Our camps are perfect for horse crazy kids, because they are all about horses, horses and more horses! From 8:30 to 3:30 your child is immersed in the world of horses. Our Junior Riding Camp makes learning about, working with, and riding horses fun. Our program not only develops riding skills, but also enhances self-confidence, responsibility and horsemanship skills. Each rider learns to feed, groom, and care for his "own" horse safely and enjoys trail rides and lessons every day. Here at MVR we focus on developing a strong connection between horse and child. Most children already come with an innate love and interest in horses. We take that attraction and help them build a confident connection based on trust, respect, empathy and appreciation for the special horse they call their 'own'. By the end of camp, kids have bonded with their mounts and learned a lot more about teamwork and the wonderful world of horses.

Campers spend until 2:00 with their 'own' horse who they bond and work with intensively. Our newly extended camp hours go from 2:00 to 3:30 and during that time campers enjoy other activities such as making lead ropes for their horses, writing/drawing in their horse journals, making dream catchers from their horses manes, nature walks and more.

Our camp has a unique mentoring aspect that brings the younger and older students together. Mentors cement their knowledge through helping a younger child and foster a feeling of community that leaves the younger ones feeling cared for and assisted by their older idols. Here at the Mountain View Ranch we believe in fostering a feeling of friendship and co-operation between campers. Another example of that, is watching the kids cheer each other on during lessons and on Horse Show Day.

Campers spend lots of time in the saddle learning to ride the fun way. Daily riding lessons involve obstacle courses and games such as egg-and-spoon, ride-a-buck, and Simon Says. Ranch philosophy teaches that doing your best, having fun, good sportsmanship and friendship is what riding is all about. Please review the above Riding Lesson description above, as lessons are a big part of camp.

During their first lessons, camper's first 'run' is recorded on each obstacle event. Through out the week campers practice, learn and improve their times. As their skills and communication with their horses improve, their recorded times get better and better. This allows for riders to set and achieve constant goals. It also means that kids are basing their success on their own improvement rather than judging themselves against another rider. This format fosters a healthy and supportive atmosphere here at the Ranch.

Students learn over the course of camp that working with a horse is always a challenge. This means that one moment they are having great communication with their horse and enjoy a perfect 'run' of a course and the next moment they are challenged to learn a new skill to bring their performance to a greater level. Riding a live animal is exciting and rewarding, but can make ones performance very unpredictable - so the key is to have fun while trying your best!

Campers not only enjoy a daily lesson, but a trail ride as well. Every other day they take their horses out on a picnic and have lunch on the trail. There is something very special about being out in the nature on a special horse, surrounded by mountains and fresh air. For some kids, it's a world apart from where they daily live. For everyone, it is a calming and special experience, as they enjoy a beautiful nature ride astride an amazing 4-legged friend! All this riding and bonding lays the groundwork for Horse Show Day.

Horse Show Day is the exciting conclusion of camp - where campers enjoy a real horse show and win ribbons in four different events. Our unique show is designed so that campers compete against themselves rather than each other in all except one event. This is one reason why campers are so supportive of one another rather than being competitive. Campers show off their horse and newly acquired skills to friends, family and spectators are often astonished at the improvement and skill that has been gained in such a short time!

During the Horse Show each rider attempts to beat their best 3 recorded times that they achieved over the course of camp. Thus campers always win a ribbon and can place 1st through 4th on Horse Show Day. Even when a rider, in the excitement of the day, comes in 4th - they know that they accomplished a first place time during their camp experience!

Each camp also includes an overnight camping experience. This is a wonderful and memorable experience for our camp kids. Campers set up camp and enjoy activities such as volleyball, kickball, archery, BBQ, s'mores around the bonfire, evening and morning horse care activities, and breakfast. We tent out under the stars surrounded by mountains, creating lasting memories. Kids bond with each other in an even more significant way during this special aspect of camp, often times forming lifelong friendships.

Junior Riding Day Camp runs 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday Rain or Shine. 10 Day Camps have weekends off and run two consecutive weeks Monday – Friday. Day Camps are open to riders age six and older. Campers often enroll for more than one camp session. Overnight Camps are for children 8 and up.

