Our day camps are perfect for horse crazy kids, they are all about horses, fun and learning! In our five and ten day camps, from 9 to 3:30 your child is immersed in the world of horses and Ranch life.  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 MVRwe focus on developing a strong heart 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.

FUN AND GAMES: Campers spend until 2:00 with their 'own' horse who they bond and work with intensively. After 2:00 campers enjoy a refreshing swim in Joy Pond here at the ranch and other enjoy activities such as: making lead ropes for their horses, writing/drawing in their horse journals, making dream
catchers from their horses manes, learning about horses, and more.

MENTORING: Our camp has a unique mentoring aspect that brings the younger and older students together. Mentors cement their knowledge through helpinga younger child 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. The
supportive and friendly atmosphere is heart-warmingly evident on Horse Show Day when the kids cheer each other on.

RIDING LESSONS: 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. Throughout 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 comparing 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!

TRAIL RIDES: Campers also enjoy a daily trail rides or picnic rides as well. 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: Horse Show Day is the exciting conclusion of camp! Friends,
family and spectators are often astonished at the improvement and skill that
has been gained in such a short time!  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. 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!

CAMP OUT: 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, swimming, 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.

TIMES AND AGES: Junior Riding Day Camp runs 9 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 12 and up.

BRING LIST:

Lunch ___Snack __Rain Gear __Boots with a Heel __Water Bottle__ Swim Suit
Towel __Overnight Gear includes: ___PJ's ___Toiletries ___Change of clothes
___Sandals ___sleeping bag ___Pillow ____Flashlight____

GENERAL SCHEDULE:

9 – 11:00: 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.

11:00 - 2:00: 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, swimming, making horse related tack and crafts
and ranch chores.

Friday Horse Show Schedule:

9:00 – 10:30 horses ready

13:00 - 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.

   Five Day Riding Camp

July 4-8  $750

July 11-15  $750

 July 18-22  $750

 Aug 1-5  $750

August 8-12. $750  

 Aug 15-19  $750

 Aug 22-26  $750

Long Trail Camps: 

June 27-July1

Ages 10-14yr. 2.5 hours of riding plus other activities

July 18-22

 Ages 5-9yrs. 1.5 hours of riding plus other activities

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:

Same


Sleep Away Camp for girls 12 – 18


These amazing 2 and 4 week camps are perfect for kids aged 12 - 18 who want
to eat, sleep and dream horses, nature and fun!  Check out all the amazing
details at www.mountainviewranchcamp.webs.com . This unique summer
program is called: Equine Empowerment A Summer Experience for Young Women.
The link will provide extensive details.

Sleep Away Dates:

2 week session:  July 18 – 31 $2500

2 week session: August 1 – 14 $2500

4 week session: July 18 - August 14  $4750

'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 - 12:00 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 27-July 1 (5 day) $350

August 8-12 (5 day) $350

Long Trail Curious Critters:

July 18-22 (5 day) 1.5 hour of pony time and other activities