Horseback riding is a fantastic activity for children and kids of all ages. That's why Horseback riding camps are becoming more and more popular and many of them have waiting lists for their summer session and other camp sessions they offer throughout the year.

Horseback riding camps are great for children that show an interest in learning to ride. Most camps are designed for specific skill levels and age groups, teaching everything from the basics of proper horse handling and grooming through advanced riding techniques. Prior to signing up for camp the instructors should give an overview of what they offer and help you choose what option is the best for your child.

Let's take a look at the best horseback riding camps in the USA for children. (Camps are listed in random order).

List of the Best Horseback Riding Camps in the USA Offering Sessions for Kids

1. Rockbrook Horseback Riding Camp, North Carolina

Rockbrook horseback riding camp is located in the wooded mountains of western North Carolina. This camp is for girls only and offers day camps for beginner riders and an overnight camp for more advanced riders. Instruction is for English riding and includes jumping for those who are that level. Ages 7 and up and all skill levels are welcome. Perfect for those who have never been on a horse and for those who desire advanced instruction.

2. Camp Friendship, Virginia

Camp Friendship is a hunter/jumper style program for girls who LOVE horses located in Palmyra, Virginia. This camp offers options for riders as young as seven and all skill levels are welcome, even those who have never been on a horse before. This is a great place for riders to have fun in a safe environment and have a well-rounded horse camp experience.

3. Sunset Trails Stable, Missouri

Sunset Trails Stable is open to boys and girls ages six and over. For the younger kids ages 4 and 5, a mini-camp called Texas Tots is available. Children will learn what horse ownership is like, by learning how to properly feed and care for them on the ground as well as proper horsemanship on the ground and while mounted. The camp provides all equipment including helmets. After camp is complete children will be prepared to take riding lessons or attend the advanced camp. Sunset Trails is located in Lee’s Summit, MO, and has a covered riding area so camp is held rain or shine.

4. Blue Ribbon Riding Academy Horsemanship Camp, Mississippi

Blue Ribbon Riding Academy Horsemanship Camp is a coed camp offered to riders 4-18 years old. Camps are offered during Spring Break and Summer. Multiple weeklong camp sessions are offered throughout the summer. All camps run on weekdays from 8:30 am - 2:45 pm. Camps are designed around the hunter/jumper and eventing disciplines as well as learning proper horse care and horsemanship skills and learn the overall health and fitness benefits that come from riding. Located off a quiet country road in Missouri this is a great place to spend your day.

5. Cheley Colorado Camps, Colorado

Cheley Colorado Camps is a coed overnight sleepaway for campers ages 9-17 years old. The camp is held at Estes Park at the entrance into Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 750 acres with miles and miles of riding trails. This camp prides itself on being unique and creating unique life experiences in a challenging and nurturing natural environment.

6. Hunters Chase Farms Inc. Texas

This camp offers both day camps and overnight camps and welcomes boys and girls ages 5 - 18 years old. These camps will teach horsemanship based on the rider’s current skills and teach riding skills that will prepare them for the show ring and pleasure riding. This beautiful 45 + acre ranch is the perfect setting for kids to learn and share knowledge about horses and develop other skills that will stay with them for many years. Instruction is focused on hunt seat equitation and is a great place to begin riding if showing horses is part of your future goals with horses.

7. Happy Horse of Course, Oregon

Offering a large variety of riding camps for different riding levels and age groups you will find just what you’re looking for at Happy Horse of Course. Camps are coed and ages 6 - 18 are welcome and have 1⁄2 and full-day camps offered on weekends. Instruction for camps is designed around the methods of natural horsemanship, the fundamentals of dressage, hunter/jumpers, and pleasure/trail riding. This is a great place for riders of all experience levels to learn and grow their horse knowledge and riding skills.

8. Cornerside Stables Horseback Riding Camp, Kentucky

This week-long, coed day camp, is held from 9 am - 3 pm for ages 7-13. Not only provide fantastic instruction when learning to ride. Campers will also learn about Equine health, nutrition, hoof care, and health, and how saddles should be properly fitted and why. Riding is structured for those who one day would like to jump and learn the fundamentals of dressage. One of the camp days is a field trip to the Kentucky Horse Park to watch the Rood and Riddle Grand Prix. This camp will be full of fun opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime.

