Southlands is offering seven week-long sessions which will allow our students to put into practice what is taught all year long and include new challenges.  We will continue to stress our commitment to quality instruction in equitation, animal husbandry, stable management and to promote good sportsmanship while insuring that all students get the level of instruction best suited to their qualifications.

Weeks I and IV are geared for junior riders (ages 5-12) who have little to no riding experience. ‘Green Camp’ will provide children with a structured and supervised introduction to total horsemanship. Children will have experiences with, however not limited to the following: feeding and watering, proper grooming and bathing skills, basic training and fundamental skills of riding, basic veterinary care, Southlands’ wildlife and live stock, bareback riding, and general barn safety. 

Weeks II, III, V and VI are for riders who are capable of walking, trotting, jumping crossrails and may have begun to canter in a group setting.  Riding sessions can include show ring practice, mounted games and competitions, trail rides and nature walks.  All instructors will be participating, each concentrating on a different area of expertise.  A horse show for participants in Weeks I – III will be held on Saturday, July 19 and for participants of Weeks IV – VI on Saturday, August 9.

Week VII is designed for riders currently riding at the 2’3” to 2’6” level and above, or are interested in beginning to compete at this level.  Riders must have instructor approval to participate in this session.  This week will afford new challenges, both on and off the horse, including barn organization and management, show grooming, braiding, injury/colic/ lameness treatments, teaching, lunging, feeding and supplements.  Tuition will include the entry fees for the Dutchess County Fair Horse Show, which is 8/20 and 8/21.  Transportation, coaching and braiding will be a separate, nominal fee.

All students need a packed lunch, snack and drink including an extra water bottle. There will be water readily available for refilling bottles.  Each morning riders should come dressed in riding gear; jeans or breeches, short sleeved shirt, a boot with a slight heel, a belt, and a pair of shorts to change into, and an extra shirt just in case. In addition, each camper should arrive with  sun block applied, hair tied back and shirt tucked in.

New York State law requires all riders under the age of 14 to wear ASTM/SEI approved helmets and all riders under the age of 18 must wear same to compete in USEF sanctioned events and shows.  All participants in the Summer Program should have their own approved helmet.

Parents/Guardians may be asked to provide proof of medical insurance.  Enrollment constitutes agreement by parent/guardian to be responsible for any medical expenses incurred.  Southlands reserves the right to call the rescue squad for any emergency situation.

Any child who becomes ill during the course of the camp day will be monitored in the office until picked up by a parent or guardian.

Southlands reserves the right to excuse any student from the program who is persistently uncooperative or is deemed dangerous to other students and/or animals.

Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  A non-refundable $100 deposit per week is required with registration.  The weekly fee includes use of tack and equipment, an assigned mount and instruction.    Parents/guardians will be given plenty of notice regarding field trips and any extra spending money that may be needed. 

The goal of our program is the development of confident, capable, and understanding riders along with willing, relaxed and happy mounts.  We promote good sportsmanship and a team spirit.  We want our students to have fun with their mounts, as well as the mounts having fun with their riders.  We are confident our students will learn a great deal and have an enjoyable time doing so!

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