Horseback Riding in NC

Here in the mountains of western North Carolina we have cooler summer weather than most places in the south. This past summer, when most places were immersed in extraordinaryily hot weather, we had more pleasant temperatures. This is one of the reasons it’s so great for the St. Andrews College horses to spend the summer with us at Rockbrook… it gives them (like us) a break from the heat! Everyone likes it when we do a lot of horseback riding at RBC.

Day Of Celebration

This morning Rockbrook hosted its very own horse show, and many of the campers participated in the event. Parents were also invited and were able to watch their kids in the show. The show was optional, and some of the campers did some last minute packing instead. The other kids went to their scheduled first and second activity periods. Later in the afternoon the campers went to the gym to see the production of The Wizard of Oz.

For dinner tonight we had a traditional Spirit Fire dinner. The campers and counselors dress up in their uniforms and were recognized for how many years they had been at Rockbrook.Various gifts are given out to designate how many years at Rockbrook they have attended. Spirit Fire was then held a little after dinner. We sang special campfire songs and campers and counselors spoke around the fire. What makes Spirit Fire special is that it is done in such a way as if it were to take place in 1921, when the camp was founded. Each camper is given a candle and is lit by the fire. The campers then line up around the lake and sing songs. After the event they are made to go back to their cabins in silence and only use their candles for light. As it would be in 1921, no electricity is used. And so ends the last night of third session, we’ve had a blast and are looking forward to 4th session! Thanks to all of the campers, counselors, administration, and everyone who have made this session successful!

Summer Camp Horse Show

We had the first session horse show yesterday. It’s a great event we hold at the end of every session where girls who have ridden perform for the rest of the camp. With all different skill levels represented, it’s not a competition, just a way for us to see all the amazing things that happen in horseback riding at Rockbrook.

Equestrian Camp NC

Going to an equestrian camp, a summer camp that offers a quality horseback riding program, is one of the best things you can do to improve your riding skills. It gives you a chance to learn from new instructors, to hear about different techniques, and to simply practice everything in a new environment. Along these lines, riding at camp introduces you to new horses and their different personalities. Overall, attending a horse camp program helps diversify your riding skills and horsemanship knowledge. And of course, it’s a lot of fun too!

Equestrian Camp

The equestrian camp program at Rockbrook accommodates both beginners interested in horseback riding and more experienced riders who want to improve their horsemanship skills. With both seasoned ponies and show horses in the program, each rider has the right mount and instructor, and everyone can learn something.

Horse Games for Girls

Toward the end of each session at camp, we have a day of “barn games.” It’s when we come up with fun activities a little different from the regular summer camp riding lessons. For example, we’ll decorate a horse or two with colorful (and washable!) paint, and maybe play “red light, green light,” but one of the most popular is the “Apple Hunt.” This is when the riding instructors hide several apples out in the fields, and the girls are challenged to ride around and find the apples. One apple is marked, and the rider who finds it gets a special prize. They’re all great fun!

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Girls Horses

How many horses did Rockbrook have in its horseback riding program this past summer? With all those girls at camp wanting to ride, you might guess we had a lot! Some from St. Andrew’s College Equine Business program, some from Sweet Briar College Equine Studies program, and some of Rockbrook’s own horses, we had 26 in all.

RBC Blog Horse Riding

A shot from the horse show this summer… just a glimpse into the summer equestrian program we have at camp.