Pony Pals Summer Camp

For ages 5 to 7

Pony Pals Summer Camp is Woodland Horse Center's specially designed program for the youngest horse lovers: kids ages 5 to 7 who are just beginning their equestrian journey.

Offered in nine one-week sessions throughout the summer at $685 per session, the camp gives little ones a gentle, structured introduction to horses through grooming, tacking, group riding lessons, and fun un-mounted activities like learning about horse colors, breeds, and anatomy.

Every moment is fully supervised by Woodland's experienced instructors and trained camp staff, with bathroom breaks and a nurturing pace built right into the daily schedule to keep young campers comfortable and confident.

The week wraps up with a sweet graduation moment that makes every Pony Pal feel like a star.

For families who need early drop-off or a later pick-up, Extended Care is available, and filled with hands-on activities like hand-grazing, arts and crafts, and relaxed time with the horses.

Two children, a girl and a boy, pet and hug a brown horse with a white star on its forehead at a farm on a sunny day, with green trees and a blue sky with clouds in the background.
A young girl riding a horse with an adult man leading the horse on a sandy trail, surrounded by green grass and trees.

$685 per one-week session

Summer 2026 Schedule*

  1. Session 1: June 22 - June 26

  2. Session 2: June 29 - July 3

  3. Session 3: July 6 - July 10

  4. Session 4: July 13 - July 17

  5. Session 5: July 20 - July 24

  6. Session 6: July 27 - July 31

  7. Session 7:  August 3 - August 7

  8. Session 8:  August 10 - August 14

  9. Session 9: August 17 - 21

*All Pony Pals Summer Camp sessions are one week long, running Monday through Friday.

Download Registration Forms
Download Registration Forms
Four young girls are petting and hugging a large brown horse outdoors in a fenced area with a barn and other children in the background.

Daily Camp Schedule

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

9:00 am - 9:30 am: Roll Call and Getting to Know You

9:30 am - 10:00 am: Grooming and Tacking

10:00 am - 10:15 am: Bathroom break*

10:15 am - 11:00 am: Round 1 of Group lesson or unmounted horse education:

  • Group lessons are broken into groups by skill set.

  • Unmounted horse education topics are horse care, nutrition, breeds, colors, tack care and knowledge.

11:00 am - 11:15 am: Snack and Bathroom break**

11:15 am - 12:00 pm: Round 2 of Group lesson (or unmounted horse education)

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Round 3 of Group lesson (or unmounted horse education)

12:45 pm - 2:00 pm: Snack and Bathroom break.* The campers will also have time to visit the Tack Shop for treats.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Mounted & un-mounted 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.

*There will be bathroom breaks and handwashing between lessons and other activities.

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

Four children petting a horse behind a wooden fence in a grassy field with trees.

Extended Care

$125 per 1-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 Video

Enjoy this video of one of our Pony Pals learning the posting trot.

Learning the posting trot. Great job!!

Four children riding horses in an outdoor arena on a cloudy day 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.