Complete summer camp lesson plans for your program during the whole summer for beginners through advanced riders including:
And many more new ideas and games to make your camp the BEST camp in your area!
No label Correct Mounting & Dismounting
Teach campers how to properly mount from a block, the ground, and a leg up as well as how to dismount...
No label Basic Riding Position
The principal body parts involved in forming proper position are the lower leg, base of support (hips to knees), upper body,hands, arms and seat.
This worksheet will remind campers of the steps to mounting and dismounting a horse and basic equitation of hands, legs, & feet. There is also a fill-in-the-blank activity so you can review with campers what they learned.
No label Natural & Artificial Aids
Teach the campers how to use the natural and artificial aids. Aids are the signals that riders use to communicate with a horse.
No label Gaits of the Horse
Teach campers the sequence of footfalls in all horse gaits...
No label General Flatwork
General flat work campers should focus on...
No label Riding Out in the Open
An activity to teach campers about the safety of riding horseback out in the open...
No label Warming Up
A worksheet and riding activity to teach campers about properly warming a horse up...
No label Tack Worksheets
Worksheets you can print out for campers about english and western saddle/bridle parts...
No label Conditioning
Conditioning is a system of bringing a horse to a level of fitness that is sufficient for it to do its job efficiently and correctly. Teach campers how to correctly condition...
No label Worksheet – Make A Conditioning Plan
A blank worksheet for riders to fill out a conditioning plan for their horse or even an "imaginary" horse...
Print out the following fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about the footfalls of the horse. While lunging a horse, explain...
Print out the numbers in the following printout and the campers will pretend to be horses and learn how to move at a walk, trot, and canter while using their own legs and arms...
No label Demo - Riding Ring and Arena Safety
- State and follow the rules of the ring during a group riding session - Explain why each arena rule exists in terms of horse and rider safety - Describe correct passing etiquette and ring direction protocol - Explain what to do if a horse gets loose in the arena - Demonstrate correct behavior when entering and exiting the arena - Describe how to fall as safely as possible and what to do after a fall
- Describe the correct immediate response to the most common barn injuries - Explain when to call for help and what information to have ready - Demonstrate basic first aid steps for cuts, falls, kicks, and bites - Identify the location of the first aid kit on your property - Explain why staying calm is the most important first response skill - Know what not to do in a barn injury situation
No label General Jumping
Basic jumping terms include...
No label Eventing Classroom Activities
Teach campers about the different types of cross country fences and more...
No label Show Jumping Classroom Activities
A few fun classroom activities to teach campers about show jumping...
No label Dressage Classroom Activities
Camp activities related to dressage...
No label Foxhunting Classroom Activities
Classroom camp activities related to learning about foxhunting...
No label Trail Patterns/Obstacle Courses
Have campers try their hand at western trail patterns or obstacle courses - even in an english saddle!
While campers are out trail riding (or can even be done on a walk out on the trails on foot) see who can spot the most on your list...
No label Edible Plants
While trail riding with campers, show them...
No label Mounted Orienteering/Geocache
Anybody riding horse, can easily cover enough ground to get themselves lost if they don't have basic back country navigation skills. You can also have the kids use...
No label Activity - Introduction to Grooming
Grooming is a job that should be performed daily on a horse.
No label Worksheet – Grooming
Print out this worksheet about grooming for campers - there is also a page with fill-in-the-blanks!
No label Activity - Bathing
BATHINGIn general, it is far better to groom a horse than to bathe it. Bathing strips the horse’s coat of oil and makes the coat dull.
No label Activity - Sheath and Udder Cleaning
This lesson is for advanced and mature campers only. Use your judgment. This is not an appropriate activity for every group, and there is no obligation to include it in your camp program. When in doubt, leave it out. That said, for the right group, this is a practical and important piece of horsemanship that is often skipped entirely and horses suffer for it.
No label Activity - Clipping Demo
When showing, a horse should be clean, neat and well turned out. Part of this requires attention to the mane, tail,muzzle, ears and lower legs.Â
The clipping demo is one of those unmounted lessons that covers a lot of ground fast — clip styles, blade sizes, safety rules, blanket management. By the end of it, campers have heard a lot of information. These four games help lock it in without feeling like a quiz.
No label Activity - Mane Pulling
By the end of this lesson, campers will be able to: - Explain why a mane is pulled rather than cut with scissors as a general rule - Describe the ideal length for a pulled mane and why it matters - Demonstrate correct pulling technique using a pulling comb - Demonstrate the scissors and comb thinning method as an alternative - Identify horses that may need special consideration during mane pulling
No label Activity – Mane & Tail Braiding
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: - Explain why manes and tails are braided and when braiding is appropriate - Prepare a mane or tail correctly before beginning to braid - Demonstrate a basic three-strand braid on a mane section - Demonstrate a basic running braid or training braid on the mane - Demonstrate a basic tail braid - Identify the difference between a braid done for turnout, training, and showing - Secure a braid correctly so it stays in place without causing discomfort
Split the campers up into teams, pairs, or individuals. You can choose a theme...
Split campers into teams of two to five and have them line up. One person from each team steps forward and puts on a blindfold. Hand every blindfolded camper the same tool at the same time — no hints, no help from teammates, no talking from the group. Blindfolded campers feel the tool and call out the name when they are ready.
A show groom is a different job than an everyday groom. The standard is higher, the details matter more, and the horse is being presented to a judge whose job is to assess every aspect of what is in front of them. A horse that looks like it has been prepared with care tells the judge something about the rider and the program before the horse has taken a single step in the ring.
A deep clean of the mane and tail means working all the way to the skin at the base of every hair. This is where scurf accumulates, where ticks embed themselves, and where skin irritation develops if the area is not kept clean. A horse that rubs its mane or tail is often telling you the roots need attention.Conditioner applied after shampooing restores moisture to the hair shaft, reduces breakage during brushing, and makes the mane and tail easier to manage between washes. It is a simple step that makes a measurable difference in the long-term condition of the tail especially, where hair takes years to grow to full length.
No label Worksheet – Grooming Tools
A worksheet for campers to learn about grooming tools. Campers will have to label a picture of each tool and describe its use...
