Horse camps are now being offered by the non-profit organization, Centaur Rising.  These are summer day camps.  Although we do not permit unaccompanied children to stay at overnight at our bed and breakfast, please click here for exceptions.  :<)

You may read about Centaur Rising's horse camp programs below or go to their site for more information.

What are your child's plans for this summer?

How about a camp designed, not just to keep your child busy, but to help him/her

• become more responsible,
• grow in self-esteem and
• develop work and social skills that will prepare him/her to become a responsible employee and supervisor one day?

Add to that...

• an environment where both adults and other children really care about the success of your child,
• a beautiful mountain setting and
• an opportunity to learn more about animals and nature.

If you have a child who is CRAZY ABOUT HORSES, then one or more of our Anchorage Horse Camps may be the perfect opportunity for your child.

Background

Summer Horse Camps have operated continuously at Anchorage Farm since 1993.  Their purpose has been two-fold: 1) to teach children the responsibilities of horse ownership and 2) to give more advanced students the opportunity to teach and supervise others.

As the years have passed, we have come to appreciate all the more the value of connecting children with nature, of instilling good work habits and of effectively communicating with others.  These needs have not changed.  They have only intensified.

Centaur Rising Horse Camp for 2008 has been re-designed to provide for greater adult and professional supervision so that the experience can be much more rewarding for beginner and advanced students alike.

Horse Camp

There will be no Intensive Horse Camp or Little Kids’ Camp by name this year.  Rather we intend to keep camps small such that instruction can be individualized.  Children aged five may participate for half days.  Anyone desiring a more intensive horse camp experience may elect to add more lessons to their day.  (See Kris for advanced payment and scheduling.)

Goals

The purpose of Horse Camp is to teach children about the responsibilities of horse care.  Many children aspire to own horses without an understanding of their potential commitment.  Horses thus are often discarded when the owner tires of the responsibility, especially when one lacks the skills to effectively ride the horse.  Centaur Rising strives to teach compassion for the animal, for one’s fellow humans and for the natural environment.

Activities

Each child will adopt a horse for the duration of Horse Camp.  The camper will lead the horse to his turn-out corral.  He/she will learn how to groom the horse and to clean the horse’s stall.  The camper will learn about horse safety and general horse knowledge: horse colors, parts of the horse, parts of the tack.  He/she will learn about horse care: nutrition, basic veterinary care, horse shoeing, horse selection and basic horse training.

Each child will receive the equivalent of one group riding lesson per day.  Younger students and beginners will each receive ample one-on-one instruction.  In the past, Intensive Horse Camp has offered the opportunity for more than one lesson/day.  This option is still available, but students will need to pay for additional lessons on an individual basis.

Ongoing Students

The definition of “ongoing student” has changed this year.  An ongoing student is defined as anyone who has taken at least four lessons or participated in any Horse Camp at Centaur Rising since June 1, 2007.

Hours, Days, Dates

Horse Camp will be offered from 9am to 3pm, Tuesdays through Thursdays.  Supervision before camp (7-9am) or after camp (3-6pm) will be offered for an additional $5 fee.  Specific dates are listed on the registration form.

Leadership Camp

We are seeking six exemplary youth who are committed 1) to participating at least four weeks this summer and 2) to the goals of the program.  We seek measurable results to show case this program for years to come.  Leadership criteria will include the demonstration of work ethic, personal behavior, riding skills, horse knowledge and the ability to teach and supervise others.  Each week will have a different focus: compassion, helpfulness, responsibility, integrity, self-discipline and determination.

Leadership Campers (LCs) will have the opportunity to advance through structured levels of responsibility.  As they advance, they will be able to earn credits to further advance their riding skills.  Over the course of the summer LCs will assume increasing responsibility for the operation of the riding stable.  They will learn to identify needs and exhibit ownership for their resolution.

There is no extra charge for extended supervision for Leadership Camp.  LC will be offered Mondays through Thursdays.  As with Horse Camp, the equivalent of one group lesson will be provided daily.  Meetings with parents will be held both before and after camp to help address each child’s special needs and challenges.

Financial Aid

We are very much committed to the ongoing students of Centaur Rising.  We want very much for every one of them to be a participant in our summer youth program.  We will be glad to discuss financial assistance with each family on an individual basis.  Please understand that the program does cost real money to operate.  The costs of horse care have risen exponentially in the last year.  Added adult staff require compensation not previously budgeted for.

Organizational Structure

Erin Smith will serve as horse camp Coordinator for 2008.  Mary Snyder, a Denver Public Schools teacher who holds an MS in Education, will support Erin.  In addition, Sarah Sherry, a junior at the University of Denver will also assist.  Both Sarah and Mary are accomplished horsewomen.  Mary also has a special interest in enhancing your child’s connection with nature.

Ongoing Professional Staff

Kris Cooper, founder of Centaur Rising, will continue to provide oversight for the program.  Her MS in Counseling Psychology and over 30 years of experience in corporate, government and entrepreneurial settings provide a real-world framework for helping kids prepare for their own futures as employees, leaders and teachers.

Jim Cooper, Kris’ husband, will provide instruction to more advanced students.  He will help with educational demonstrations and be available as a resource.  Jim draws upon 40 years of experience in owning and managing equestrian facilities (and state-accredited equestrian vocational education programs) in both Michigan and Colorado.

Meals

Campers are asked to bring their own lunch, drinks, snacks and utensils.  A pop machine and a microwave  are available on the grounds.

Registration

A registration form can be downloaded here.  Deposit deadlines are stated on the registration form.  Our camps are often filled well in advance of their deadlines.  Registrations will be accepted in the order in which they are received.  Sign up early!  Don’t be left out!

Payments

A deposit of $100 for each week of Horse Camp is required at the time of registration.  The registration deadline for each camp is the first of the month preceding the month in which each camp is held (i.e. May 1st for June camps, June 1st for July camps and July 1st for August camps).  The balance of the amount due for camp is payable on the first day of camp.  We accept all major credit cards.  Leadership Camp may be paid in three monthly installments: May, June and July.

Refunds

No cash refunds will be made in the event of cancellation for any reason.  You may be able to transfer your credits to another week, to another person or to traditional riding lessons - if we are notified of your change in plans prior to the registration deadline or if the cancellation is of an emergency nature.  Transfer of credits will be on a weekly basis only and not for daily absences.

Rates

Camp rates are listed on the registration form.  Your child may attend as many camps as you wish.  There is always more to be learned!

Camp Size

All sessions are limited to a maximum of 14 campers, including Leadership Campers.

Alternatives to Horse Camp

Centaur Rising offers an “After School at the Stable” program throughout the school year.  These afternoon group lessons will continue on a monthly basis through the summertime.  Please contact Kris if you are interested.  Private lessons are available throughout the year.

New for 2008

Please take advantage of all of the decision-making that has gone into our summer youth programs for 2008.  We seek to make them increasingly supportive of Centaur Rising’s missions of horse welfare, youth development, the teaching of classical riding, horse safety and our commitment to the natural environment.  We very much appreciate your past support.  We hope very much that you will join us in 2008!

To sign up, please use our “Horse Camp Registration Form.”   You may download our brochure here.