The sun is finally out and summer vacation is right around the corner, which means it’s time to get ready for riding camp! Summer riding camp is every child’s dream: fun-filled days spent outside with horses and other young riders, fine-tuning horsemanship skills, and making new friends. It’s important to stock up on riding gear that will keep your child cool and comfortable during long days at the barn. We have put together a list of our most popular camp essentials that your child will love to help take the guesswork out of your pre-camp shopping trip.
1. Riding Sport by Dover Saddlery Kids’ Provenance Paddock Boot
These Provenance Paddock Boots are the perfect everyday boot for your camper. The synthetic leather is comfortable and easy-care – you can wipe them clean with a damp cloth and they’ll shine every day of summer camp. If you want a boot that is quick to put on and take off, we recommend a front zipper. Or, for a super adjustable fit, grab a pair with laces.
2. Ariat Backpack
Every summer camp go-er needs somewhere to store snacks, water, extra clothes, and anything else that they may need for a barn day. Your child will love these Ariat backpacks; they even include a helmet “sling” and cold/hot pack, as well as a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for a phone, charger, and other accessories. Plus, this bag stores dirty and wet clothes in a separate pocket, so you don’t have to worry about mess!
3. Tipperary Sportage Helmet
A lightweight, breathable helmet is a must-have during hot summer weather. The Tipperary Sportage Helmet provides exceptional protection and comfort while top and rear vents allow for cool airflow, so your kids will have no complaints riding all day long! Your child can pick from a huge variety of colors ranging from blacks and greys to electric blue, pink, or purple. These helmets also come in toddler sizes for even the youngest campers.
4. Noble Outfitters Perfect Fit Gloves
These Noble Outfitters Perfect Fit Gloves are designed to be long-lasting and light in weight. They are thin to provide excellent rein contact and have reinforced friction points on the forefinger, thumb, and pinky. We can’t get enough of the fun patterns like Ladybug, Apples and Carrots, and Blackberry — and we know your child will love them, too.
5. Riding Sport by Dover Saddlery Girl’s Essential Polo Shirt
Your child will be the best dressed and most comfortable camper in this Riding Sport by Dover Saddlery Essential Polo Shirt. It is made with a soft and smooth cotton fabric that looks great tucked into breeches or untucked. Choose from a range of colors, or grab one of each and your little rider will be ready to go all week.
6. Riding Sport by Dover Saddlery Girl’s Essential Breech
A comfortable breech is an absolute essential for campers who will be in and out of the saddle all summer long. Our pick for camp is the Riding Sport Girls’ Essential Breech. It is made of soft, breathable, stretchy fabric that doesn’t pinch or slip and fits into boots. The mid-rise EquiTrue Rise is designed to suit every figure while staying true to the rider’s form. This breech is so comfortable, it’s sure to become your child’s go-to pair.
7. C4 Belt with Buckle
For your campers who love to add a unique flair to their riding outfits, the C4 Print Belt with Buckle is the perfect finishing touch! It comes in endless fun colors and patterns. Our favorites for summer are Unicorn on the Loose and Corgi! Plus, it’s waterproof and can withstand any weather. If you want the same durability with an extra-fashionable look, check out the C4 Skinny Belt.
8. Tipperary Ride Lite Youth Vest
Safety is always our first priority, and this Tipperary Ride Lite Youth adds an extra level of protection for your young riders. No matter if your child loves to jump or prefers flat work, this full-coverage vest provides shock absorption and impact reduction in the event of a fall. The liner is easily washable, and the design allows for maximum airflow on hot summer days in the riding ring.
9. Noble Outfitters Over-The-Calf Peddies
Noble Equestrian Girls’ Peddies are the best way for your child to showcase her personality! They are not only fun, but they also provide comfort and padding in spots where boots tend to pinch. They’ll last all summer long, but your child will love the patterns so much that they’ll want one of each!
With hundreds of colors and styles, Dover Saddlery is your one-stop shop for all things summer camp! For even more shopping tips and tricks to get your child outfitted for camp, join us at your local Dover Saddlery store on Saturday, June 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to meet with our expert product advisors. And, don’t forget to share your camp photos on social media with the hashtag, #itsfromdover!