own horse. This level will be reviewing the basics of horsemanship and safety rules. They will be riding daily and participating in theory lessons.
Intermediate: An intermediate rider is a child who has had riding experience, either in professional riding lessons or extensive time spent with a knowledgeable person. An intermediate should possess the ability to walk, trot and canter comfortably and control their horse in a safe manner. They should be able to groom and tack up their own horses and mount and warm up in preparation for the daily lesson. Safety is always emphasized and will be reviewed. They will participate in theory lessons at their level and the horse show at the end of each session.
Advanced: An advanced rider is a child who has had extensive riding experience with professional riding instruction and is ready to work on some more advanced material. The riding experience for the advanced child can include jumping, technical work, gaming, and advanced show skills. One-on-one instruction is directed toward the child’s interests. They will participate in theory lessons at their level and the horse show at the end of each session.
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