No label Worksheet – Grooming Tools Matching
A worksheet for campers to match the name of a grooming tool to its picture...
Campers are each assigned a grooming tool and take turns approaching the horse to teach the rest of the group its name, purpose, and correct technique — then switch tools and do it all again. It covers grooming knowledge and barn safety in one activity without either one feeling like a lesson. Can be videoed.
No label Worksheet – The Order of Grooming
A fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about the order of grooming, why we groom, and when we should groom!
No label Activity - Grooming Tool Relay
If you need a fast, high-energy unmounted activity that doubles as a legitimate grooming lesson, this is it. The Grooming Tool Relay is one of those games that works every time — with beginners who are still learning tool names, with returning campers who think they already know everything, and with mixed-age groups where you need something that scales.
This is one of those activities that sounds almost too simple when you describe it, and then you run it and campers are completely hooked. What's in the Grooming Box works with every age group, requires almost no setup, and generates more genuine laughter and engagement than almost anything else in an unmounted lesson block.
No label Activity - Spot the Grooming Mistake
Every camp has them — the returning campers who have heard the grooming lecture before, who finish your sentences during the demo, who make it pretty clear they're ready to move on. Spot the Mistake was made for them. The setup is simple: you groom the horse, but you make mistakes on purpose. Campers have to catch every one, call it out, and explain why it's wrong. That last part is where the real learning happens.
No label Activity - Tail Banging
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: - Explain what tail banging is and why it is done - Identify the correct finished length for a banged tail - Demonstrate how to hold and position the tail correctly before cutting - Demonstrate a straight bang cut with clean, sharp scissors - Explain why tail length matters for both appearance and function
No label Activity - Fun Braids
The purpose of braiding our horse’s mane is to add interest or functionality. Braids not only look good, but can help keep the hair from breaking, thus helping the hair grow longer, and can also help the horse stay cooler in the summer months. Horses with thick manes can sweat a lot under their mane. There are some really beautiful and fun braids to try that are not for use while showing.
Western show presentation has its own standards and traditions that differ from English turnout in important ways. The horse should be immaculate — not one speck of dirt, shavings behind the hocks, or missed patch under the belly but the overall look is natural and polished rather than heavily braided and styled.
No label Activity - Applying Fly Spray
Fly spray is applied as part of the grooming routine — after the groom is complete and before the horse is tacked up or turned out. Applying it over a dirty coat reduces its effectiveness. Applying it after a show groom requires a light touch so the coat finish is not disturbed.
No label Activity - Grooming Trivia
Trivia game with different formats and questions for each student's level
Both games follow the same basic structure. Split campers into two or more teams. One camper from the acting or drawing team draws a card and has 60 seconds to get their team to guess the word or phrase — without speaking for charades, using only a drawing for Pictionary. One point per correct guess within the time limit. Rotate so every camper gets at least one turn. Team with the most points wins.
No label Demo - General Safety Around Horses
By the end of this lesson, campers will be able to: - Approach a horse in a stall safely and correctly - Read basic horse body language and identify warning signs - Follow fundamental barn safety rules consistently - Halter and lead a horse safely using correct technique - Tie a horse correctly using a quick release knot and appropriate equipment - Explain why each safety rule exists rather than simply following it without understanding
By the end of this lesson, campers will be able to: - Demonstrate the correct procedure for returning a horse to its stall safely - Explain why the horse must remain haltered until it is standing quietly in the stall - Identify the signs that a horse has been cast overnight - Describe the correct procedure for helping a cast horse - Explain what casting is and what can be done to prevent it - Understand when a cast horse situation requires an experienced adult rather than a camper response
Print out these worksheets for your campers to fill out and learn about the rules/safety around horses...
No label Activity – Safety Rules Art
By the end of this activity, campers will be able to: - Recall and articulate at least one barn safety rule from memory - Represent a safety rule visually in a way that is clear to others - Explain why their chosen rule matters in their own words - Contribute to a shared barn safety display that serves the whole camp community
- Estimate the weight of a horse and compare their guess to the actual measurement - Use or observe the correct use of a weight tape on a horse - Articulate why a horse's size and weight matters from a safety perspective - Recall and apply barn safety rules in a real barn environment during the activity - Internalize the size difference between humans and horses including the smallest horses as a foundation for safe behavior
- Demonstrate their assigned safety rule correctly in front of the group - Observe and evaluate a peer's demonstration using specific criteria - Explain their evaluation in their own words rather than simply assigning a grade - Apply safety rules in a real barn environment with a real horse present - Internalize safety rules at a deeper level by teaching and evaluating them rather than simply hearing them
- Explain why horses startle and how to avoid triggering that response - Describe the difference between a flight animal and a fight animal and identify which one a horse is - Explain why horses have blind spots and where those blind spots are - Demonstrate correct behavior when approaching, touching, and working around a horse - Identify the safety risks of common mistakes such as running, shouting, and approaching from behind - Explain why staying relaxed around horses matters
No label Worksheet – Barn Safety
A fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about barn safety...
Campers will look at a picture and list all of the safety hazards in the picture. They can also color the page too!
No label Activity - How to Catch a Horse
Demonstrate how to approach and catch a loose horse. Have campers practice in a small sized paddock with a nice, quiet horse.
Safety education doesn't stick when it's delivered as a list of rules students passively listen to once! It sticks when students physically experience it and two drama-based activities make that happen effectively. Both activities work for all age groups with simple adaptations - younger kids need exaggerated obvious movements while teens and adults can handle more complex scenarios and deeper discussion about real consequences. The goal isn't performance quality, it's genuine understanding, and students who laugh their way through acting out what happens if you approach a horse from behind incorrectly will remember that safety rule far longer than any bullet-pointed list they ever heard read aloud.
