SUMMER CAMPS
The two available horse camps at Strides are created for children with and without disabilities. Participants are placed in small groups of similar age and ability to facilitate a comfortable learning experience. Camps are taught by equestrian professionals who specialize working with the pediatric population. A shaded area serves as home base for breaks, snacks, and camp arts and crafts activities. It is recommended that campers who require extra assistance bring an adult helper with them to camp.
Who can sign up for summer camps?
All camps are open to current adaptive riding clients and hippotherapy patients as well as individuals on the Strides waitlist, client siblings, and others within the Tri-Cities, WA community.
Does a camper have to have a disability or need to know how to ride?
Campers do not have to have disabilities to participate. Strides's summer camps are inclusive of all individuals ages 4 years to 18 years. Along with this, individuals do not need prior riding experience to participate.
Strides Horse Camps operate a 4 to 1 camper-to-instructor ratio. We strive to operate an inclusive camp that allows for success and enjoyment of each camper.
All campers are required to fill out paperwork for the day. Campers will not be able to participate alongside the Strides horses if the paperwork is not filled out.
Registration fees must be paid to reserve your loved one's place in camp. Insurance does not pay for horse camp.
If you are interested in registering for a camp, please fill out the corresponding registration form below. If you have questions before registering, please contact Hello@StridesTC.org or call 509-492-8000, option 1.
SUMMER CAMP OPTION 1: CAMP ROWDY, for all levels of abilities
SUMMER CAMP OPTION 2: RUBY'S CAMP, for individuals with special needs
CAMP ROWDY
Age: 4yo to 18yo
For all levels of abilities.
Camp Rowdy is a two-part summer horse camp that builds on skills learned. Camp is open to both neurotypical & neurodivergent individuals. Perfect way for siblings to ride together! Each day of camp, campers will have a riding lesson from a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor.
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Day 1: July 15, 8am to 10am
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Day 2: July 29, 8am to 10am
Typical itinerary may consist of:
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learning how to groom, bathe, and lead horses
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helping tack their horse for a riding lesson
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learning about horse health
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creating an enrichment treat to feed their horse
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games such as "pony, pony, horse" and designing obstacle courses to run through on hobby horses
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crafts include painting a horse, making pony pizzas, and more!
NOTE:
Snacks & beverages are provided during snack time. If your child has a food allergy / restriction, please pack them their own snack.
Riding helmets are required to be on or near the horses for safety; we have helmets available though riders are encouraged to bring their own ASTM certified riding helmet. Bike helmets are not acceptable.
It is recommended, though not required, that a parent / guardian stays during camp for campers ages 4 to 6.
Registration fee: $180 per rider to participate in both days. Discounts available for siblings.
Camp shirt included.
Camp is limited to 8 riders.
RUBY'S CAMP
Age: 4yo and up
For individuals with special needs.
Mini horse Diva and her friends help teach basic horsemanship including terminology & horse language. Fun games & social skills included. The primary focus is ground work. Please note, there will be NO riding lesson during Ruby's Camp.
Date Availability (all Saturdays):
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June 17, 9am - 11am
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June 24, 9am - 11am
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July 1, 9am - 11am
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July 8, 9am - 11am
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August 5, 9am - 11am
Typical itinerary may consist of:
-
learning how to groom, bathe, and lead horses
-
learning about horse health
-
creating an enrichment treat to feed their horse
-
games such as "pony, pony, horse" and designing obstacle courses to run through on hobby horses
-
crafts include painting a horse, making pony pizzas, and more!
NOTE:
Snacks & beverages are provided during snack time. If your child has a food allergy / restriction, please pack them their own snack.
Riding helmets are required to be near the horses for safety; we have helmets available though riders are encouraged to bring their own ASTM certified riding helmet. Bike helmets are not acceptable.
Registration fee: $40 per day
Camp is limited to 10.
If you are using DDA / DSHS for aid, you do have to register your information online; please request a special code from the Client Coordinator at Hello@StridesTC.org.
ELIGIBILITY:
Strides is accredited through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. (PATH), and we follow their guidelines for precautions and contraindications equine-assisted activities. For a complete list of precautions and contraindications, please click here.
Campers must be able to use the restroom independently and feed themselves independently, or restroom and feeding assistance must be provided by the camper’s family / caregiver. Strides staff & volunteers are unable to help with restroom use or feeding assistance.
For specific questions regarding eligibility please contact us at (509) 492-8000, option 1 or Hello@StridesTC.org.
CANCELLATION POLICY for CAMP ROWDY:
If you need to cancel your registration for camp, please contact us as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 30 days prior to your camp starting, you will receive a refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to your camp starting, you will not receive a refund or credit.
CANCELLATION POLICY for RUBY'S CAMP:
If you need to cancel your registration for camp, please contact us as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 30 days prior to your camp starting, you will receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee and zero refund for cost of t-shirt. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to your camp starting, you will not receive a refund or credit.
DSHS / DDA:
**Strides accepts DSHS / DDA funds for Ruby's Camp only.**
Contact your DSHS / DDA case manager for approval. If you are using DDA / DSHS for aid, you do have to register your information online; please request a special code from the Client Coordinator at Hello@StridesTC.org.
