Equestrian pursuits have always been an important part of life here at Brays and it all starts at the dedicated Equestrian Center, complete with generous tack rooms and 51 stalls. Other facilities include paddocks with eight miles of wooden fencing and, of course, expert instruction for riders of all levels.
Each year, the children of Brays have the opportunity to get in the saddle and learn the ins and outs of equestrian pursuits at our annual Kids Camp. With a three-day camp session, families can choose to participate in one day of camp or three consecutive days where children experience lessons, join in on horse games, hone their skills and master horse crafts.
Regardless of skill level, our equestrian team adapts activities to match the experience of the riders. Mornings consist of riding lessons where children learn the skills and terminology that comes with riding horses. After their lesson held at the Equestrian Center, it’s important for them to learn how to care for the horses, so they’ll get to bathe and groom the horses, clean the saddle and bridle and all of that culminates to a short trail ride on the sandy paths.
Of course summer camp isn’t complete without arts and crafts. “Paint the Pony” quickly became a favorite activity where kids get to quite literally paint a pony and show off their art skills during the bareback Pony Parade. Crafts range from tie-dye t-shirts to handmade bags and picture frames that each child can take home to remember their time at camp.
Games are a great way to learn how to work with the horses and feel comfortable in the saddle. Ever play Simon Says on horseback? From egg and spoon races to a spin on musical chairs - musical stalls - the kids get to have fun while broadening their handling.
Some families only experience horseback riding here at Brays so it’s great for them to grow their skill level and passion for horses each summer. “We get to watch the kids grow up and see their skill level improve year over year. It’s one of my favorite parts of working here,” says our Equestrian Director, Nicole Palazzo.
Keeping the camps to an intimate size allows individual attention for each camper. They each get their own pony and depending on age, a staff member to supervise their riding. Once they reach their teenage years, they can go on a supervised trail ride to explore riding beyond the Equestrian Center. Even though lessons happen all year round (along with Paint the Pony activities), it’s always been fun for the kids to get together during the summer and expand their knowledge and experience around the horses.