Your young rider is about to have a dream come true: the submersion in horses and ponies with other horse loving friends at an upcoming riding camp! Most horse camps include topics on horsemanship, grooming, horse handling, tack cleaning and riding lessons. Truly an experience of a lifetime for horse crazed kids. We’ve created a guide of all the essentials your young rider will need to ensure they are equipped to have a successful experience.
Camp days are packed with activities, education and opportunities to make new friends both two- and four-legged. At Dover Saddlery, we’ve outfitted thousands of riders for horse camps. The guide includes essential pieces of equipment, and some fun add on items to help prepare for this exciting experience.
Horse Camp Equipment and Essentials
Riding Helmet: Your camp may offer the use of an equestrian helmet, or you may wish to purchase your child’s own. Either one should meet the current safety standard and should be labeled ASTM F1163-15/SEI Certified. The helmet should fit snugly, fasten securely, allow a clear line of vision and stay in place as your child moves. Helmets made for bike riding do not offer enough protection for horseback riding and should not be substituted for a well-fitting equestrian helmet. Visit a Dover Saddlery store or refer to our equestrian library for fit guide information.
Example: Ovation® Deluxe Schooler Helmet
Boots/Closed-Toe Shoes: Your child’s footwear should feature a hard toe and one-inch heel. The heel is a safety measure that helps prevent a foot from sliding through a stirrup. The boot or riding shoe should preferably be made of leather or synthetic leather (as opposed rubber) for overall foot protection. Zip- or lace-front paddock boots are a perfect choice for camp because they can carry your rider through all the activities of the day.
Example: Riding Sport™ Kids’ Provenance Zip Paddock Boots
Breeches, Jodhpurs or Tights: Riding pants give kids a comfort and performance advantage over jeans for riding. Breeches, jodhpurs and tights are made of smooth, stretchy and snug-fitting fabrics that resist bunching and let riders move freely. Seams are generally minimal or strategically placed to avoid chafing skin. Reinforced or grippy areas at the knees, called knee patches, offer added stability and support in the saddle.
Example: Kerrits® Kids’ Coolcore® Full Leg Grip Tech Tight
Optional Horse Camp Equipment
Riding Gloves: Thin and stretchy, riding gloves protect hands from friction caused by reins. Areas in contact with reins are reinforced to add durability and coverage. Children, especially beginning riders, can be fussy at first about the feel of riding gloves but they are worth considering for safety.
Example: SSG® Youth Soft Touch™ Glove
Riding Tops and Tees: Any comfortable shirt that lets a rider move freely will work well. Riding shirts, however, are made of performance fabrics loaded with benefits. The lightweight fabrics wick sweat, provide breathability and stretch freely. Some shirts are made of cooling fabrics or have cooling mesh inserts. Many riding shirts offer amazing UV protection, shielding skin from sunburn.
Example: CoolBlast® 100 Kids’ Olivia Short Sleeve Shirt
Grooming Tote: Your camp will most likely supply grooming tools and totes to campers. However, supplying your camper with their own groom tote with brushes may make them feel extra motivated and excited for their day! A personal grooming tote keeps essential tools like brushes, hoof picks, and mane combs easily accessible and clean and may help provide campers with a sense of pride and ownership. It also encourages independence and teaches young riders the importance of proper grooming for a horse’s health and comfort.
Example: Rider’s International™ Essential Small Grooming Tote
Horse Treats: Bringing horse treats to pony camp is a fun and effective way for your child to build a positive connection with the camp horses and ponies. Horse treats can be used to reward good behavior, encourage bonding during grooming, and make training sessions more enjoyable. They’re also a great tool for teaching young riders about responsible horse care and feeding. Choose nutritious horse treats and always ask before feeding new treats to new horses and ponies.
Example: Uckele® by SmartPak® Equi Treats™ Bite Sized Pellets – 12 oz
Water Bottle: Bringing a water bottle to pony camp is essential for staying hydrated during long, active days in the sun. Riding, grooming, and caring for the horses can be physically demanding, especially in warm weather. Making sure your camper stays hydrated also promotes healthy habits and helps ensure a safe, enjoyable day at the barn.
Example: LeMieux® Water Bottle
Backpack or Ringside Bag: Bringing a riding-specific backpack or ringside bag to camp is a great way to keep all your campers riding gear clean, organized, and easier for them to carry. These bags are designed to hold everything from gloves and spurs to water bottles and snacks—and many even feature a dedicated compartment for helmets. A backpack helps campers transport their equipment safely to and from the barn.
Example: Riding Sport™ Backpack | Dover Saddlery
Half Chaps: If your child will wear paddock boots, they can be topped with half chaps. This lower legwear creates the look and feel of a tall riding boot. Half chaps go on and off easily and provide comfortable, extra protection and support to the rider’s lower legs.
Example: Ariat® Children’s Scout Half Chap
You can also shop our entire selection of Kids’ apparel and equipment here.
If you have any questions on fitting your child with riding apparel, we’re here to help. We’re particularly careful about helmet fit. We also take pride in offering starter items at budget-friendly prices, perfect for growing riders or those just getting introduced to equestrian sports. Stop by any of our Dover Saddlery retail locations or give us a call! On our website, our Equestrian Library is also a great free resource.
Is your summer riding camp checklist complete? Share your photos with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @doversaddlery!