Stone Bridge Farm Offers 8 Weekly Equestrian Summer Camps for Horse-Crazed Kids
Submitted by: Horses in the South
Phone: 540-291-1000
Email Address: katrina.weinig(at)gmail.com
Date Added: 3/15/2010
Parents' Choices Include Half-Day, Full-Day, & Sleep-Over Options for Offspring at Top Notch, Full Service Equestrian Facility in Natural Bridge, VA
Natural Bridge, VA – January 10, 2010 – Horse crazed kids with a penchant for learning and living all things equestrian can make the most of their summer at Stone Bridge Farm’s annual summer camps. Parents have many options for their equestrian minded children with the stable offering numerous times for participation including half day, full day, and sleep over options for all different levels of riders. The 8 weeks of summer camps at Stone Bridge Farm (100 Equus Loop, Natural Bridge, VA – 540-291-1000 - www.stonebridgefarm.net) begin June 14th, 2010 and run through August.
The full service equestrian facility located in the lovely Shenandoah Valley of Southwest Virginia, near Lexington, will once again host their traditional Summer Riding Camps for every level of young rider. The weekly sessions are conducted in a safe and structured environment, and are geared towards children who want to ride and learn as much as they can about horses, the animals’ care, and the equestrian sports. The week-day sessions are offered in half day or full day options, with sleepover packages available. All take place at the beautiful equestrian facility that offers enormous outdoor arenas, a large indoor ring for inclement weather, and cross country riding on over 1000 adjoining acres of wooded trails.
Owner Katrina Weinig, and trainers Teddi Ismond and Lilly deSousa, have created a fun and encouraging environment for children to enjoy horses and learn and ride. Each group will have the opportunity to ride, take lessons, and compete on well-trained horses and ponies to advance their equestrian skills throughout the summer.
Young horse enthusiasts, aged 7 to 17, may choose to participate in either the Full Day Camp or Half Day Camp, open to all riding levels and the Sleepover Camp is available to a limited number of riders, aged 10-17. In addition, Stone Bridge Farm offers a special Training & Show Program for intermediate and advanced equestrians, aged 8 to 17, from both the United States and abroad. Participants may choose to bring their own horses, ride one of Stone Bridge’s safe and experienced schoolmasters, or compete on the farm’s lovely show mounts.
De Sousa, who runs the equestrian program at Stone Bridge Farm, honed her riding skills and education with famed trainer Missy Clark at North Run Farm. She then taught at the prestigious McNair’s Country Acres in North Carolina before joining the Stone Bridge team. Lilly has vast experience working and teaching riders of all levels, and working closely with Stone Bridge’s Teddi Ismond, will make sure that each child has individual attention and guidance to help them become better riders and all around horsemen.
SBFBlacksmith-class-200.jpgStone Bridge Farm’s Full Day Camp runs from Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, and the Half Day Camp takes place weekdays from 9:00 AM to Noon. During each session, children will have 90 minute riding lessons. Groups are formed according to experience, with advanced, intermediate, and beginner sessions available. “We take pride in giving all of our riders’ individual attention in small groups,†says deSousa, “while riding high quality horses and ponies, so they have fun and see real progress in their time with us!â€
In addition, kids will learn about horse care, including grooming skills and tack care, through daily hands-on horsemanship instruction taught by seasoned professionals. A veterinarian and blacksmith will visit the farm and give campers the opportunity to ask questions and see them at work. There will also be daily arts and crafts and games, as well as a fun and exciting Gymkhana day. Each session concludes with an in-house horse show where competitors will receive one-on-one feedback and advice from a professional judge.
Activities at the Half Day, Full Day and Sleep Over Camp include:
* Daily riding – 90 minute lesson and/or trail ride;
* Overall horsemanship;
* Grooming, tacking & working around horses;
* Equipment care, functions and assembly;
* Barn care and rules, safety;
* Health, nutrition and other care;
* Trail adventures;
* Clinics both on and off property depending on week;
* Clinics and Lectures by leading professionals such as our vet and blacksmith;
* Horse Show judged by certified R rated judge;
* Horse related mounted games;
* Arts and crafts;
* Day trips and kids adventures.
Full Day Camp - $500 per session; Half Day Camp - $250 per session. Sleepover Camp includes the same riding, horsemanship and activity program as the Day Camp as are the session dates and fees, with a $300 surcharge for accommodations and meals. For further information, to sign up, or to schedule a visit to the stable, go to www.stonebridgefarm.net or call owner Katrina Weinig or trainer Lilly de Sousa at (540) 291-1000.
Stone Bridge Farm Summer 2010 Camps:
Session 1 : June 14-18 / Intermediate Camp
Session 2 : June 21-25 / Beginner Camp - Half Day Only
Session 3 : June 28- July 2 / Intermediate-Advanced Camp
Session 4 : July 5-9 / Beginner Camp
Session 5 : July 12-16 / Intermediate-Advanced Camp
Session 6 : July19-23 / Beginner Camp
Session 7 : July 26-30 / Intermediate-Advanced Camp & IEA Team Training
Session 8 : August 2-6 / Intermediate-Advanced Camp & IEA Team Training
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