No label Demo - Fire Safety in the Barn
- Explain why barns are high fire risk environments - Identify the location of every fire extinguisher on the property - Describe the correct steps to take if a fire breaks out in the barn - Explain why horses are difficult to evacuate in a fire and what helps - Identify the most common causes of barn fires and how to prevent them - Know what never to do in a barn fire situation
- Demonstrate the correct procedure for turning a horse out safely - Demonstrate the correct procedure for bringing a horse in from a pasture - Read basic herd dynamics in a field and identify potential conflict between horses - Approach a horse safely in a pasture setting - Open, pass through, and close a gate correctly with a horse - Identify what to do if a horse will not be caught
No label Demo - Weather Safety
- Identify weather conditions that require suspending riding or barn activities - Describe the correct response to a thunderstorm at the barn - Explain lightning safety rules specific to the barn environment - Recognize signs of heat stress in horses and riders - Describe the correct response to extreme heat during camp - Know where to go and what to do on your property during a weather emergency - Understand when horses need to come in and when they are safer outside
These worksheets will help your campers prepare a budget that outlines the estimated annual expense for boarding, farrier and veterinary care, basic horse equipment, and worming materials.
No label Activity - Blankets
- Identify the most common types of horse blankets and explain what each one is used for - Explain the factors that determine whether a horse needs a blanket and which type - Demonstrate the correct procedure for putting a blanket on a horse - Demonstrate the correct procedure for removing a blanket - Check basic blanket fit and adjust surcingles and leg straps correctly - Explain why blanket fit and condition matter for the horse's comfort and safety
No label Restraining Horses
This lesson covers restraint techniques used during veterinary procedures, farrier visits, and clipping. It is appropriate for advanced campers who already handle horses confidently and who have the maturity to understand that restraint is a skill requiring experience, judgment, and respect for the horse. Younger or less experienced campers should observe the demonstration only and should not attempt any hands-on restraint techniques without direct instructor supervision.Restraint is never about domination or force. It is about keeping the horse and every person in the area safe during a necessary procedure. Teach it that way.
No label Worksheet – Tying Knots
Print out these worksheets for campers to learn how to tie a quick release knot and other important knots...
No label Activity – Knot Tying Game
- Tie a correct quick release knot under time pressure and mild competition - Demonstrate the quick release knot from the saddle as well as on foot - Reinforce the muscle memory of a skill that must be automatic in a real barn situation - Work safely and independently around arena equipment while mounted
A worksheet that goes over the steps to tying a quick release knot...
No label Worksheet – Choosing a Horse
A handout for campers about the basics on how to buy or lease a horse and what to look for...
No label General Feed Nutrition
One of the most important aspects of keeping a horse healthy is making sure that it receives free-choice water and appropriate feed on a regular schedule. Horses require a balanced diet of water, roughage and salt to survive.
No label Worksheet – Feed Label Analysis
Campers can fill out this feed label analysis worksheet of...
- Explain why horses eat differently from most other animals - Describe the basic components of a balanced equine diet - Explain the difference between roughage and concentrates and why the ratio between them matters - Calculate a basic daily feed ration using body weight - Describe the body condition scoring system and identify what an ideal score looks like - Explain why feed changes must be made gradually and what can go wrong when they are not - Identify the factors that affect how much an individual horse needs to eat
No label Activity - Body Condition Scoring
- Describe the body condition scoring scale from 1 to 9 and what each score represents - Identify the key landmarks on the horse's body used to assess condition - Conduct a basic body condition assessment on a real horse using both visual observation and hands-on palpation - Assign a body condition score and explain the reasoning behind their assessment - Identify whether a horse needs to gain, maintain, or lose weight based on its score - Work as part of a team to discuss and reach a consensus score
No label Activity - Feed the Barn
- Apply feeding guidelines to real horse scenarios and calculate a basic daily ration - Adjust a feed recommendation based on individual horse factors including age, workload, body condition, and temperament - Explain the reasoning behind their feed recommendations rather than simply producing a number - Work as a team to reach a consensus feeding plan and defend it to the group - Recognize that feeding decisions require judgment and observation in addition to calculation
No label Horse Behavior
Horses are prey animals, and therefore are wary of predators sneaking up on them...
Participants watch as several horses are let loose in the arena and allowed to interact with each other. Hay or grain can be added to encourage further herd behavior. Instructor asks participants to note any specific changes in behavior. Then discuss.Questions include:What did you observe the horses doing? and more...
No label Activity – The Horse’s Senses
Discuss the horse's senses with the activity guide. Then have the kids observe a herd of horses in a pasture and explain to them the behaviors of the herd. After pointing out horse behavior examples to the campers, ask them what behavior they think each horse is exhibiting...Â
No label Activity – Herd Hierarchy
Have campers observe the herd again and ask them what horses look like they are in charge vs horses that are more submissive...
No label Activity – Observe Feeding Behavior
Have campers watch horses while they eat grain either outside or in a stall. Observe which horses are the most aggressive eaters and which are most timid. Do any of the horses tend to “bolt” (eat too rapidly) their feed? Record observations.
Introduce horses into a new environment or put a new object into their existing environment. Young horses often work best. Observe behavioral responses.Do different horses respond in different ways? Read on for more...
No label Activity – Behavior Discussion
Here is a discussion Q&A on horse behavior you use with your campers...
Discuss horse psychology (as prey animals they get scared and defend themselves by running or kicking), horse sight (range of vision, where they can and can’t see), and how these relate (if a horse feels threatened, they may try to run away or defend themselves).Using pictures of a horse, students are asked to place a red X on areas of the horse that are unsafe or undesirable to stand near or walk around. Green Xs are place on safe areas (at the horse’s shoulder, and slightly off to the side of the horse’s face). Or use a real school horse and let gets put a green x using washable paint or just sticky note to designate safe areas. The instructor will show the kids the red areas....Â
No label Stable Vices
Vices have been linked to boredom, nervousness, lack of exercise, neglect or inattention. Horses can learn stable vices fromother horses.Â
No label Worksheet – Stable Vices
A fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about stable vices...
Print the next two pages on card or cover stock. Cut up. Turn them face down and have each camper select one card.Have them act out the vice and have the other campers:1) Guess what vice/bad habit it is, 2) What is the likely cause, and 3) treatment.
A handout for campers on basic horse behavior such as understanding how horses see, hear, smell, memory, etc, and about vices
Show campers how to check the trailer for any potential hazards such as rust or weak floorboards...
Show campers how to hook up a truck and trailer if possible.Have campers help pack the trailer for a "pretend" horse show, trail ride, or trip to the vet...
