After check-in, campers tour Hoofbeat Ridge, situated on 250 rolling acres in picturesque southwestern Wisconsin. Facilities include two bunkhouses, a lodge, dining hall, hay barn, indoor riding arena, horse stalls and outdoor riding rings. Then the camp's barn director determines each child's riding ability and assigns her to a counselor and riding group. English is with a smaller saddle that has no saddlehorn. More experienced riders learn reining, how to perform riding patterns like a figure 8, how to ride in unison with the horse and jumping.
Safety is emphasized, with riding helmets required.
Hoofbeat Ridge, which is accredited by the American Camping Association, limits its number of campers to 60. Smaller groups guarantee kids get enough riding time, says Marthe. In addition to riding, campers take turns feeding and watering horses. Each camper cabin is given the responsibility for a day. Although Hoofbeat Ridge's focus is squarely on horses, campers enjoy other activities, including performing skits and doing arts and crafts.