The Best Residential Horse Camps Nearest to Atlanta

Residential horse camps, otherwise known as equestrian camps, are intended to furnish kids with skills including responsibility, care of animals, and teamwork. On a residential horse camp, kids have the chance to live away from home, make new friends, and further their interest in equestrianism. Northern Georgia offers several excellent residential horse camps that are within easy reach of Atlanta, catering to a range of ages and abilities.

  1. Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp

    • Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp, two hours drive north of Atlanta, has been offering summer horsemanship camps to girls aged between 8 and 17 in Cloudland, Georgia, since 1954. Each camper has the responsibility of maintaining her own horse for the duration of the camp, and has the freedom of 600 acres of pasture in which to exercise it. The one- and two-week riding programs include English and hunt seat, as well as leisure activities, including canoeing, hiking, volleyball and swimming. Enrollment is limited to 60, with girls sharing wooden bunkhouses in groups of 10.

    Camp Wild Moon

    • Camp Wild Moon is a co-ed horse camp two and a half hours north of Atlanta in Rising Fawn, Georgia, that offers week-long summer courses to kids aged between 10 and 17. The camp has over 3,000 acres of wilderness where beginners and experienced riders alike can improve their horsemanship skills with accredited trainers, while bedding down in luxury cabins at night. The camp covers all general equestrian skills, including Western saddle, and other activities for the kids include canoeing, hiking, fishing and cookouts.

    The Equestrian Reserve

    • The Equestrian Reserve, 30 minutes north of Atlanta in Alpharetta, Georgia, has been offering residential horse camps since 2000. Adjoining the state-of-the-art facilities and stables are woodland trails where enthusiastic and accredited staff help participants hone their horsemanship skills and learn how to maintain and care for horses. Aside from comfortable, on-site bunk accommodations, the camp features a private lake.

    Strong Rock Camp

    • Located 90 minutes north of Atlanta on the borders of the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia, Strong Rock Summer Camp is a Christian-based camp offering six- and 13-day camps on a co-ed basis. The chaperoned cabins are assigned by age group and gender, and are divided into two separate "villages." The horse riding classes cater to first timers and experienced riders alike, and are taught by certified instructors. Kids will learn the basics of hunt seat riding, and will always be paired with horses that match their skills and abilities. Experienced riders can take jumping classes. Other skill classes include soccer, water sports and team-building group activities.