Have the campers help prep a horse for travel to an imaginary event by grooming, putting on shipping boots or wraps, etc.Instructors should demonstrate how to safely load and unload a horse after prep.
Fill in the blank worksheets for campers to learn about trailer loading and unloading as well as types of trailers and hitches...
No label Worksheet – Trailer Equipment
A fill in the blank worksheet where campers will label the pictures of items needed while shipping horses...
No label Activity – Loading & Unloading Cards
Print out the following cards that individually list the steps to loading and unloading a horse from a trailer. Campers must put the cards in order...
No label Activity – Trailer Safety Checklist
Print out the trailer safety checklist. Using a real horse trailer, review the safety checklist with campers...
- Identify the main types of horse trailers and describe how horses travel in each - List the fundamental safety rules for behavior around a trailer - Explain why certain positions around a trailer are dangerous - Describe what safe loading and unloading looks like and what their role is during that process - Identify what to check on a trailer before horses are loaded - Explain what to do if something goes wrong during loading or unloading
No label Stick Horse Shows
Buy or make...
No label Scavenger Hunts
Create a...
No label Horseless Dressage Test
Pair up the campers in teams of two. Assign one camper as the...
No label Make-Your-Own Projects
Have campers make their own...
No label Tie Dye/Fabric Paint Barn T-Shirts
Have campers...
No label Stall Signs
Make...
No label Browband Decoration
Decorate or make...
No label Painting Jumps
Have kids help...
No label Upcycled Painting
Campers can paint old...
No label Decorate Old Saddle Pads
Decorating...
No label Watch Horse Movies
Watch...
Watch...
No label Horse Treat Making
This was a big hit with the campers as they were excited to...
To get started with our project, we would pair up the campers and give them a budget. The budget would include...
No label Make Your Own Bingo Game
Participants are given a card...
No label Scrabble Horse Version
For this game, put letters on heavy card stock...
No label For Sale Ad Terminology
This game involves describing horses...
No label Horse Montages
Campers cut out...
No label Draw Your Own Stables
Campers begin by drawing their ideal...
No label Good Hands
Bridles are required for this game; campers play this game in pairs...
No label Leading Clinic
Campers will work in pairs. The "horse" is...
No label Bob for Apples
Campers will...
No label Horse Wedding
Campers can decorate for a...
No label What’s Wrong Here?
Hide barn stuff...
No label Poisonous Plant Scavenger Hunt
Print out pictures of local...
No label Horseless Lunging
Campers can learn to...
No label Non-Horsey Activities & Games
Fun games the campers will enjoy that are not horse related...
No label Horse Painting
Let campers use a horse as their canvas with non-toxic washable paint...
No label Native American Horse Painting
Campers will learn about the symbols native americans used on their horses and recreate the look on a school horse...
No label Quiz Questions/Answers
A list of questions and answers you can use for quizzes, jeopardy games, etc...
No label Horse Newspaper Scavenger Hunt
Campers will look through a horse/farm themed newspaper and copy down specific ads...
No label Decoupage Picture Frames
Campers can decoupage picture frames with pictures of horses from magazines...
No label Decorate Helmet Covers
Have campers decorate helmet covers...
No label More Arts and Crafts Ideas
A list of other arts and craft ideas for campers...
No label Campfire
Set up a campfire in fire pit or other safe area. Have water ready to put the fire out when done. Campers can roast marshmallows to make s'mores...
No label Sun Art
Try this artistic science experiment to show your kids how shade protects us from the Sun’s ultraviolet rays.What You'll NeedColorful construction paperClear plastic wrap, or a large piece of plexiglassLeaves, flowers, or other flat itemsSmall rocks to use as weights
No label Painting Rocks
Campers strangely love this activity of painting "pet" rocks...
No label Scrapbook
Campers will write a daily journal page where they list three things they learned, what horse they rode, etc. Take lots of photos that are to be printed and turned into a scrapbook with the journal pages...
No label Horse Hair Bracelets
Campers can make bracelets from horse hair...
No label Costume Class
Have campers dress up their favorite school horse...
No label “Best Of” Certificates
Create and give every camper a "Best ___" certificate and a picture of them on their favorite horse at the end of camp.Â
No label Critique Pictures, Videos, or Movies
Have the more advanced campers critique the position or horsemanship of riders in pictures, videos, or movies...
No label Mini Presentations
Advanced campers can be assigned a topic and using magazines/internet/horse books they will research and present to each other...
No label Video Riders
Take a video of each rider and ask them to come up with three things they could work on...
No label Horseless Fox Hunt
The instructor will set up clues for campers to find and to direct them as to which way the fox had gone. Sometimes arrows, sometimes clues written on paper and stuck in a tree...
No label Clay Hoof Print
Each kid gets a lump of clay, and made an impression of their horse's hoofprint...
No label Popsicle Stick Horse Jumps
Get Popsicle sticks from the craft store and younger campers can make Popsicle stick horse jumps...
No label Blindfolded Games
There are many different games you can play with a blindfold and objects around the barn.Assemble/disassemble a saddle or bridleIdentify different pieces of tackIdentify grooming toolsScent or taste test: Use apples, carrots, molasses, sugar cubes, etc...
No label What IS That? Game
You send campers one at a time into the tack room to pick out a piece of equipment that they have no idea what is or what it's for, then you let everyone take a guess. "Prize" to the one that gets the closest. Then you explain what it is, and even show them if you can...
No label Safety Knot Tying Game
Place lead ropes around certain supports in the arena like fence posts, standards, etc. Have riders practice tying a quick release knot (on horseback or dismounted) on two different lead ropes each. Then they have to trot back in the saddle to the center of the ring before the other person. Can also be played on foot!
No label Horse Themed Coloring Pages
Print out these coloring pages for campers to color with crayons or colored pencils...
For advanced campers only, teach campers how to build obstacles...
No label Create A Toilet Paper Roll Horse
Kids craft for making horses out of toilet paper rolls; instructions and templates included...
No label Obstacle Course/Ninja Course
Make an obstacle course (or have the kids design one themselves!)
