Saddle up, kids! That’s the clarion call a lot of parents hear when the school break rolls around. When visions of long, lazy days ahead make kids downright giddy, it might be time to say “giddy up” at one of South Carolina’s many equestrian camps.
Learning to ride and care for horses under expert guidance is fun, educational and an inspiring adventure for school kids of all ages. But be forewarned: Most of these camps tend to fill up at a gallop so inquire early.
Here are a few equestrian farms and centers to consider, each offering great summer and holiday programs for kids.
Pony Gang Horse Crazy Camp, Hopkins
Overview: Pony Gang Horse Crazy Camp is located on 27 ½ acres with two outdoor arenas and a round pen. Campers can choose to learn Western or English style. Overnight and day camps are offered.
Camp options: Horse Riding Summer Camps; Winter and Spring Horse Camp; Girls Summer Camps; Equestrian Summer Camps; Mother/Daughter Weekends; Girls-only overnight horse-riding camp; separate co-ed day camps for girls and boys; “Tiny Tot” horse camp for ages 3 to 6
Focus: Correct riding foundations, responsible horse care and confidence-building skills.
Camelot Farms Holiday and Summer Camps, St. Helena
(843) 838-3938
Overview: Camelot Farms is situated on 65 acres of pastures, trails, natural woodlands and equestrian facilities. It has several arenas and offers inland and coastal trail rides. Day camps only for ages 5 and older.
Camp options: Week-long, full- and half-day horsemanship and riding camps; seasonal partial week camps over school breaks.
Focus: Creating a balanced seat, light aids, harmony between horse and rider, horsemanship, horse history, different disciplines of riding, educational games and crafts.
Idlehurst Horse Camp, Woodruff
(864) 534-2521
Overview: Idlehurst is a 120-year-old working farm that offers horse camps as well as riding lessons and therapeutic riding programs. Day camps only for ages 4 and older.
Camp options: Beginner and advanced horse camps
Focus: Beginners learn to care for and ride while advance students who can walk and trot independently learn different disciplines, aspects of horse care and finish with a show.
Camp Horseshoe, Prosperity
(803) 924-3573
Overview: Camp Horseshoe is set on more than 75 acres and consists of an 1850s farmhouse activity center with restrooms and changing areas; barn with stalls, tack room, feed room, large show-ready arena and above ground pool for campers. Day camps only for ages 5 and older.
Camp options: General camp (includes horseback riding and other outdoor activities); Horseback Lovers Club (riding, feeding, horse care and maintenance); Saddle Club (horse care, feeding, maintenance of riding facilities and equipment); Adventure Camp for kids with prior horse experience.
Focus: Friendship-building recreation, connection with nature, teaching students to feel the horse rather than react to the horse.
Top Priority Horses, Pamplico
(843) 687-8134
Overview: Top Priority Horses offers 17 acres and well-maintained arenas. They provide properly fitted Western tack and supervised lessons. Day camps for ages 5 and older.
Camp options: Summer horse day camps are beginner-friendly and feature daily riding lessons, hands-on horsemanship, grooming and horse care, crafts, games, team challenges and confidence-building exercises.
Focus: Safety-first approach with emphasis on building responsibility, confidence, communication and compassion.
