Riding Camps

Summer Riding Camps

"Part of my summer at Shenandoah is dedicated to teaching at the Riding Center. For as many as seven to eight weeks I have summer day camps for children to have hands-on horse and riding experience." - Lindley Leahy Camp Riding Instructor

Tel. 815 777-2373 or click here to email us.

The camps are english or western with an emphasis on correct use of aids and proper equitation (regardless of style of riding the foundation is the same for both) and building confidence in the rider to be able to further riding ability which in turn increases enjoyment in the skill and the horse/s they are riding.

riding camp in Galena Illinois horse back riding camps, trails and lessons beginner to intermediate riders

Each camp is five days long, four hours each day, with at least an hour of riding instruction each day. We do a variety of ring work inside and out and at least one day out on the trail. The format is that there are two campers to one horse (except out on the trail). While the first camper is taking their lesson the second camper is doing an organized activity with another instructor, such as: cleaning and reassembling tack, learning parts of the horse's hoof, learning about pasture management, painting jumps, cleaning stalls (part of horse care), etc.

All of our horses are well trained and well maintained high quality riding horses, the instructors are professionally trained in a variety of disciplines. I head up the instructors, I have twenty years experience with horses that range from showing and competing at high levels in Dressage, Eventing, and Hunter/Jumper to teaching many students to ride in lessons and camps here in Illinois, Arizona, and Ireland.

Beginner Riding Camps June 18 - 22 and July 16

For the beginner riding camp usually the focus is on confidence. They are given the knowledge of working on the ground with their horse, leading the horse and grooming the horse, this in turn builds confidence for riding. Beginners then practice basic riding skills in the arena with experienced riding instructors for at least an hour a day. Beginner campers will by the end of the week be able to lead, groom, mount and ride their horse at a walk and a jog, and their confidence and self-esteem will have bloomed with this newly learned skill.

Intermediate Riding Camps July 9 - 13

The Intermediate Campers must have taken at least two beginner riding camps before an should have also have taken some riding lessons. The Campers will learn about horse behavior in this camp and can halter and tie their own horses. They will continue to learn about horse care with grooming and bathing, learn some farrier practices and hone practiced riding skills. In the arena these camper will be getting quite a balanced seat. We will work without stirrups, learn to do independent circles off the rail at the trot and may begin to canter. These riders will ride out on a trail ride on at least one day with their instructors. The Campers will feel quite accomplished by the end of the camp.

Please call 815 7772373 or email us for registration information.

Each camp costs $300/camper