Camp Cayuga offers a top-notch equestrian program in a traditional camp setting, providing campers a well-rounded activity program, with the opportunity to concentrate on horseback riding. Whether you're a beginner rider or an experienced jumper, you're guaranteed to have fun at Cayuga's equestrian center. Horseback riding is included in the camp tuition.

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

The Equestrian Center includes a stable and barnyard, 20 horses, two instructional riding rings, a variety of jumps, wooded pastures, miles of scenic trails on the camp property, and a petting zoo for bunnies, goats, a calf, and miniature horse. The stable features 20 straight stalls, a tack room, feed & grain room, hay storage area, small office, and helmet & boot storage room. ASTM/SEI certified helmets are provided by the camp.

RIDING LESSONS - JUMPING CLASSES 

Equitation classes in both English and Western styles are conducted from beginner to advanced levels. Scenic trail rides are regularly scheduled, and jumping classes are available to qualified riders. There’s a wide variety of colorful jumps at the equestrian center! Horseback riding is an elective activity for campers entering 5th grade and higher. Juniors are scheduled horseback riding twice a week. Additional periods are available upon parental request.  

PETTING ZOO

The Equestrian Center features a petting zoo that includes miniature stables with barnyards for our goats, sheep, donkey and miniature horse. They’re very friendly, and enjoy going for walks. We also have ducks and plenty of cute bunnies who love to be cuddled! All campers are welcome to care for the animals, and assist our staff with watering, feeding, and grooming. Click here for a panorama view of the petting zoo.

HORSEMANSHIP STAFF

The equestrian program is operated by our horsemanship director who has experience managing a riding program that encompasses instructing children, supervising staff, and caring for horses. The director is CHA certified or holds equivalent documentation. Our instructors are experienced riders/competitors, and are trained, evaluated, and qualified by the horsemanship director prior to our campers’ arrival. There’s always a staff member present at the equestrian center who holds current certification in first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

HORSE SHOWS

All campers are encouraged to participate in our horse shows. There are no try-outs. Horse Show classes are categorized by ability, so if you’re a beginner - you’re riding in a class with other beginners.  Horse shows are scheduled throughout the summer, two of which take place ‘away’ at nearby camps. Our riders have always performed well at these shows!

EVENING TRAIL RIDES

The fun starts-off with an evening trail ride after dinner. Upon your return to the Equestrian Center, you'll care for your horse (walk-out, water, feed), store your tack, and put your horse out to pasture for the evening. Afterwards, you set-up the campsite, and when the sun goes down, you’ll make some s’mores over an open fire for a late-night snack. Around curfew time, you'll walk back to your cabin to meet your cabinmates. Evening trail rides are a lot of fun, and are scheduled about once a week.

SAFETY

Camp Cayuga meets the standards and follows the guidelines set forth by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), as well as the American Camping Association (ACA).  Our commitment to safety is evident through the selection of our horsemanship staff, the format of our program, condition of our facilities, and quality of our tack. All riders are provided with certified helmets.