Gearing Up for Riding Camp: Essentials to Get Your Child Ready for a Fun and Safe Summer on Horseback

With the school year winding down and the days growing longer, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your young rider for a summer packed with ponies. Riding camps are a wonderful way for children to build confidence, develop responsibility, and most importantly, have a blast with horses! Whether your child is heading to a day camp or an overnight equestrian retreat, making sure they’re equipped with the right gear is of the utmost importance.

Here’s a guide to help you and your child get camp ready.

Clothing & Gear Essentials

Riding camps usually provide a list of required gear, but here are some tried-and-true essentials you’ll want to make sure are ready to go:

1. A Fitted Helmet
 Safety always comes first. Make sure your child’s helmet is properly fitted and in good condition (no cracks, dents, or past falls).

2. Comfortable Riding Boots
Boots with a small heel are a must for riding. Avoid sneakers or hiking boots; they’re not safe for riding.

3. Breeches, Jodhpurs, or Riding Tights
Proper riding pants help prevent pinching, slipping, or chafing in the saddle. Breeches. jodhpurs or riding tights are ideal and come in a variety colors and fits.

4. Gloves
Riding gloves protect little hands from reins, blisters, and sunburn. They also provide a steady grip while riding.

5. Camp-Appropriate Clothing
Don’t forget everyday items like T-shirts, light jackets, and extra socks. Riding can be dusty and sweaty, so pack a few extras for layering and changing out mid-day.

6. Water Bottle & Sunscreen
 Hydration is key during long barn days. Pack a refillable water bottle and a high-SPF, sweat-resistant sunscreen your child can reapply as needed.

Barn Basics

While some camps provide barn supplies, others expect campers to bring their own. These small items can go a long way in making your child feel prepared and confident:
Brush or grooming kit 

• Towel or rag (for hands, tack, or spills)
• Notebook or journal to jot down what they learned each day
• Small backpack or tote to keep everything organized

Pro Tips from the Barn Aisle

Label Everything
From boots to brushes, things tend to get mixed up at camp. A silver sharpie or name tag can save the day when your child’s gear looks a lot like everyone else’s.

Break in New Gear Ahead of Time
If you’re buying new boots or breeches, have your child wear them a few times before camp starts to avoid sore feet or stiff seams.

We Can’t Wait to See You Ride! Summer riding camp is more than just horseback riding, it’s about learning responsibility, making memories, and connecting with horses in a meaningful way. With a little prep and a positive attitude, your child is on track for an amazing experience.

We’d love to see your camper in action, send us photos of their favorite camp moments or tag us in your posts!