Child 1 Age 9 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Horseback Riding/Equestrian
Child 2 Age 11 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Horseback Riding/Equestrian
(5) Overall experience
Both of my granddaughters have been to camps at Kildare during the summer and the March break camps. They love being there and learning about the horses and helping to care for them. The girls have learned how much care the horses require and all that has to be done prior to getting on the horse. All of the staff are great and create a wonderful fun, learning environment. Highly recommend, if you are looking for a good camp experience for your children.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
I was attracted to this camp as I saw it on Facebook and then realized that I knew some people who had attended. After doing a little research on some local barns, we decided on this camp, as it was in close proximity to my home. It was good value for the money and there were no hidden costs.
(5) Program quality and activities
The girls learned how to tack up the horses, brush them down after riding, feed them, and all of the different personalties that horses can have. Some of their activities included making crafts, i.e. with horseshoes, in the summer playing outside and hosing down the horses, and in the winter playing games in the barn and learning about the different types of horses. Overall they have learned a great deal about horses and I in turn have also learned lots of things I had no idea about, so the effectiveness of the program is wonderful.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
The girls have met new people through their camp experience and the camp was a very positive experience for them. They met some children that they found out attended their school, and attending the camp has allowed them to broaden their social circle to people who have the same interests that they have. All of the children got along at camp as they all had a common interest.
(5) Skills and growth
The girls went from knowing absolutely nothing about horses, having never been on them, to riding and jumping over jumps. They loved arriving in the mornings and helping with some of the chores, i.e. feeding the horses, cleaning out the horse stalls, and overall care of the horses. This is a good life skill to know, that having animals can be a lot of work, but a very high reward as well. Again, overall a very positive experience.
(4.5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
The staff were excellent and their communication with the children and parents was great. They took the time to learn the needs of each child and work within their limits. They allowed the children to grow by letting them tack up the horses themselves, of course with supervision, and keep trying when it didn't go quite as they expected. Overall great life skills.
(5) Advice and tips
If you want your child to learn new skills and learn about caring for animals, this is an excellent program. It is a great exposure to how much effort goes into caring for animals, which are great life skills. If you know nothing about horses, it might be good to do some research as to what boots to wear (especially for winter), helmets, etc.
My daughter (now 9), started going to Kildare Riding Camps in the summer when she was 6, and she looks forward to it as being a part of her summer every year since. We try to register for as many week...
Riding camps at Kildare Stables are great for all ages from never-been-on-a-horse-before to the experienced rider preparing for local shows. Off-horse activities are fun and the coaches and staff are ...
