Horseback Riding In East TX
Saddle up for an exciting ride at Camp Fern! We love horses at Camp Fern in East Texas and enjoy sharing these unique animals with our campers. Many of the families we serve do not have the opportunity to ride at home, so we make it a priority to teach all skill levels in the riding ring!
Our horseback riding camp activities are not exclusive to experienced equestrians but open to anyone with the desire to try! The program ranges from beginner to advanced levels, and it not only teaches campers the strategy and skill of riding, but also how to properly care for their horses. Popular riding activities include: English horseback riding, flat work, jumping, trail riding, overnight horseback rides, and horsemanship. Bring your unbridled enthusiasm to the best summer camp for kids in East Texas!
Horse Education
A healthy understanding of horses is necessary to interacting with and appreciating them properly. We make it a priority to convey the love we feel for our “tried and true” horses that serve us season after season! We also have some great horsemanship seminars, which offer higher levels of learning for campers that are interested. From teaching theory to hands-on learning, we “jump into the fun” down at the Camp Fern stables!
Trail Rides
After you understand the basics of controlling you horse, feel free to join us on a trail ride! Exit the ring and take to the East Texas trails where the path meanders through tall pines and grassy fields. Yeehaw!
Flatwork
All campers that take riding start out with basic skill building in our flatwork ring, learning how to mount and dismount, steer, and control speed. We make safety a high priority as skills advance—but again, we focus on the campers’ enjoyment of the experience as a whole.
Jumping
For those that come from a riding background, or those that work up to the skill level required for safety, we offer a jumping program. Participants learn the foundations of safely jumping horses and get to experience a whole new level of proficiency in this area! Jumping is offered on a case-by-case basis, so if you’re interested in pursuing this, please make sure to indicate it on your camper permission form!
Overnight Rides
Each 4-week cabin has the privilege of joining in on a long-standing Camp Fern tradition! Saddle up and ride over to Lake Margaret for a night under the stars! Enjoy an extended trail ride, a fantastic meal (did someone say barbeque chicken!?), make your own homemade ice cream, and enjoy the light of the campfire as you experience another great element of the riding program at Camp Fern.
Horse Show
Saddle up and show us your skills at the horse show! We celebrate success on all levels, and acknowledge the importance of a camper’s enjoyment in our learning environment. We also offer a formal “tournament” where campers get to demonstrate their horsemanship among their peers. It’s always fun watching the horse show!