Horseback Riding
Designed for New & Experienced Riders
Wyonegonic offers a horseback riding program to all interested campers at no additional cost. We have a fully equipped stable area with 10 horses, a riding ring, and a network of trails on Wyonegonic’s property.
Riding staff live and work at the stables village and are responsible for horse care and lessons. Camp Counselors with a background in riding, also accompany the campers to their lessons and act as additional assistants in the barn and ring.
Riding is an optional activity and most campers can get to the stables each week depending on camper interest, trip schedules, and weather.
English Riding Lessons
Many campers get their first introduction to horses at camp. Our riding staff teaches the girls how to be safe and comfortable around horses. Campers also learn beginning riding skills, which helps to slowly increase the confidence of new riders. As the riders progress, they are placed in classes with other campers at the same skill level.
Intermediate and advanced riders continue to work on their equitation and horse care skills. A huge honor for the more advanced riders is to be chosen to be a part of the Wyonegonic Drill Team. The riders on the drill team create and practice a choreographed routine set to music, which is then performed at the Horse Show.
Stable Management and Horse Care
Campers of all ages are not only riding, but also learning about horse care, grooming, and stable management. It’s important for riders to get a well rounded experience when learning about horses. The Wyonegonic staff do a great job sharing their knowledge, safety around horses, and fun-filled equine facts with the campers.
Older campers with strong horse skills have the opportunity to gain additional hands-on stable experience through our Wrangler Program. They learn to care for the horses and stables and can help as leading assistants on trail rides for younger campers.
Trail Rides
Exploring the Wyonegonic property and pine forests by horseback is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Trail rides are available to all levels of riders and vary in length. A popular activity for more advanced riders is a trail ride to the Sudduth Farmhouse and the open hay fields.
Special Events
Campers who show special interest in horseback riding may be invited to participate in a barn overnight. Girls camp out in a tent at the stables and learn from the staff first-hand about the feeding and care of the horses during barn check and morning feeding.
The Gymkhana involves a variety of games on horseback for all skill levels. It’s a perfect way for beginner riders to show a sense of accomplishment by participating in games like the egg and spoon, costume race, pole bending, relays, and bobbing for apples!
In the Wyonegonic Horse Show, riders can show their newly acquired riding skills in equitation classes. The horse show is concluded by the performance of the Wyonegonic Drill Team where advanced riders create a choreographed routine set to music.