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 in Winter"] 

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"Choosing a Summer Riding Camp"     By: Elizabeth Kirkwood

"Picture your dream summer. Most likely, it includes having your own horse to ride and care for every day. To get to show it, learn more about the equine world, while meeting new friends just as horse crazy as you.  But if you’re like me, your parents won’t agree to buying a horse, so the dream may be a little far-fetched. But that perfect summer could be this summer when you go for a summer riding camp."

"Riding camps can be found in many countries, and there’s probably one near you.  You can look in horse magazines for riding camp ads, or if you live in the United States, call the American Camping Association (1-800-777-CAMP) for a list of camps with riding programs. There is also an online list of camps at the bottom of this article that you might like to refer to. 

"E-mail, call, or write a letter to the directors asking for brochures, and if they supply them, videos too. Look over the brochures, watch the videos, and narrow down the choices. Bear in mind things like: 
 

· How much riding do I want to do?  · How much can I afford to pay for thecamp?  · What facilities do I want to have at the camp?   · Do I want to do other activities, or just ride?  · Do I want to go to a co-ed camp?  · Are the levels right for me?  · Will I learn English or Western riding?  · What kind of activities will we get to do on    horseback?  · Is the camp in my neighborhood?  · Do I want to show at the camp?  · Do we get to take care of the horses?  · Are there horsemanship classes?  · Can I bring my own horse?

"Be sure that your parents get to see the videos and brochures, too. Chances are they’re the ones paying for the camp, and this brings up the subject of cost. Don’t go to a camp where you can find another that's just as good for half the cost. If possible, take a tour of the camps, maybe even while they're in session. Talk to the counselors, see the horses, and check out the accommodations and facilities.  

"After all that, it’s time to start some serious thinking about which camp you’d like to go to. Jot down pros and cons of each camp, and compare each of them. Once you’ve decided, send off your application at once, as most camps fill up rather quickly - That's why many of us start looking for our summer riding camps in winter!  And once you get done with all that, rest and imagine your perfect summer at the camp!"