FAQs
What is Horse Camp?
We are a week long residential camp for youth grades third through 12th grade. Our mission is to provide youth with the opportunity to expand their equine knowledge, enhance their horsemanship skills and make new friends.
When is Horse Camp?
Horse camp always begins on Father’s Day Sunday and goes through the following Saturday.
When can I sign up my camper?
Enrollment opens on the last Sunday in January at 8am each year. Online applications can be found on this website.
Where is Horse Camp located?
Camp is held at the Great Jones County Fairgrounds in Monticello, Iowa.
Where do the campers sleep?
The girls sleep in the 4H building and the boy sleep in the Equestrian Building. Campers must bring their own cots, bedding, etc.
Does camp supply a horse for my child?
No, camp does not provide horses to our campers. Campers are required to bring their own horse or a horse that they have borrowed.
Do you accept beginners with no horse experience?
Yes, however, it is not recommended. Campers should have some experience and be able to care for(feed/water/etc) and tack their horse. We do have volunteers that can assist them but ultimately, it is the camper’s responsibility to care for their horse for the week.
What does the daily schedule look like?
Campers awake at 7 am to feed/water their horses and clean stalls. Breakfast is at 8 am. From 9 am to 12 pm, we have our morning lesson rotation: hour of riding lessons, 45 minutes of E-cademy, and an hour of free time. Lunch is served at noon and the lesson rotation is repeated from 1 pm to 4pm. At 4:15 pm, campers participate in the elective that they have chosen for the day. Horses are fed and stalls are cleaned again at 5 pm. Dinner is served at 6 pm followed by our evening activity at 7 pm. After a long day, campers make their way back to the dorms for lights out around 9:30 pm.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are experienced and talented equestrians that bring a wide range of talents and disciplines to the ring.
How do you decide what group my campers will be in?
A camper is put in their riding group based on a variety of factors, including but limited to: age, riding ability, riding interests, hometown, etc.
Do I need to volunteer?
We rely heavily on volunteers in order to run a successful, educational, fun and safe camp at a low cost rate. If you are able to volunteer that would be great but it is not required.
Can we bring an inexperienced or young horse to camp?
Horses and ponies that are brought to camp should be experienced and well broke. Horses and ponies less than five years of age, unbroken or very green horses, stallions, or mares with foals at their side will not be allowed. We ask that the campers be able to control and care for their horse. Campers should also be able to saddle and bridle their horse with some assistance if needed. Volunteers will be in the barn to assist campers in lifting, tightening, and checking saddles. Campers will do better and learn more bringing a seasoned horse to camp.
