Summer Camp 2026--Sign Up Today--Limited Spots Open!
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This season we are pleased to unveil a newly elevated Summer Riding Camp experience, thoughtfully designed to provide a more refined, educational, and immersive program for our riders.
In keeping with the standards of a premier equestrian program, camp enrollment will now be intentionally limited to just 10 riders per group, per week. These smaller groups allow our instructors to provide more individualized attention while giving riders greater time with the horses and a richer learning experience.
Our camp curriculum places strong emphasis on true horsemanship. Riders will not only enjoy daily riding instruction but will also deepen their understanding of equine science, stable management, and proper horse care. Each camper will be responsible for their horse throughout the day—from grooming and saddling to riding and properly caring for tack and equipment—encouraging confidence, responsibility, and a meaningful partnership with the horse.
Camp sessions will now be held Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., allowing for a focused and engaging program each day.
For riders wishing to further enhance their time in the saddle, we will continue to offer our Booster Camp option for Beginner through Advanced riders, which includes an additional hour of riding instruction each day. Please be sure to indicate this option at the time of enrollment.
In order to maintain the intimate and high-quality nature of our program, registration will close once each session reaches capacity.

Beginner Camp: Our Beginner Riding Camp is thoughtfully designed for riders with little to no prior riding experience. This program introduces campers to the foundations of riding and horsemanship within a supportive and structured environment.
Each rider will enjoy one hour of riding instruction daily, complemented by hands-on lessons in proper horse handling and stable etiquette. Riders will begin developing confidence in the saddle of their choice while learning the fundamentals of horse control, including moving the horse forward, stopping, turning, and circling, as well as an introduction to both the sitting and posting trot.
Correct riding position is emphasized throughout the program. Through guided instruction, mounted exercises, and demonstrations, riders will develop balance, coordination, and effective communication with the horse.
Beyond riding, campers will gain valuable insight into the responsibilities of horse care. Instruction will include bandaging, basic clipping, introductory first aid, and essential stable management practices, helping riders build a well-rounded understanding of horsemanship.
Cost:  $420.00 per rider per week .
  • Weeks available:  June 22-25, June 29-July 2, July 13-16, 2026
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Riding Booster available for this camp:  $125.00 extra for extra hour of riding, Tuesday through Thursday.  Must register for this at registration
  • Bring a lunch daily,

Advanced Beginner Camp:  
Our Advanced Beginner Riding Camp is designed for riders who have some prior riding experience, such as trail riding or a limited number of lessons. This program serves as an ideal next step for riders ready to further develop their skills and confidence in the saddle.
Campers will focus their riding in the English saddle, building proficiency at the posting trot while being introduced to the working canter. Instruction emphasizes balance, control, and the development of correct riding fundamentals in a supportive learning environment.
This camp continues to build upon the foundations introduced in earlier riding experiences, allowing riders to refine their position, improve communication with the horse, and gain greater confidence in their abilities.
Through consistent instruction and hands-on horsemanship, riders will continue developing the skills and understanding necessary to progress as thoughtful and capable equestrians.
  • Cost:  $420.00 per rider per week
  • Weeks available:  June 22-25, June 29-July 2, July 13-16, 2026
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Riding Booster available for this camp:  $125.00 extra for extra hour of riding, Tuesday through Thursday.  Must be added at registration.
  • Bring a lunch daily.

Intermediate Camp: 
Our Intermediate Riding Camp is designed for riders who have prior group lesson experience and are comfortable riding at the walk, posting trot, and canter. This program is intended for riders ready to further develop their technical skills, confidence, and understanding of advanced horsemanship.
Throughout the week, riders will continue refining their ability to effectively ride and balance through all three gaits while expanding their knowledge of the horse’s movement and responsiveness. Instruction will focus on the development and application of the natural aids, helping riders learn how to communicate more precisely with the horse while executing individual riding workouts with increasing independence.
In addition to daily riding instruction, campers will participate in lectures and demonstrations covering topics such as horse show presentation, driving, equine science, and advanced stable management. These sessions are designed to deepen each rider’s appreciation for the discipline and care involved in a well-rounded equestrian program.
Riders participating in Intermediate Camp are expected to arrive with proper riding attire, including riding pants, boots, a whip or crop, and riding gloves, reflecting the standards of a professional riding environment.

