There’s something special about the relationship between a child and a horse, the patience it takes, the trust it requires, and the quiet confidence that comes from learning to work with an animal that responds to how you move and how you carry yourself. At Camp Lakota, horseback riding isn’t just an activity. It’s an experience that stays with campers long after the summer ends.
Our equestrian program is led by experienced instructors who teach both Western and English riding styles, tailoring every lesson to the individual skill level of each rider. As an ACA-accredited camp, our facilities and programs meet rigorous safety and quality standards. Explore a day at Camp Lakota or visit our programs page to find your child’s division.
Campers who are new to riding start in our dedicated corral, a safe, controlled environment designed specifically for learning the basics. With their instructor beside them, they’ll learn how to approach, greet, and mount a horse, how to hold the reins, basic commands, and how to communicate with their horse through posture and movement. The emphasis is always on safety, comfort, and building genuine confidence before moving on.
As campers grow in confidence and proficiency, they earn the opportunity to explore our beautiful trail network, acres of scenic riding in the heart of New York’s Catskill countryside. Experienced riders work on refining their technique, improving posture and position, and deepening their connection with their horse.
Our instructors go beyond riding. Campers learn how to properly care for horses, including grooming, feeding, and understanding horse behavior, building responsibility and empathy that extends well beyond the saddle. For many campers, learning to care for an animal as large and perceptive as a horse is one of the most meaningful things they do all summer.
Here’s what sets the Lakota equestrian experience apart:
Whether your child is an experienced rider or has always dreamed of being near horses, Camp Lakota’s Horseback Riding program has a place for them.
Not at all. Complete beginners start in our dedicated corral with step-by-step instruction, while experienced riders move on to trails and more advanced technique work. Every level is genuinely accommodated.
Our instructors teach both Western and English riding styles. Campers can explore either or both, depending on their interests and progression.
Yes, safety is the foundation of everything we do in the equestrian program. All riders wear helmets, beginners start in a controlled corral environment, and every session is supervised by experienced equestrian instructors. Camp Lakota is ACA-accredited, meeting nationally recognized standards for safety and programming.
Yes, horsemanship is a key part of the program. Campers learn how to groom, feed, and care for horses, building responsibility and empathy alongside riding skills.
Yes, horseback riding is part of Camp Lakota’s standard program and included in tuition. Visit our Dates & Tuition page for complete pricing information.
Yes, horseback riding is available to campers across all divisions, with instruction adapted for each age group and ability level.