Summer Camps for Learning About Horses for Kids in Illinois

Illinois has several choices of summer horse camps for children. Some camps are geared for western riding while others focus on English riding. The age recommended for the camps are 7 to 18, depending on the camp. Day camps are offered for full and half days and run Monday to Friday. Overnight camps are for one week.

  1. Resident Camp

    • White Pines Ranch is located in Oregon, Illinois, 90 miles west of Chicago. Weekly camps are available in July and August. Youth ages 8 to 15 may stay for one week or several. Campers learn western riding and how to feed and groom horses. Swimming, archery, crafts, games and campfires are also part of the activities. The cost of $550 per week in 2011 includes food, lodging and recreation.

    Western Riding Day Camp

    • Giant City Stables is located inside Giant City State Park, just south of Carbondale. The camp teaches children nine years and older the basics of caring for and riding a horse. The camp is offered for full days Monday to Friday, and includes arena riding and trail rides. Campers must provide their own lunch. There is a half-day program for children ages 7 to 9. The program includes arena lessons with games. In 2010, the camp operated from June to August and cost $400 for the day and $225 for a half day.

    English Riding Day Camp

    • Palladia Farm is located near Gurnee, about 45 minutes north of Chicago. The camp runs from June to August. It educates children in equine horsemanship and care taking. There are two, half-day camps -- a beginner camp in the morning and a more advanced camp in the afternoon. Campers may attend both camps for the full day. There are no more than six children in each session. Besides learning riding and horse care, children do arts, crafts and games in a big barn. The camp is for children ages 6 to 14. In 2010, the summer 5-day camp cost $400.

    Traditional Camp

    • Hasting Lake YMCA camp, located in Lindenhurst, is a traditional camp teaching English and western style riding and horse care. Besides taking part in the traditional camp activities, campers travel to Dream Catcher Stable in Antioch. The camp has sessions for 5- to 8-year-olds and 9- to 12-year-olds. The camp cost is $300 for members and $340 for program members. The camp offers free extended care for working parents.