EQUESTRIAN PROGRAM

Camp Cayuga features a top quality Horseback Riding Program in a traditional camp setting that gives campers the opportunity to concentrate in Equestrian Activities, as well as to participate in a well-rounded activity program.  Whether you're a beginner rider or an experienced jumper, you're guaranteed to have fun at Cayuga's Equestrian Center!  Daily Horseback Riding is included in the camp tuition.

INSTRUCTION
Horseback Riding Instruction is offered daily on the camp premises.  Equitation classes in both English and Western styles are conducted from beginner to advanced levels.  Scenic Trail Rides and Jumping Classes are also offered daily.  The activity program for “Juniors” includes 2 optional riding periods weekly.  Additional periods are available upon parental request.  The activity program for our older campers (entering 5th grade & higher) offers Horseback Riding as a daily free-choice elective.

HORSE CARE
If you'd like to spend more time at the Equestrian Center and assist Cayuga's stable staff in caring for the horses and the animals at our petting zoo, we have good news for you - Cayuga's Junior Stable Staff Program!  This program is most popular with our horse enthusiasts.  Under the direction of the Horsemanship Instructors, you'll assist with grooming, tacking, watering, feeding, walking-out the horses after a lesson, cleaning-up, and some mucking-out (if you want to).  If you'd like, you can also care for our animals at the Petting Zoo.  Our goats, sheep, and calf are very friendly and enjoy going for walks!  Interested campers simply sign-up for the Junior Stable Staff Program at camp.

STAFF
The Horseback Riding Program is headed-up by our Horsemanship Director who has experience managing an equestrian program; supervising staff; instructing children; and caring for horses.  The Horsemanship Director is CHA certified (or holds equivalent documentation).  Cayuga’s Horsemanship Staff is comprised of 8 instructors who have certification in equine studies and/or experience in horseback riding instruction.  There’s always a staff member present at the Equestrian Center who holds current certification in first-aid and CPR.

EQUESTRIAN CENTER
The Equestrian Center includes 25 horses, a barn, a tack building, 2 instructional riding rings, a variety of jumps, wooded pastures, miles of scenic trails on the camp property, and a petting zoo for bunnies, goats, sheep, ducks, and a calf.  All riders are provided with certified helmets and the tack is maintained in excellent condition.

HORSE SHOWS
Each summer we schedule 4 Horse Shows: 2 take place on Visiting Day and the other 2 are "Intercamp" Horse Shows that take place at nearby camps.  All campers are eligible to join Cayuga's Horse Show Team.  There are no "try-outs" for Horse Shows!  If you want to compete, all you need to do is sign-up at camp.

EVENING TRAIL RIDES
HORSEBACK OVERNIGHTS
Horseback Overnights are scheduled about once a week.  As long as you're eligible for trail rides and capable of caring for horses, you're welcome to sign-up for Horseback Overnights.  The fun starts off with an evening trail ride after dinner.  Upon arrival at the overnight site, you'll help set-up the campsite, care for your horse (walk-out, feed, etc.), and when the sun goes down, you can grill some burgers and hot dogs for a late-night snack.  You'll camp-out under the stars at the overnight site, wake-up early the following morning and ride back to the Equestrian Center.  You'll return to your cabin group in time for the breakfast meal.  To go on a Horseback Overnight, you simply sign-up at camp.

SAFETY
Camp Cayuga is a proud member of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and meets the standards and follows the guidelines set forth by the CHA, as well as the requirements of the American Camping Association (ACA).  Our commitment to safety is evident in the selection of our horsemanship staff, the format of our riding lessons, the condition of our facilities, and the quality of our tack and equipment!

HORSEBACK RIDING IS FUN!
With all these exciting features of Cayuga's Equestrian Program, it's no surprise that Horseback Riding is one of our most popular activities!  So kids – saddle up, grab hold of the reins, put your feet in the stirrups, and get ready to gallop your way to an action-packed summer of fun at Camp Cayuga.  Tally-Ho Riders!