INFO

  *** Full payment must be received on or prior to your child’s first day of camp. This MUST be accompanied with the release & registration forms or your child cannot enter the barn or ride. SORRY - NO EXCEPTIONS.  

    We will entertain options in a swap and barter system – Along with grass hay (at $3.00 per small bale - delivered) we are interested in: Fencing (both materials and erection) – manure removal – tree removal (we want 5.5 acres of bush/mature trees thinned out/removed) – pasture harrowing and rolling – a load of clean sand delivered - use of a tractor/bush hog - and a 120 x 70 Covered arena …in case you have a spare one.

  Please ensure that your child LOVES horses. Riding looks simple, but it requires a fair amount of both physical work and concentration to do it safely…a rider that is not trying, is a danger to both himself and the other riders.  

    

Respectful behaviour towards all the animals, staff and fellow campers that are here at Pride Stables is something we insist on. Being rude or nasty will be met with ONE warning – a further incident will see the camp experience terminated with no refund.

   FAQ’s 

What level of rider does my child need to be?

 In 5 of our sessions we accept children from total beginner to advanced - the children are grouped into 3 different levels based on their ability and comfort level. This way everyone participates in all camp activities and can learn at their own pace. Groups are to a maximum of 6.

Our two more advanced camps are the exception as we do not accept beginner riders for these dates.

How much actual riding will my child get to do?

 Unless it pours rain all day - Our campers spend a minimum of two hours a day on a horse – usually more!

 What are the times for drop off and pick up?

 Camp starts at 9:00 am – drop offs can begin no earlier than 8:45am.  Camp ends at 3:00 pm – Please pick up by 3:15pm    

We CANNOT watch children after camp hours, nor can we “just leave them” alone on our property.  A fee of $10 per half hour will be charged after 3:15pm.

That said, depending on the week – it IS possible that we can help with timing issues!

         We have Campers coming from all over the area - Finch/Ingleside/Russell/Winchester/Maxville/Iroquais and so on - If transportation is a problem let me know and we will see if we can find your child a ride!!

  Is there a weight or age restriction?   

 We ride HORSES here and have no ponies – for safety reasons all students must weigh 60 pounds or over and be at least 8 years old.  Most "smaller" children simply do not have the strength to safely ride a 1000 pound horse.

 We are sorry – but we cannot accept children over 140 pounds. 

**There are some special "tiny" children , the drive and talent they posess made us take them in the past. Call or email Ellee if you are in this situation and we'll see if we can provide extra staff for your chosen session.

What should my child wear? 

 Improper clothing means your child CANNOT ride Proper riding helmets and boots MUST be worn by all students. We have helmets and some boots that can be rented – this cost is $10 each per week – simply to cover replacement costs and keep our equipment at top safety level.  ONE dent in a riding helmet can render it unsafe and therefore garbage. 

***PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE HELMETS FROM "THRIFT" STORES - THESE ARE FREQUENTLY OUTDATED AND NOT SAFE!!!  

A BRAND NEW APPROVED HELMET CAN BE PURCHASED FOR UNDER $30 at local tack stores   

Long (below the ankle) WELL FITTING pants must be worn when riding in a saddle with stirrups. The material should not be “satiny” as it will cause the child to slip around in the saddle (and that can be MOST unnerving to a new rider!)

 Capri’s and baggy track pants are NOT safe either.

      Flat soled boots with a low heel MUST be worn when riding with stirrups -  High Heeled Cowboy boots are NOT acceptable/safe in English stirrups.  Low Heeled rubber rain boots are fine for beginners. 

Tops should fit and not be loose or baggy - this will allow me to better correct their posisition. We prefer riders do not wear spagetti straps or plunging necklines.

Shorts and sneakers are fine for bareback and vaulting .  

Note to all girls - Jog on the spot - If you "bounce" please wear a bra and if you "bounce" a lot - a sports bra is advised!!

Note to all boys - Pants should FIT you - baggy pants may be "cool" off a horse - but if you can't throw your leg over the saddle...Also the extra material will bunch up and can be quite uncomfy...

 What should my child bring?

 A nutritious lunch - please keep sugar to a minimum.  

WE DO NOT PROVIDE ACCESS TO A MICROWAVE .   

Healthy SNACKS – the kids get hungry - they are BUSY here!! 

** A water bottle and drinks are necessary.** please do not freeze it - as it seldom thaws in time!

A sun hat  - sun cream  -  bathing suit and towel  -  shorts and sneakers. NO sandals or "crocs"

Low heeled flat soled over the ankle boots and a proper riding helmet.

  Long (past the ankle) jeans.

  Please send a jacket / sweater/ rain coat if the weather warrants it. We cannot supply 18 children with proper clothing...

 

 Anything that gets “plugged into” their ears (IPOD/MP3)

Cell phones (If necessary they can use my phone to call YOU)

Gameboys / PSP’s are not allowed – and they will not have time anyway.

Almost all jewellery

Clothing that you don’t want to get dirty.

 Belts -  buckles are a danger when kids are mounting or on the voltige as they can get caught on saddles/pads. In bareback they can scratch my horse.

 What if my child runs out of drinks?  

We do have cold bottled water available for our students to purchase at $1 per 500ml bottle. 

We have added a "Water Cooler" to our tack room - cold water is now FREE!!

 

SURE!! The children prefer that you come on Fridays – after we have had a full week to work on something to amaze you with!  

We ask that you only enter the barn with your child or our staff, as she/he will know how to keep you safe by following our posted barn rules. 

We ask, on behalf of our riders, that cell phones be turned off when they are showing you the accomplishments they are very proud of.

For the safety of all - We must insist that you keep any non camp children with you at all times and do not allow them to yell, cry or run around the property. 

No outside pets are allowed on the property.

Please do not park/drive on my grass and I won't ride my horse through your living room. FYI - I DO have a horse that will go up stairs and will enter doorways...your carpet will never be the same. 

 What?! Your question was not covered here? Please email me with it and I will answer you asap!

 Ellee - perfectpan@yahoo.ca

 And - since you read thru ALL that, scroll down for a little giggle ...

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