  • Cost:  $420.00 per rider per week.
  • Week available:  July 20-23, 2026
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday
  • Riding Booster available for this camp:  $125.00 extra for extra hour of riding, Tuesday through Thursday.  Must be added on at registration.
  • Bring a lunch daily

Advanced /Master's Camp:  
Our Advanced Riding Camp is designed for dedicated riders who wish to fully immerse themselves in the art and discipline of horsemanship. This program offers a comprehensive experience for riders who are already actively participating in a structured riding program and are ready to further refine their skills.
Campers will enjoy 1 1/2 hours of riding each day, with the opportunity to ride in the saddle of their choice. In addition to strengthening their primary discipline, riders will also be introduced to the techniques and traditions of Dressage, Western, Hunt Seat, and Saddle Seat, broadening their understanding of the diverse styles within the equestrian world.
Special emphasis will be placed on horse show preparation and proper show ring presentation, helping riders polish the skills necessary for successful competition. Instruction will focus on refinement, precision, and the professionalism expected in the show ring.
Riders participating in Advanced Camp are expected to arrive in proper riding attire, including riding pants, boots, gloves, and a whip or crop, reflecting the standards of a serious equestrian program.
Due to the specialized nature of this camp, Advanced Camp is not offered through park district programs and is reserved exclusively for riders who are currently enrolled and consistently riding in our Academy program throughout the year.
  • Cost:  $100.00 per day
  • When:  July 27-30, 2026
  • Time:  9:00 to noon
  • Monday:  Basic Advanced Skills
  • Tuesday:  Academy Show Skills
  • Wednesday:  Gymkhana Day
  • Thursday:  Patterns and Mini Fences
  • Bring a lunch daily


Pony Camp:   
For our youngest riders, ages 4–8, we invite you to join us for our delightful Pony Camp—one of the most beloved traditions of our riding school.
Designed especially for our Short Stirrup riders, Pony Camp offers children a joyful and memorable introduction to the world of ponies and small horses in a safe, nurturing environment. Campers begin each day with pony rides during the first hour, allowing them to build confidence and familiarity in the saddle.
Following riding time, campers head to the barn where they will participate in hands-on pony care, including grooming and learning the basics of pony handling. On occasion, our friendly donkeys may also make an appearance, adding a little extra charm to the barn experience.
The final portion of the day is devoted to lunch and a creative art project, giving campers the opportunity to relax, socialize, and create a special keepsake to remember their time at Pony Camp.
Pony Camp is a wonderful way for young riders to begin their equestrian journey while enjoying the magic of the barn in a fun and supportive setting.
  • Cost:  $270.00 per rider per week. (Boosters not available for this week)
  • July 6-9 (SOLD OUT), (JUST ADDED) June 29-July 2, 2026
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Bring a lunch daily.

More Camp Details.

Make sure to pack a lunch everyday with plenty of fluids. We do have a soda machine on premise, but bring as much water as you want. Please bring weather appropriate attire. Bring an approved equestrian helmet; if you do not own one, you may rent one for $8.00 per week. Riding Booster packages available for an additional $125.00 per week for an extra hour of riding per day (not including pony camps).   Our camp registration form is located on the RELEASE section of the website on the bottom of the release.  Please fill out the release and scan to [email protected] or mail to New Traditions Riding Academy at 10100 So. Kean Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465.  As of this year, there are NO REFUNDS--a credit will be issued that you may use for group or private lessons.  Cancellations for camp to be eligible for the refund are ONE week prior to the start of camp.

New Policies for 2026:
There will be no refunds for camp, only credit to be issued for group or private lessons.  All camps must be paid upon registration, including riding booster fees, as there is limited space for boosters.  Credits will only be given if cancelled (2) weeks prior to the starting day of camp.  Due to the concentration in camp, smaller class sizes, this will be strictly enforced, as there are waiting lists for all of our camps.  Those riders riding in Advanced/Master camps must be pre-approved prior to registration and actively riding in a recognized riding program.

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