Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Blue Star’s magnificent 500 acre campus and adjoining 10,400 acre forest preserve inspire campers to connect with the natural world, while providing every opportunity for extraordinary summer adventures.
Blue Star’s Equestrian Program offers campers high quality English riding instruction and an opportunity to interact with and care for our specially trained, camp-owned horses. As part of Blue Star Camps’ national accreditation process through the American Camp Association, our Equestrian Program is additionally accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). Since 1967, CHA’s mission is to promote excellence in safety and education through certified instructors and the accreditation of equine facilities. Our modern barn, five riding rings, plentiful trails, and expansive stable of horses help to create the excellent program that we offer to campers. As they hone their skill sets, they also enjoy the fun of riding and spending time at the barn.
Our goals for this innovative program are having campers benefit from the development of their equestrian skills, enhance knowledge of equine care, barn management and building a relationship between horse and rider; becoming a more intimate team working together as one. We provide endless opportunities to improve skill sets and gain knowledge while also creating a fun camp experience. As you embark on your Blue Star Equestrian Camp adventure, know that you can rely on our dedicated riding instructors and counselors to be there for you every step (be it a trot or canter) of the way!
Program Highlights:
• Camp-Owned Horses
• English Riding Lessons (5 large Riding Rings) • Horse Care
• Trail Rides
• Off-Camp Trail Trips
• Participation in an in-camp Horse Show
What to Expect
Each camper will be assigned his/her “own” horse for the course of the camp (horse and rider appropriately suited). Working together, the camper and horse will become a team by concentrating on the skills of riding.
In addition to the excitement of riding a horse of his/her “own”, the camper will learn the responsibility and work involved with properly caring for a horse. Skills learned will include correct leading, haltering, grooming, saddling, and braiding. After each morning lesson, the campers will exhibit the proper care of his/her horse including un-tacking, bathing, stall cleaning, feeding, and stabling.
All campers will participate in an on-site Mini Horseshow that will showcase each rider’s abilities and riding skills. Parents are absolutely welcome to attend. This culminating event on Saturday, will showcase each individual’s abilities and riding skills, focusing on his/her progress and achievements.
All activities will adhere to CHA standards and during the introductory session, participants will be introduced to the certifications and the requirements for each learned level.
Riders entering grades four through ten are welcome! In order to insure quality instruction, we keep our camper-to-instructor ratio low. Please register early to reserve your camper’s space in our Horseback Skills Camp.
Camp cost: $1,350
For more information: 828-692-3591 or info@bluestarcamps.com
http://www.bluestarcamps.com/pdfs/2018-BlueStar-HorseBack-Skills-Camp.pdf