Red Pine Horseback Riding
OUR PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM... The Red Pine Camp Horseback Riding Program provides a safe
environment which each camper can develop her riding skills while having fun. A camper is placed
in a class based upon her riding skill level, which we assess when she arrives at camp. We teach
Balanced Seat riding at all levels, from Novice to Advanced. Balanced Seat translates well into other
riding disciplines such as dressage, hunt seat, saddle seat, jumping and western.
Each girl receives six hours of instruction each week. All riding groups participate in arena and trail riding.
Arena lessons are taught in small groups with a staff-to-camper ratio of two instructors per 4-5 riders.
Trail rides have a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:3 and include trail safety instruction. Our staff is qualified to
teach all skill levels, and all of our horses are well-suited for a camp riding program. Great care is taken
to structure safe riding experiences so that each individual has the educational opportunities that make it
possible to develop new skills each summer. Novice riders always have one-on-one instruction when
they first begin to ride. Advanced riders have the option for jumping instruction when they meet the
prerequisites and can choose to ride two class periods.
In addition to equitation instruction, all riders are taught about other aspects of equine sports.
Instructional content varies by age and years of riding experience and includes: How to care for a horse,
horse anatomy and behavior, saddle fitting for the horse and rider, how to care for riding equipment, and
certain aspects of barn management.
There is an additional fee should your daughter elect to take riding.
Below are video clips, program, curriculum & staff:
Beth Tait, Riding Program Director, explains Red Pine's riding program
Beth explains the Riding Levels & Medallion Award, riding's highest honor
Meet some of our advanced riders
Meet some of our beginner riders
Watch a riding class in action- Please click here
View beginner riders
Click here for a caveletti clip
Watch jumping clips - Clip 1 and Clip 2
Click here for a canter class clip
Meet some of our riders - Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3
We have a gallery of our Red PIne Riding Program pictures. Please click here.
Click here to view required riding attire.
OUR CURRICULUM ... Safety is our ultimate priority at RPC. From the first day, campers learn how to handle themselves around horses and keep themselves and their horses safe. In order to be confident and capable on a horse’s back, campers must first be able to control and feel safe handling their horses on the ground.
Each lesson begins with a “topic of the day: which is then followed up with "hands on" ground work with the horses and equipment in the barn.
Campers will learn how to lead, groom and tack (put equipment on the horse), about horse psychology, confirmation, colors & markings, identifying the parts of a horse, saddle, and bridle and other horse care. These lessons serve not only to build camper's self confidence but provide them with a solid base of knowledge for a foundation for a lifetime of enjoyable horsemanship.
All campers begin riding in one of our four arenas and once they are proficient in the enclosed rings, they are allowed to ride on the trails. Initial lessons will cover proper mounting, correct position in the saddle and riding control at a walk. Further lessons progress to riding at a trot, and for the more advanced campers, the canter and jumping.
OUR STAFF ... The only way to have a great camp is with a great staff. Our instructors are not just enthusiastic, they're highly knowledgeable, safety conscious and skilled. Careful supervision helps provide a safe learning environment regardless of the camper’s level of experience. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, our campers have the kind of attention they deserve!
TRAIL RIDES ... Trail Riding at RPC is a wonderful experience! As soon as you depart from camp, you are on beautiful, tranquil grass covered paths. Whether we wind through thicket of trees or trot along a field of forget-me-not flowers, trail riding at RPC is the best!
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Getting out of the riding ring helps eliminate boredom for our horses and our campers. Trail rides are guided and structured as a riding lesson. Campers learn how to ride safely in groups, control their horses outside an enclosed area, proper trail etiquette and much more. Having fun picking leaves, ducking under trees, crossing puddles and hopping over trail obstacles just adds to the experience. Emergency packs and cell phone are carried on all trail rides. |
OUR ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM ... Upon arriving at camp, each camper is tested in equine knowledge and riding abilby. Then, taking into consideration age, cabin assignment and horse experience, they are placed into a class suitable for their level. Periodic evaluations are made so that each camper has the opportunity to advance as their ability increases.
As the campers become more proficient, the lessons they are offered become more advanced. Our most experienced campers are placed in our highest levels where they can work on further developing their riding skills. At RPC “We really teach the campers to ride.”
SHOW TEAM ...As a part of our riding lesson program, campers compete in a camp horse show per session. All campers have the opportunity to compete in their classes and show off their newly acquired riding skills! Advanced riders learn show ring techniques, how to bathe, braid and compete in the end of the season horse show. There are also games designed specifically for our campers’ levels of experience and ability.
Red Pine riders....can you find yourself in this gallery of photos?