Bring List:

Lunch ___Snack __Rain Gear __Boots with a Heel __Water Bottle__ Overnight Gear includes: ___PJ's ___Toiletries__ Swim Suit__Towel ___Change of clothes ___Sandals ___sleeping bag ___Pillow

General schedule and activities of day camps 8:30 – 2:00:

Horsemanship: Learn about horses, skills include: grooming, saddling, feeding, horse behavior, how to work around horses safely and comfortably, horse care, stable care, illnesses and injuries, teamwork, horse connection & empathy, patience and appreciation.

Riding lessons & Trail Rides: Riding skills include: proper seat, reining, control and communication between horse and rider, walk, trot and canter depending on riding ability, balance, flexibility, children learn how to perform 4 different events/games with their horses for the horse show (barrels, stakes, key hole, etc.), how to ride safely on the trail and in the ring, how to ride properly on trail terrain, patience, perseverance and respect.

2:00 – 3:30 Schedule:

This time involves fun activities ranging from hiking, journaling, relaxing, making horse related tack and crafts and ranch chores.

Fun Day Friday Horse Show Schedule:

8:30 – 10:00 horses ready

10:00 - 12:30: Horse Show: Friends and family come watch with amazement all the events the kids have learned in just 4 days of lessons. Teamwork, camaraderie and fun are stressed and every rider receives a ribbon in each event.

12:30 – 2:00 BBQ, award ceremony, pictures and good byes.

Overnight Ride Schedule:

An Overnight Ride is now included in all camp prices (except for Long Trail Camps). Most kids choose to spend the night tenting out under the stars, but kids can leave after bonfire time if they choose. The overnight is always an anticipated activity, as campers get to have more fun hanging out together. Because campers spend so much time with and on their horses during the day this time to relax around the fire, snuggle into tents and engage in many other fun activities is a welcome treat. The overnight also includes BBQ dinner, and breakfast

Ten Day Camp Riding Camp

Our ten Day camp includes the wonderful format of the five day camp, except that the extra time in the saddle skyrockets campers abilities in a very short period. Their complete immersion with the horses in such an intensive way shines through in their increased skill level. In our ten day camps we also enjoy demonstrations in Natural Horsemanship, where campers witness and participate in communication using 'horse language'. Campers also participate in Drill Team which is a synchronized riding routine that campers perform before the horse show. Drill Team is always a favorite and challenging accomplishment as riders learn to ride in partnership with each other.

Ten Day Riding Camp Dates:

July 19 - 30 (10 Day) No camp on weekend $1250

Aug 2-13 (10 Day) No camp on weekend $1250

Six Night Sleep Away Riding Camp

This camp follows the Day Camp format but has a whole lot more! In addition to the day camp activities, overnight campers participate in an off-ranch local gymkhana on Thursday night under the lights at the nearby Cambridge Saddle Club. Two horse shows in a row on Thursday and Friday make for an exciting week! On Saturday night we take campers to watch an exciting local professional rodeo. Campers also enjoy trips to berry pick, swim at Emerald Lake and campfires under the stars nearly every night. This tight-nit group of only 10 girls enjoys a family like atmosphere as they learn the cowgirl way of life. Campers are also responsible for more horse duties and evening chores. This is an experience of a lifetime! Pick up is Sunday AM at 9:00.

Six Night Sleep Away Riding Camp Date:

Aug 17-23 (6 Day Overnight Camp) $1350

'Lil Poke Camp

This camp is designed for 4 and 5 year olds who are waiting ever so patiently to ride with the 'big kids' in Junior Riding Camp. At 'Lil Poke they spend their time lovin' up the ponies that are just their size. The children spend from 9:00 - 12:30 interacting with their 4-legged friends, learning how to brush, feed, bathe, pick feet, saddle and bridle, make pony treats, clean tack, learn how to mount and dismount, lead and work with their ponies safely with gentleness and understanding. Working with the ponies builds a strong bond between the children and ponies setting the stage for a successful riding relationship later.

The end of camp is a Pony Show. The children prepare their ponies with baths and grooming until the dirt is off the ponies and mostly on the children! They saddle their sparkly ponies and show families how much they have learned in a Showmanship Class. They also lead their ponies through an obstacle course that they have learned during camp and then teach their parents to do the same. As their parents lead and the children coach - the children get to ride their special pony.

Children should bring lunch, snack, water bottle and rain gear.

'Lil Poke Camp Dates:

June 29-July 3 (5 day) $350

July 6-10 (5 day) $350