9. Hidden Creek Ranch, Inc. California

Hidden Creek Ranch offers a camp which is an all-girls day camp running from 9 am - 1 pm. From June - August six weekly camps available to ages 8 -14. Two of the week long camps are perfect for those who have very little or no experience with horses. This is the perfect introduction to horses, providing the basics every horseman should start with. English riding camp is also an intro - level camp that is perfect for those who have jumping as their goal. English Jumping Camp is the follow-up to the English intro class. Trail camp is a huge hit with many riders as they learn and explore riding trails. There is also horse show camp for those who are wanting to compete as they become better riders. Campers will have the option to ride both English and western. Campers will ride every day during their camp session and at the end of horse show week camp, a horse show is held to showcase the skills they have learned throughout their camp weeks.

10. Idylwood Equestrian Center, Minnesota

Idylwood Equestrian Center offers all ages day camp for coed campers. Instructors teach horse care and horsemanship along with plenty of time spent in the saddle. Instruction is centered around hunter jumpers and English riding but the main emphasis they want to teach to campers is proper horsemanship and horse care. The best instruction is given when groups are small so sessions fill up quickly so call with plenty of notice so you don’t miss out on this amazing camp.

11. Horseback Riding Camp at Liberty Horse Farm, Ohio

This day camp at Liberty Horse Farm is the perfect introduction to what equestrian life is like. This is a coed camp and is offered to children ages 6-12. Instruction covers barn safety, proper horse handling and care, and basic riding skills. For horse lovers with some basic horse handling and riding skills, there are openings available to help out with the camps and for compensation, riding lessons are given. So It's a perfect first horse job for those who want to learn it all. Both the camp and summer camp helper jobs spot all fill quickly so sign up as soon as possible.

12. Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding, Georgia

Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding is a special place for both the horses and the riders. This camp is designed specifically for those with special needs. Ages 6-25 are welcome to attend this coed camp from 9 am - 12 pm. This camp includes daily riding, sensory trail stations, proper grooming and tacking the horses as well as barn chores and crafts. All instruction is done one on one so the rider has the instructor’s full undivided attention. You will be happy you found this heavenly place.

13. Boca Summer Horse Camp, Florida

Boca Summer Horse Camp is a fun learning experience for coed campers ages 5-14. Instruction focus’ on equine care, balanced riding, and proper on the ground horsemanship, Proper care of the horse and the equipment is also a very big part of the camp’s curriculum. Campers also get to spend some time swimming, watching educational horse movies, and crafts to wind down after a long day of horsin’ around.

14. Rolling Hills Farm Equestrian Center, Tennessee

A fun-filled camp for horse lovers ages 6 -16. This coed camp is run a full 7 day week from 9 am - 7 pm. This horseback riding camp teaches riders to ride a horse properly, horse games, horsemanship, crafts, and demonstrations. This camp also teaches the ethics used in 4-H to help provide clear and informative instruction.

15. Engler Farm Horsemanship Day Camps, Kansas

This day camp runs 4 days a week from 7:30 am - 12 pm and is open to boys and girls 5 - 19 years old. Instruction is offered for all riders, beginner to advanced riders, and covers safety, grooming, groundwork, riding, driving, training, cross country, mounted riding games, and much more. This camp gives you the feel for what it's like to have your own horse to care for. Sign up early and fill up these camp sessions quickly. 

There are tons of horseback riding camps offered throughout the states every year. If your child has shown an interest in horses a horse camp is by far the best way for them to experience a little bit of all things that go into owning and riding horses. At the end of camp, you may find your child is happy with that and only rides in the summer, or you will find that this is something your child wants to do more of so seeking regular riding lessons would be your next step. If you have already picked a camp for your child, you may need these tips on purchasing the right horse riding helmet for children or best horseback riding gloves for children.