Riding Camp - Guidelines for Parents
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1. Is the facility (barn/stable) accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) or Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)?
□ Yes □ No 2. Are instructors certified by the CHA or American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA)? □ Yes □ No Accreditation and certification ensure the camp has safety standards and instructors teach in a safe, professional, and competent manner. If “No” to both does not mean the camp is unsafe, however. There are camps that are not accredited or have certified trainers but have safe practices. To make sure ask the following ten questions. |
1. Are campers required to wear riding helmets when riding?
□ Yes □ No
2. Does the instructor make sure the riding helmet is worn and fits properly before riding?
□ Yes □ No
3. Are campers required to wear riding boots or similar, before riding?
□ Yes □ No
4. Does the riding Camp have safety policies for prevention?
□ Yes □ No
5. Does the riding Camp have policy for handling riding related emergencies?
□ Yes □ No
6. Are there criminal background checks for those working with child campers?
□ Yes □ No
7. Are trainers or instructors well-trained with horses and teaching children?
[At least one trainer or instructor at least 18-years of age per every eight children ages 6-8, ten for ages 9-14, and twelve for ages 15-
17. And no trainer or instructor younger than 16-years of age and at least 2-years older than any camper]
□ Yes □ No
8. Do you have experienced and well-mannered lesson horses?
□ Yes □ No
9. If there are out-of-camp trips, is there a trip leader a) qualified in First Aid & CPR, b) a parental
permission form needed before each trip, c) a buddy system, d) lost-camper protocol)?
□ Yes □ No
10. Are parent visits encouraged?
□ Yes □ No
□ Yes □ No
2. Does the instructor make sure the riding helmet is worn and fits properly before riding?
□ Yes □ No
3. Are campers required to wear riding boots or similar, before riding?
□ Yes □ No
4. Does the riding Camp have safety policies for prevention?
□ Yes □ No
5. Does the riding Camp have policy for handling riding related emergencies?
□ Yes □ No
6. Are there criminal background checks for those working with child campers?
□ Yes □ No
7. Are trainers or instructors well-trained with horses and teaching children?
[At least one trainer or instructor at least 18-years of age per every eight children ages 6-8, ten for ages 9-14, and twelve for ages 15-
17. And no trainer or instructor younger than 16-years of age and at least 2-years older than any camper]
□ Yes □ No
8. Do you have experienced and well-mannered lesson horses?
□ Yes □ No
9. If there are out-of-camp trips, is there a trip leader a) qualified in First Aid & CPR, b) a parental
permission form needed before each trip, c) a buddy system, d) lost-camper protocol)?
□ Yes □ No
10. Are parent visits encouraged?
□ Yes □ No
If “No” to any of the above, consider another riding camp!
If “Yes” to all above, consider attending, and answer the following:
1. What are the hours? Usually 9am-3pm or half day
2. Is there extended care, before and after camp? Usually 8-9am and 3-5pm
3. Is lunch included, or children bring lunch? Usually bring your own
If “Yes” to all above, consider attending, and answer the following:
1. What are the hours? Usually 9am-3pm or half day
2. Is there extended care, before and after camp? Usually 8-9am and 3-5pm
3. Is lunch included, or children bring lunch? Usually bring your own
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Parents and caregivers, please:
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