HORSE PLAY
Group Horse Lesson + Farm Exploration
EXPLORE
CAMP SHINEHORSE PLAY
FOR BEGINNERS + EXPERIENCED RIDERS ALIKE
We are excited and eager to present Horse Play at Camp Shine.
Horses bring so much JOY to our lives! The horse-human connection is incredibly special. Horses are great at helping us regulate our nervous system, keeping us present/mindful and of course bringing endless smiles.
Your child will learn all it takes to be a true natural horseman!
Many programs teach arena skills in either western or english, but not too many programs teach all the ins and outs of natural horsemanship and riding. We will dive into both learning to care, groom, connect and ride the horse!
We will meet you where you are!
This program is perfect for first time riders or those who have taken lessons for years. This program has an emphasis on learning the joy of riding and connecting with horses.
- Horse safety/behavior
- Horse communication and connection
- Grooming/horse maintenance and care
- Tacking your horse and caring for tack
- Holtering/leading solo
- Lunging/exercising the horse
- Riding led in the round pen
- Riding solo in the round pen
- Working toward riding outside of the round pen around the property.
THE POWER OF WORKING WITH HORSES
…for your child’s mind, body, and heart!
Mind:
Interacting with horses requires concentration and problem-solving, which sharpens cognitive functions and reduces stress. The mental focus needed to understand and respond to a horse’s behaviors enhances mindfulness. Horses also teach us to slow down and listen, not only to the horse but also to ourselves.
Body:
Working with horses is very physical! The physical aspects of horse care and riding improve things like motor skills, strength, and balance. The rhythmic motion of riding can also promote relaxation.
Heart/Spirit:
Building a bond with a horse fosters emotional connection and empathy. The presence of a horse can be comforting and uplifting, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression while nurturing self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Did you know?
About the Horse – Human Connection
Horses’ hearts generate a strong electromagnetic field that extends several feet from their bodies. This field can influence the environment and impact people nearby. When humans interact with horses, the horse’s steady heartbeat can help synchronize with the human’s own heart rate, promoting a calming effect. This interaction can aid in reducing stress and balancing the nervous system. In our fast paced world, slowing down with horses is incredibly therapeutic and healing.
WE WILL BE WORKING TOWARD
Benchmarks + Milestones
to include:
- Horse safety/behavior
- Horse communication and connection
- Grooming/horse maintenance and care
- Tacking your horse and caring for tack
- Holtering/leading solo
- Lunging/exercising the horse
- Riding led in the round pen
- Riding solo in the round pen
More about our Horse Play program:
This program will also include play and time at the farm with the ponies, donkeys, chickens, pigs, bunnies and goats! They will get to tend to the farm, helping feed, special farm related projects and more!
One thing that makes CS so unique is we are always seeking ways for your child to be the teacher/leader and share with us all they know! We love to give kids a platform to SHINE. Should your child already be a horse lover and has participated in lessons for years, we would love for them to step into that leadership role. We love having the kids take the lead and share with us all they know!
2026 ENROLLMENT
HORSE PLAYGroup Horse Lesson + Farm Exploration Ages: 7 to 14
FALL #1 | WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS:
5 classes
Sept 16 – Oct 14
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Investment: $550
Fall #2 | WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS:
5 classes
Oct 21 – Nov 18
2:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Investment: $550
SPRING #1 | WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS:
5 classes
Mar 17 – Apr 21 (No HP: Apr 7)
2:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Investment: $550
SPRING #2 | WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS:
5 classes
Apr 28 – May 26
2:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Investment: $550
We are vendors with Compass, Visions, Vista Oaks and Heartwood, If you are using Charter Funds, please use the coupon code CHARTERFUNDS! (case sensitive) at check out. This will notify us to bill on your behalf. Once you register with us, please reach out to your school to submit a voucher which must be done prior to the first class.
Program include 6 riding days and 2 horsemanship/ground work days.
HORSE PLAYFrequently Asked Questions
Does my child need any previous horse experience?
My child has been doing lessons for years, would they still like this program?
How many kids can I expect in this program?
How many horses does Camp Shine have and will be used in the program?
What does a typical lesson/day look like?
We start in a circle with a quick chat about the main lesson which may include for example, safety, the importance of our presence and calmness, grooming techniques and key elements to being a confident rider.
We then get busy with our skill of the day and also tending to the horses. While one group has horse time, the other will be enjoying the farm and seeing the ponies, donkeys, pigs, goats, chickens, garden and bunnies. We will also have fun farm projects for them to participate in. Whether that’s feeding, tending the garden or grooming the ponies. We then swap groups.
We wrap with a quick closing circle to discuss our learning.