Horsemanship Summer Camp

For ages 8 to 16

Horsemanship Summer Camp is Woodland Horse Center's flagship summer experience, designed for riders ages 8–16. Running in five two-week sessions throughout the summer, campers spend their days doing everything from grooming and tacking to group riding lessons organized by skill level — all under the full supervision of Woodland's experienced instructors and camp staff.

At $1,450 per session, it's a full immersion into horsemanship that goes well beyond the saddle, with un-mounted education covering horse care, nutrition, breeds, and more.

Every detail — from the structured daily schedule to the shaded picnic area and on-site tack shop — is designed to make the experience seamless and fun for both campers and parents.

Five children riding horses in an outdoor riding arena with green trees in the background, all wearing helmets.
Child in riding helmet and vest riding a horse over a yellow and blue jump in an outdoor equestrian arena, with two women watching nearby.

$1540 per two-week session

Summer 2026 Schedule*

  1. Session 1: June 22 - July 3

  2. Session 2: July 6 - July 17

  3. Session 3: July 20 - 31

  4. Session 4:  August 3 - 14

  5. Session 5: August 17 - 28

*All Horsemanship Camp sessions are two weeks long, starting on Monday and running through Friday of the second week.

Download Registration Forms
Download Registration Forms
Children riding horses on a dirt track, all wearing helmets, with lush green trees in the background.

Daily Camp Schedule

8:00 am - 9:00 am: Extended Care*

9:00 am - 9:30 am: Roll Call and Horse Assignments

9:30 am - 10:30 am: Grooming and Tacking

10:30 am - 11:30 am: Round 1 of 3 Group lesson or 3 Groups of un-mounted horse education:

  • Group lessons are broken into groups by skill set.

  • Un-mounted horse education topics are horse care, nutrition, breeds, colors, tack care and knowledge. Plus, traditional activities like the “Horse Name Game” where campers have to guess the school horse names from tricky clues.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Round 2 of Group lesson or unmounted horse education

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: LUNCH BREAK. The campers will also have time to visit the Tack Shop for treats.

1:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Mounted & unmounted activities. For example: bareback lesson, western lesson, tacking relay races, water games and so much more.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Extended Care*

NOTE: All camp activities are supervised 100% of the time by Woodland instructors and camp staff. Campers will be evaluated on the first day of camp. Campers will then be divided into 6 groups. Half will ride in their lesson first. The other half will have unmounted horse education activities.

*For working parents we offer convenient extended hours in both morning and late afternoon. More information is available below.

Close-up of a brown horse with a white stripe on its face, wearing a bridle, with a young girl riding on its back in a park setting.

Extended Care

$250 per 2-week session 

Hours:

8:00 am - 9:00 am

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Extended Care Activities

  • arts & crafts time

  • relaxing time with our horses

  • grooming

  • tacking

  • hand-grazing

  • additional fun horse-related activities

NOTE: All extended care activities are supervised 100% of the time by Woodland instructors and camp staff.

Camp Videos

Enjoy these quick videos of Horsemanship Campers learning to canter in half-seat solo and in a group.

Horsemanship Campers learning to canter in half-seat

Horsemanship Campers working on their group canter

Four young girls riding horses at a outdoor riding area. The girls are wearing helmets and casual clothing, and the horses are lined up on a dirt surface with trees in the background.

Camp Policies and Requirements

The following information applies to all Woodland camps, regardless of season or type.

PAYMENT: A deposit of one-half of the total amount for your first session is due at time of registration. Balances are due one week prior to the first day the camp session.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Registration forms must be received no later than 1 week prior to the first day of your first camp session.

CONFIRMATIONS: Confirmations are sent via email. If you do not get confirmation within 10 days of sending your application, call 301-421-9156 or email woodlandhorsecentercamp@gmail.com

DEPOSIT: A deposit of one-half of the total amount is due at time of registration to secure and guarantee your spot(s).

REFUND POLICY:   A $25 administrative fee will be charged for any changes. The deposit will be refunded only if the space can be filled. Thank you.

CAMP BALANCES: Due one (1) week prior to the first day of camp.

FOOD: Campers must bring their own lunch to enjoy in our shaded picnic area or air-conditioned lounge. We do have a refrigerator, but we suggest bringing lunch, drinks, and snacks in a small cooler labeled with your name. We have vending machines for soda, water, and energy drinks; beverages and snacks may also be purchased at Woodland’s onsite tack shop, Anytime Tack.

DRESS: Campers must have their own helmets and wear long pants and hard-soled boots with a small heel. Our onsite tack shop Anytime Tack has everything you need.

Woodland Testimonials

  • Woodland truly cares

    “Of all the barns at which I've ridden, Woodland has the nicest, most caring staff and volunteers. They truly care about the horses and it shows in the temperament of the horses.”

    — Susan C.

  • We love the horses and the instructors

    “My daughter has been riding weekly at Woodland for 2 1/2 years and there has never been a day that we were not excited to go - even in the coldest and hottest weather. We love the horses, the instructors with their friendly approach, and the open space where kids can play.”

    — Sarah S.

  • Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland

    “As always, Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland, and as always, we parents did, too! It was great fun, great physical activity, great learning about responsibility. The staff are completely low key and flexible to our family's needs. It's such a pleasure to be there!”

    — Joey R.

  • A great place to learn

    “I have been riding at Woodland for 20 years. It is a great place to learn the proper way to ride.”

    — Peter F.

  • Definitely for the whole family

    “The instructors are top notch and are great with children. This place is definitely for the whole family. They offer lessons for adults, teenagers, and even the little ones in Pony Pals. I've been riding there for 17 years and my daughter has grown up at the barn. They provide more than just the experience of riding. They also teach respect and responsibility of the horses.”

    — Patti B.

  • So many great memories

    “One summer I went to camp and I haven't left since then. My friends and great instructors keep me coming back. I have so many great memories here.”

    — Therese C.

  • Thank you Saddle Club!

    “My daughter Sophia loves taking care of the Woodland horses. She knows a lot about horses, thanks to the Saddle Club. Thank you Saddle Club!”

    — Johnna J.

  • My daughter’s happy place

    “My daughter calls Woodland her ‘happy place.’ The animals always look clean and healthy, surrounded by people who truly love, understand and appreciate them. Woodland offers so many exciting opportunities for all levels and ages that the only challenge is finding the time to participate in all the activities. My favorite part as a parent, though, is the supportive and caring staff: I have the peace of mind knowing that my child is always taken care of in the most warm and nurturing way.”

    — Masha M.

  • My 5-year old daughter will be a horse lover forever

    “My 5-year old daughter participated in Pony Pals Camp for 2 weeks. I was impressed with how much she learned in such a short time. Our family enjoyed the information she shared about horses every evening. She had a wonderful time and misses the horses dearly. After this experience, she will be a horse lover for ever. She has already asked if she can come back next year. The staff is wonderful, friendly and helpful. The program is well run and organized. I highly recommend it. Thanks for a great 2 weeks!”

    — Meredith W.