Girls Riding Camp Stable Club

“What’s the Rockbrook Stable Club?”

A riding camp for girls should be more than just riding; it should also be learning about horses. That’s why girls who are truly “horse crazy” love Rockbrook’s ground lessons, what we call the “Stable Club.” This is a chance for girls to have “extra time at the barn with their favorite horses and riding staff and to learn skills and take part in activities that a lot of riders don’t learn even at professional riding stables or until they get their own horse (such as polo wrapping, proper first aid, nutrition, etc.),” explains Cara Thompson, the Director of the Rockbrook Camp Equestrian Program. “I’ve not had a rider, (yet!) who hasn’t wanted to learn, and come away from Stable Club without learning something new that they appreciated,” she added. If you really love riding and want to learn more about it, you’ll want to be in the stable club!

Advanced Riders and Rockbrook Camp

“Can I learn more advanced riding skills at Rockbrook Camp?”

The director of our riding program, Cara, places each camper who wants to ride at camp in a class with girls of similar ability, and assigns each camper an appropriate mount. With outstanding horses from St. Andrews College and Sweet Briar College, and with skilled instructors who work with horses and teach riding year-round, Rockbrook horseback riders are set to learn. It’s so great to ride an excellently schooled horse, and have fresh, appropriate tution for your riding. Advanced riders can learn to post the trot, canter and jump. No matter what your level, the horse riding program at RBC is ready.

Beginning Horseback Riding Camp

“What if I’ve never tried horseback riding?”

Don’t worry! Even the first time rider, the absolute beginner, will be able to experience the excitement of horseback riding at Rockbrook Camp. Cara, our equestrian program director, matches each rider with an appropriate horse, a well-trained horse or pony use to beginning riders. She’ll provide you with the right equipment (for example, boots and a helmet), and teach you the important first things to know about leading and mounting a horse before you try it. Before long, you’ll be riding by yourself, and horseback riding just might become your favorite thing to do.

Summer Camp Feelings

“Rockbrook is a haven.
Well, that’s how it feels to me.
The crystal streams, the endless sky,
The tall and leafy trees…
I love the beauty of this place,
And all the things to do,
Like riding, swimming in the lake,
And climbing towards the blue.
Camp’s the best time of the year,
But the days – they just fly by!
Before long we’re at Spirit Fire,
Tears flooding our eyes.
It’s sad that camp must end so fast,
But one thing’s always true:
Through all our days, oh Rockbrook,
We will never forget you.”
— Nell, camper 2nd session 2007

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.

One from Riding

Horseback riding at summer camp