No label Frozen Ice Treasure Hunt
Freeze items in ice for kids to chisel out (younger kids)
No label Fishing
Take the campers fishing if you have a pond on your farm
No label Personal Pizzas
Have the kids make their own personal pizzas
8 fun activities for young kids including coloring, matching, and more
This Barn Scavenger Hunt Worksheet is a fun barn activity for summer camp or other unmounted activity days.
No label Equestrian Bingo Template
Play a fun game of equestrian bingo on horseback with your lesson students and upcoming summer campers!
No label Ground Manners - Reward/Punishment
Good ground manners make a horse easier to handle and set the foundation for a good working relationship between horse and handler.Â
No label Big List of In-hand Horse Games
Games campers can play with horses in-hand...
No label Advanced Groundwork Skills Part 1
A list of skills for advanced campers to learn...
No label Advanced Groundwork Skills Part 2
More groundwork skills for advanced campers to learn...
No label Advanced Groundwork Skills Part 3
Part three of advanced skills for older campers...
No label Worksheets – Showmanship
Print out worksheets for your campers about showmanship...
No label Worksheet – Pleasure Driving
Teach campers about pleasure driving with this woksheet...
No label Activity – Create a Groundwork Video
Have campers create a video on how to teach/ask a horse for an in-hand skill such as sidepassing over a pole, turn on the forehand, back up...
No label Worksheet – Ground Manners
A fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about horse ground manners...
Topic & Goals for sessionTasks may include• Catching a horse • Leading a horse • Tying up • Picking up and clean a front hoof • Put on and take off a sheet
No label Carrot Stretches
Teach campers how to properly stretch their horses with these easy carrot stretches....
Eight fun groundwork and lunging activities for instructors to demonstrate. Campers can try their hand at it next.
No label About Lunging
Longeing can be a wonderful training tool for horse and rider when it is handled in an appropriate manner.
No label Activity – Camp Kid Lunging
Campers can learn the basics of lunging by lunging each other. I like to do a demo first where an instructor shows the kids how to lunge a horse...
Advanced campers should learn and demonstrate proper fit of equipment, including bridle and cavesson (optional), saddle or surcingle, and side reins.They should learn how to lunge mount on a 20 m circle, initiating connection through safe lunging techniques and proper use of aids (lunge line, whip, voice, and body position) in order to develop free forward movement at the walk, trot and/or canter, and smooth transitions...
No label Tacking Up Procedures
How to saddle and bridle a horse...
No label Bits
Information for campers to learn about bits, bit selection, the different mouthpieces...
No label Horse Boots
Learn about the different types of boots we use on horses for riding...
No label Breastplates & Martingales
Discover the different types of breastplates and martingales for horses...
No label Miscellaneous Tack
Other tack includes head bumpers, cruppers...
No label Parts of the Saddle & Fittings
Read about how to make sure a saddle properly fits and the parts of the saddle...
No label Bridles & Nosebands
Read about the variety of nosebands and bridles...
No label Worksheet – My Horse’s Tack
Have campers fill out the following worksheet with what tack the horse they rode wears and why that horse wears such equipment...
No label Worksheet – Bits
Campers can learn about bits on this worksheet and then label pictures of bits and match english and western bits...
No label Activity – Tacking Up Demo
Counselors will demo to the whole group how to properly tack a horse up english and western (can split into different days)...
Advanced Tacking UpTopics to be discussed among advanced campers...
No label Activity – Correct Tack Fitting
Split campers into teams or pairs. Using a few of your school horses, put on...
No label Activity – Show Clothes Dress Up
Bring in different show/riding outfits...
No label Activity – Tack/Clothing Poster
Campers can make their own posters by cutting out pictures in horse catalogs and pasting all the equipment they would need to keep a horse, or all the clothing they would need to ride or compete...
No label Proper Saddle Fit
Saddle fit is important for keeping riding horses happy and healthy and able to do their job. A well-fitting saddle ensures the horse has freedom of movement and comfortable equipment as it is ridden. It will also help the rider stay in a proper position so they can effectively use their aids...
No label Activity – Saddling Up Contest
Can be done individually, in pairs, or small groups. Each group will have their own horse and tack should be set aside near horses to protect any unnecessary bumps and bruises to your saddles. You can include bridling up if you wish to the contest...
Go over the parts of the saddle (english and/or western) and how each should be cleaned...
Advanced campers will:Polish stirrups and buckles with metal polish Polish riding bootsWipe off helmet Take bridle apart to clean so that you can clean under the buckle areas Clean horse's bit. Especially in the joints.
No label Activity – Tack Take Apart Game
You only need one bride or saddle per team. Take apart all the pieces, undo all the latches, take off the bit, etc. Lay out the pieces and let the kids put it back together. The team that puts together their bridle or saddle first wins...
No label Activity – Blindfolded Tack Game
Take apart all the pieces, undo all the latches, take off the bit, etc. Lay out the pieces and let the kids put it back together, blindfolded. The team that puts together their bridle first wins.Â
Blindfold campers and have them try to identify different grooming supplies such as a curry comb, stiff brush, etc.Depending upon the level of students you can make the items more challenging such as...
No label Activity – What IS that? Game
You send campers one at a time into the tack room to pick out a piece of equipment that they have no idea what is or what it's for, then you let everyone take a guess. "Prize" to the one that gets the closest such as candy.Then you explain what it is...
No label Activity – Required Equipment Bingo
Print out the Bingo cards for campers that have a required piece of equipment written in each Bingo card square. The instructor will read the caller's questions and the answer to each question will be on a Bingo card...
Set aside a pile of tack in good and bad condition for campers. Ask campers to sort through the tack and put the good quality in one pile and any bad quality tack in another. Print out the following worksheet explaining to campers what bad quality tack looks like (rusty, cracked leather, etc)...
A fill in the blank worksheet about bridles and their parts, fit and purpose...
No label Activity – Assembling a Bridle
Disassemble a few bridles. Have campers watch as you take one of the bridles apart. Show them each piece and explain it’s purpose. Have them find this same piece on the extra bridles on the table and work to reassemble the bridle together.
No label Worksheet – Parts of the Bridle
A worksheet for campers to label each part of the bridle....
No label Worksheet – Types of Saddles
A fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about the different types of saddles such as Australian stock saddles, dressage, western, jumping, etc
No label Worksheet – How to Fit A Saddle
A fill in the blank worksheet about how to correctly fit a saddle to a horse's back...
