To register for our camps, please go to the Release section of our website, print out the release and registration form and mail it to our address which is printed on your left.

Summer Camp 2008

Beginner Camps

Session 1:  June 16-20

Session 2:  July 7-11

Session 3:  July 14-18

Session 4:  August 4-8

Beginner Rider:

The beginner rider for camp has had no or little riding experience.  The beginning rider will learn how to master the walk, sitting trot and the posting trot.  Riders will be able to stand in the stirrups at the walk, and also be able to walk without stirrup irons.  All riders will learn to halt, reverse both on the rail and in the center, dismount correctly, switch whips, as well as to learn basic grooming skills, learn colors of horses, and how to properly lead a horse.  Riders will be expected to attend a youth group meeting.

Advanced Beginner Camps

Session 5:  June 23-27

Session 6:  August 4-8

Advanced Beginner:

Advanced beginner will learn to change diagonals on the trot, as well as how to stand at the trot.  Riders will learn how to reverse at the trot, and how to perform a sitting trot without irons.  Riders will learn how measure their stirrups from the ground, learn how to saddle and bridle a horse, as well as mastering basic canter starts.  Riders will attend a stable show.

Intermediate Camps

Session 7:  June 23-27

Session 8:  July 21-25

Session 9:  July 28-August 1

Intermediate Rider:

Riders will now learn how to master the canter and identify correct diagonals.  Riders will perform basic serpentines and start to post their trots without stirrups.  Also, riders will learn how to address their reins.  There will be a brief introduction on how to address your reins.  All riders at this stage will clean their equipment after their rides.  Riders will participate in a stable show.  Riders at this level should also have riding pants, boots, and gloves.

Advanced Camps

Session 10:  July 21-25

Session 11:  July 28-August 1

Advanced Rider:

Riders should be able to canter without irons, perform simple lead changes, stand at the canter, and ride with one iron at a time.  Riders will ride bareback and start to learn about collection of the horse.  Riders will learn how to ride with a full bridle, as well as perform advanced workouts.  Riders will participate in outside academy shows, as well as being able to lease a horse on their own.  Youth group participation is encouraged to help better your horse community.

Teen Camp

Session 12:  July 7-11

Teen Camp

This camp is for all level of riders 13 and up; this camp is geared so riders of this age group can feel comfortable with members of their own age.  This camp will work on riding skills as well as self-esteem of the teenage rider.

The above is a list of guidelines for our summer camp programs, as well as for our lesson programs.  The skills that are listed above will be reviewed in our lessons, as well as our summer camp programs.  These skills must be perfected before moving onto the next level of riding level.    Riders will be promoted on an individual basis, according to skill, effort, talent, and ability.  Some riders will take longer, some riders will progress faster.  It is always good to strive for the next level, and to work hard, but it should always remain fun for all.  Everyone is to feel that they are an important element at Palos Hills Riding Stables, and that they are important to the success of our business. 

Wearing proper riding attire is important during lessons and camp, especially if you are advancing beyond the beginning levels; this helps in the learning process and achieving goals, as well as being SAFE riders!  (Helmets will be worn at all times!)  It has been observed that children and adults who do not properly dress do not perform as well as those who do dress properly.  All riders need to wear hard soled boots with a half-inch heel (this prevents the shoe from slipping through the stirrup).  Once riders are in the Intermediate classes, they will be required to wear jodhpurs or breeches, along with riding gloves. All sports have equipment which is necessary to the success of the sport, and horseback riding is no exception. 

 Hope this was helpful!

	Dress appropriately; long pants and shoes and/or boots.  Bring layers that you add or delete depending on the weather!
	Bring plenty of fluids...microwave and refrigerator on premises
	Bring gloves....this is proper riding attire
	Please pick up your child by 4:30 p.m.  You will be charged $10.00 per half hour for those children not picked up in time.
	Please stop by the desk on the first day to make sure that all your paperwork is completed.  And, please drive down the driveway no faster than 5 miles per hour.