Show campers all of the different types of saddles that you have on the farm and the differences between each one such as a western saddle vs english, sidesaddle, Australian, dressage, close contact, dressage...
No label Worksheet – English Saddle Parts
A worksheet for campers to label the parts of the english saddle (under the flap too)
No label Activity – Questions about Saddles
A big list of questions you can ask your campers about saddles or use in a jeopardy style game...
No label Activity – Tack Cleaning & Care
Show campers how to clean tack properly with this list...
No label Worksheet – Tack Cleaning
A fill in the blank worksheet about the steps of cleaning tack...
Instructors will set aside the following tack cleaning items and students must match each item to the group it belongs in (such as leather cleaning, conditioning, etc)
Have campers star in their own video about horse tack! Topics can include: tack cleaning, different types of saddles, proper saddle fit...Â
No label Game - Bridle Assembly Game
Completely dismantle bridles and divide campers into pairs of two. The aim of this race is for campers to reassemble the bridles correctly. First team to correctly put together a bridle wins. For experienced campers, have them try it blindfolded!
No label Activity - Tack Safety
- Explain why tack condition is a safety issue and not just a maintenance issue - Conduct a basic pre-ride tack inspection on a saddle, bridle, and girth - Identify signs of wear, cracking, or damage that make tack unsafe to use - Explain what can happen if damaged tack fails during a ride - Demonstrate correct tack care habits that extend the life and safety of leather equipment - Know when to report a tack concern to an instructor rather than making the decision themselves
No label Ideal Conformation
Excellent conformation does not guarantee excellence in performance, but poor conformation invariably contributes tostructural weakness, unsoundness, or impaired performance.
No label Conformation Faults
No horse is without flaw. Some faults and flaws are merely cosmetic, while others are more serious structural defects.
No label Common Blemishes
A blemish is not necessarily a conformation fault or an unsoundness. A blemish is a visible imperfection generally caused by stress or injury.
No label Activity – Good Conformation & Bad
Using your school horses, show campers horses with ideal conformation and point out conformation faults or blemishes...
No label Activity – You Be The Judge
Using three or four horses, ask campers to judge what horse they think has the most ideal conformation...
A worksheet for campers to fill out listing conformation faults and positive conformation aspects...
Have campers assist in making and starring in a video about horse conformation...
No label Worksheet – Horse Measuring
Campers will learn about how to measure a horse with this worksheet and fill-in-the-blanks...
No label Activity – Measuring Height
Show campers how to measure a horse in hands using a measuring stick or tape. Measure a horse and a pony for size reference...
No label Activity – Measuring Height Part 2
How to measure and write down measurements in hands...
No label Activity – Guess the Height
Campers will try and guess the height of horses/ponies on the farm before measuring them for the exact height...
A worksheet with fill in the blanks for campers to learn about horse height measuring.
No label Activity – Make a How-To Video
Campers will make a video about how to properly measure a horse's height...
Give two horse names to each student. Have them write down a guess as to how much each horse weighs (if needed, show them the horse). Let the students take guesses, but prompt them towards getting to the point that horses are much bigger than us. Even the smallest horses are way bigger than us, so we need to be safety-conscious around them at all times.Show campers how to use a weight tape to weigh the horses...
No label Face Markings
A horse may have one or several markings on its face
No label Leg Markings
There are a variety of leg markings horse can have such as...
Campers will name all of the horses on the farm that are: bay, black, have a star etc...
No label Activity – Horse Colors Flashcards
Campers will make horse color flashcards...
No label Activity – Finger Paint Markings
For markings, we'd pull out a solid colored, unmarked horse and have them paint directly on the horse with Crayola washable white paint, starting small (star, snip, coronet, sock), and then making them bigger (blaze, white face, stocking, paint markings, etc.)
No label Worksheet – Horse Colors
A worksheet for campers with pictures of different colored horses. Campers need to label the color and describe it with the help of the instructor...
No label Worksheet – Horse Colors Study Guide
A study guide with pictures of the different horse colors and their descriptions...
No label Worksheet – Face Markings
A fill in the blank worksheet with pictures of face markings for campers to name/describe and questions to answer...
No label Worksheet – Leg Markings
A fill in the blank worksheet with pictures of leg markings that campers need to label and describe. There are leg marking questions to be answered too...
Have campers star in a video showing different horse colors and markings...
Print out these worksheets for your students to match the parts of the horse...
Using sticky notes labeled with horse parts, campers will put the sticky note on the part of a real horse where they think it is located...Â
No label Activity – Finger Paint Horse Parts
Using washable paint, campers will be directed to paint symbols such as a heart, diamond, circle etc. on the body part you name...
Give each team sticky notes with the parts of the horse and have them place the sticky note on the horse where they think the body part is located. After the teams have put all the sticky notes on their team's horse, the judge will see which team labeled the most correct parts...
No label Activity – Body Parts We Share
Using the following worksheet, using a school horse, point out body parts you and the horse share. Ask campers if they can point out some of the body parts too...
This is a simple and quick game where a camper will shout out body parts beginning with a particular letter. Prize, no prize, however you want it to go. We gave 1 point for each answer and had the kids keep score themselves...
A fill in the blank worksheet labeling the parts of the horse's head...
A fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about the parts of the horse's body.
No label Worksheet – Parts of the Horse’s Leg
A fill in the blank worksheet for campers to learn about the parts of the horse's leg.
A fill in the blank worksheet for the parts of a whole horse. Quiz campers and see who can remember and label the most parts of the horse!
Have campers star in a video pointing out the different parts of the horse...
No label Worksheet – Guess the Horse Breed
A fill in the blank worksheet where students must guess the breed of horse while given pictures and clues for each one...
Walking around the farm, go over what the breed every horse is. Point out some characteristics of each breed such as Arabians having a high set tail, dish shaped face, etc and Appaloosas having spots. Explain that some breeds are better suited for specific disciplines...
No label Activity – Horse Breed Presentation
Campers will create a presentation on a breed of horse to share with the other campers...
No label Activity – Breed Naming Contest
Divide campers into teams (or partners); elect a captain on each team to write the breed list. Teams will write down every breed of horse they can remember - the team with the most breeds written down win!
Campers will star in their very own video to discuss horse breeds. Use the horses on your farm to show the features of different breeds...
No label Horse Breeds – Printouts
A several page printout explaining different horse breeds for campers to bring home
No label Worksheet – Horse Terms
These worksheets explain horse terms and have a matching word activity and a crossword puzzle...
No label Worksheet – More Horse Terms
A fill in the blank worksheet with pictures and definitions of horse terms...
No label Worksheet – Describe A Horse
This worksheet will explain to campers how to describe a horse by its breed, color, markings, gender, age etc. They will then write their own description of the horse they are riding or their favorite horse...
Have campers star in their very own video about the different horse terms...
No label Bandaging
Bandaging is a very important skill. Bandages must be applied correctly; otherwise, they can do more harm than good...
No label Common Illnesses & Injuries
Let's discuss a variety of illnesses and injuries that can occur, notes on how to prevent them, and common treatments.
No label Injections
Injections can be given in several forms, depending on the medication being injected.
No label Wounds
Horses are prone to a variety of wounds, ranging from small scrapes to large lacerations. It is important to know how to properly care for a wound, and when timely veterinary intervention is necessary to assist in care and healing.
No label General Horse Health
Keeping horses healthy requires daily attention. It is important to notice things about each individual horse, such as its eating and drinking habits, normal amounts of manure, and whether or not it lies down on a regular basis.Â
No label Isolation or Quarantine Procedures
Exposure to strange horses is one of the major sources of contagious equine diseases and should be limited as much as possible.Maintaining a closed herd (no horses going in or out) greatly reduces the chances of an infectious disease entering the herd.
Preventative health care emphasizes the deterrence of infectious diseases through proactive care including vaccines andgood management practices.
No label Vaccinations
Active immunity to a disease can be induced artificially through vaccinations.
Horses are constantly exposed to a barrage of parasites.
No label Skin Problems
The horse’s skin is subject to many problems.
No label Medications
All medications should only be given under the supervision of a veterinarian.Â
No label Lameness
Lameness is the clinical sign or signs by which a horse communicates pain in a given leg.
Using a trusty school horse, teach campers how to use stable, exercise, and shipping bandages. Campers can practice wrapping each other's legs before trying it on a horse...
No label Activity – Poultice Wrapping
Teach kids about poultice and put it the campers arms or legs for practice. Practice correct wrapping of the poulticed leg or arm...
No label Activity – Wrap Each Other’s Legs
Teach the kids how to wrap by wrapping each other's legs before trying it on a quiet school horse...
No label Activity – Advanced Camper Wrapping
Show campers the more advanced wrapping techniques such as: spider bandage, hoof wrap, figure eight hock and knee wraps, etc using a school horse for a demo...
Print out this study guide about how to wrap stable and shipping bandages properly and tips...
Show campers what is in your barn's equine first aid kit. Describe each item and what it is used for. Let the kids pass the items around and if possible, look inside of the containers...
No label Activity – What If? First Aid
Discuss what-if scenarios with campers such as "What if your horse has a swollen leg - what can we do to bring the swelling down?" Answer - Call the vet and cold hose the swelling...
Make up "pretend" first aid scenarios for campers to "assist" you in such as:- how to clean a real (or pretend) wound- how to wrap a horse's hoof for an abscess- how to give a horse an IM or IV injectionAnd the list goes on...
No label Activity – Veterinarian Demo
If possible, arrange any needed vet work during camp time. Ask your vet ahead of time if they can do a discussion with campers and if the vet minds the kids watching while the vet works in the barn.
No label Activity – Measuring TPR
Using your school horses, have campers learn how to measure a horse's TPR...
No label Activity – Advanced Camper TPR
This activity if good for older/more advanced campers where they will collect TPR data over the course of a few days to answer different questions such as: What factors affect pulse? Would it be different if you take your horse’s pulse first thing in the morning, after it finishes eating, before and after exercise?Â
No label Activity – Health Quiz Questions
Quiz campers with the following health related quiz/discussion questions...
No label Worksheet – Dehydration
A fill-in-the-blank worksheet with lots of pictures for campers to learn about dehydration in horses...
A fill-in-the-blank worksheet with lots of pictures for campers to learn and explore about equine dentistry and a dentist's tools...
No label Activity – Equine Dentistry Bingo
A bingo game where player's bingo boards are answers to the Caller's dentistry based questions...
No label Worksheet – Equine First Aid Kit
A worksheet where campers will match items in the first aid kit to their definitions and matching the pictures to the item names.
No label Worksheet – Equine Health Care
A fill-in-the-blank worksheet about the basics of equine health care...
No label Worksheet – Vital Signs (TPR)
A worksheet for campers to fill out about a horse's temperature, pulse, and heart rate...
No label Worksheet – Deworming & Shots
A fill-in-the-blank worksheet about deworming and shots...
Have campers create a how-to video about horse first aid! Topics to cover can be: how to bandage a horse's leg, how to take care of a wound, how to properly deworm...
A handout for campers to learn about the signs of a normal, healthy horse and when a vet should be called...
No label Activity - How to Age a Horse
Have a chart or sketch the shape of the teeth at various ages, discuss the herbivorous teeth and carnivorous teeth and show students a horse’s mouth. Go to each horse and have students look at them and guess the horse’s age.
No label Activity - First Aid Demonstrations
Teach students real horse health skills — wound assessment, bandaging, vital signs, colic recognition, and basic lameness observation. This guide walks you through how to structure each topic, what to cover at each level, and how to adapt it for young campers versus more advanced students. Practical, hands-on, and ready to plug into your program.
Divide campers into pairs or groups of three. Give each team a checklist and a pencil. Teams move through the barn together, spending time with each horse and working through the checklist systematically. They record what they find — or what they do not find — for each item and note which horse they are checking.
No label Hoof Anatomy
An old saying states, “no hoof, no horse,” as a testament to how vital hooves are to a horse’s overall health. Given the stressa hoof endures on a daily basis, proper hoof health and hoof care are of utmost importance.
No label Hoof Quality
One of the most important aspect of horse care involves proper care of the feet. Horses living in the wild grow their hoovesnaturally and wear them down as they travel over diverse terrain. Domesticated horses do not have the ability to wear theirhooves naturally, so correct farrier care is essential to maintaining hoof health
No label Conformation Faults in Hooves
The feet of each horse have their own characteristics...
No label Lameness Issues in the Hoof
When evaluating lameness in a horse, begin at the foot, as many problems develop in the complex structure of the hoof.
No label Shoeing
Horses are shod to increase support, improve hoof durability, correct problems and add traction.
No label Activity – Hoof Show & Tell
Show campers a few different horses' hooves and point out to them what makes those hooves good or bad quality as well as any horses with problems such as thrush, navicular, etc...
No label Activity – Farrier Bingo
Play a game of farrier bingo - print out the cards and caller's questions here...
No label Activity – Discuss & Show Horseshoes
Show campers the horse shoes that the horses in your barn wear (either the horse shoe itself or ones on a horse) - especially if you have multiple types...
Discuss good vs bad shoeing with campers; using your school horses show campers what good shoeing looks like!
If possible, schedule your farrier to come out and shoe a horse at your farm during your camp schedule. We have a worksheet for you to print out for campers about the five shoeing steps...
No label Activity – Farrier Tools
Discuss farrier tools with campers using this worksheet or you can show the campers the tools in person if you have any...
Campers can learn about the steps of hoof picking and the parts of the hoof with the following worksheets...
Print out this study guide for your campers with pictures and descriptions of the farrier's tools, different types of horse shoes, and the five steps of shoeing...
No label Activity – Thrush Preventation
Discuss thrush prevention and show campers how to apply medicine in a horse's hoof as well as how to identify thrush.
No label Activity – Different Types of Shoes
Show the campers the different types of horse shoes that horses can wear...
No label Activity – My Horse’s Feet
Explain to campers why the horse they are riding in camp has shoes on (if so, what type of shoe and why) or if their horse can go barefoot and why...
No label Worksheet – Farrier Facts
A fun fill-in-the-blanks worksheet about farriers, trimming, shoeing, etc for your campers and answer sheet
Fill-in-the-blank worksheet with four different diagrams of inside and outside the hoof...
Assist campers in making a video about hoof care such as how to pick hooves, how to treat a thrush or an abscess, what a good quality hoof looks like...
No label Facilities & Activity
Horses do not require an elaborate facility. The most important quality of a facility is safety. Give campers a tour of your facility, explaining why it is arranged the way it is...
No label Stable Routine & Activity
The day-to-day operation of a barn depends on an efficient and organized working staff that carries out a plan designed togive priority to the horse’s welfare (e.g., exercise, feeding, grooming and detailed routine) for which it totally relies on humans. Have campers assist with barn chores...
No label Manure Management & Activity
Everything you ever needed to know about manure management...
No label Activity – Make Stall Signs
Have campers make horse stall signs out of wood or paper to hang up at home or around the farm...
No label Activity – Paint Horse Jumps
Have the campers assist in painting jumps and poles at the farm...
No label Activity – Stable Design
Campers will draw and design their dream farm...
Print out and pass along these stable management worksheets to your campers...
No label Worksheet – Coloring Pages
Print out these coloring pages for campers that are also stable management themed!
Have campers assist and star in a video about stable management! Topics can include a tour of your facility, daily stable routine, manure management, etc
No label Game - Super Pooper Scoopers
Demonstrate proper stall cleaning methods and divide campers into pairs or teams to compete for the “super pooper scooper” award.
No label Turning Out Horses
Unless they are sick or injured, horses derive great benefit from daily turnout.
No label Pasture Safety & Activity
Take campers on a tour of your pastures and see if they can spot any safety issues such as broken fencing, holes, etc. Discuss pasture safety.
No label Pasture Fencing & Activity
Discuss and show campers the different types of fencing needed to properly house horses...
No label Care of Pastured Horse & Activity
Discuss and show campers how to take care of horses out on pasture vs. stalled...
No label General Pasture Management
A pasture or turn-out area is an important part of a horse’s life. Pastures can be small or large and may contain grass or be adry lot.
No label Activity – What’s Wrong Here?
Hide items in the paddock and have the kids search and pick up the things that don’t belong and would be a danger to the horses such as halters on the ground, trash, blankets, etc
No label Activity – Poisonous Plant Hunt
Print out pictures of local poisonous plants to horses and see if the campers can identify any on the stable grounds...
With the help of an instructor's phone, campers can make a how-to type video about pasture management...
No label Anatomy Terms
When discussing the body structure of the horse, we use anatomical terms to locate where on the body the part is found.Typical anatomical terms include...
No label Musculoskeletal System - Worksheet
The musculoskeletal system, which gives the body its structure and movement, is comprised of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. The musculoskeletal system is also responsible for support and protection of vitalinternal organs
Joints occur every place that two or more bones meet...
No label Circulatory System
The circulatory system is responsible for effective transmission of oxygen and/or nutrients to all organs and tissueswithin the body.
No label Respiratory System
The respiratory system works in conjunction with the circulatory system to provide oxygen to and remove carbon dioxidefrom the body tissues. The respiratory system is divided into two parts: the upper and lower tracts.
No label Digestive System
The digestive system is a collective network of organs designed to supply the body with nutrition needed for growth, maintenanceand repair.
No label Integumentary System
The integumentary system is made up of the skin and hair of the horse and provides structural, photo-protective, immunologic and metabolic barrier protection.
No label Nervous System
The nervous system is the command and control center for the horse’s body. It is a complex interaction between elementsdesigned to originate or carry electrochemical charges to and from organs to initiate and regulate bodily functions, and toallow the horse to functionally relate to its environment.
No label Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a complex network of glands responsible for production and secretion of special proteins and lipidscalled hormones.
No label Immune System
The immune system is a network of cells, organs, and special chemicals that work together to protect against infectious invaders and eliminate foreign matter or cells.
No label Evolution
Teach campers about the evolution of the horse to today's genus Equus...
No label Role of The Horse Throughout History
How horses shaped civilizations...
No label Horses In War Throughout History
With the domestication of the horse, people were able to travel further distances and carry more supplies...
