2024 Summer Horse Camp

DERS Summer Horse Camp program offers in-depth education for kids, tweens and teens! Campers join us for 2 riding lessons each day (weather dependent), hands-on grooming, tacking, unmounted equine education, horse care and horse related art projects to bring home.

Campers are divided by age and ability. A Rider Assessment Lesson is REQUIRED for all levels except Li’l Equestrians and Beginner riders.

DE Horse Campers enjoying their rideSUMMER CAMP HOURS:

Campers ages 5yrs-7yrs

Mon – Thurs 9am-3:30 pm, Fri 9am-2pm. 

Campers ages 8yrs+

Mon – Thurs 9am-4pm and Fri 9am-2pm.

 

5 Things to Look for in a Horse Camp

Accreditation
Look for horse camp programs that are licensed and registered with the Certified Horsemanship Association, a leading authority for summer camps. Check online to see how long a camp has been in business. While DERS has been in business since 2008, we purchased this fantastic facility in 2012!
Leadership
A camp director can make or break a summer camp. Always inquire about a director’s experience and credentials. Corinne Lettau, the founder of DERS, oversees the camp and it’s counselors, riding instructors and horse trainers.
Staff
Look for camps that are dedicated to hiring knowledgeable, experienced and KIND Horseback Riding Instructors, Counselors and support staff. 
Prerequisites
Make sure the camp your child attends caters to his or her skill level. At DERS, we accommodate entry-level through intermediate and advanced riders. To be placed in a level above that of a beginner, a New Rider Assesssment is required.
Fun
Look for an organization that offers a well-rounded summer camp experience, keeping in mind your child’s interests. Corinne attended 3 different horse camp programs each year as a young rider. While her career in horses has been a long one, having children of her own is what had the most influence on the creation of her program. Of course, safety is always first. FUN is second, but not far behind! “I took my favorite experiences at horse camps as a child and teenager, and built a fun and educational program of my own, from a mother’s point of view.” 

Feeding time

DERS Summer Horse Camp Levels

Li’l Equestrians Level Camp: This program is designed for 5-7 year old horse lovers. Learn the basics of grooming, tacking, and riding. Participate in one daily horseback riding lesson, horsey games and crafts, and learn to care for horses. *New Rider Assessment NOT REQUIRED.  
Beginner Camp: A horse camp for kids age 8+ with little to no previous experience. Learn to catch, groom, and tack your horse. TWICE daily group horseback riding lessons, crafts, education and games build confidence while participating in horse care activities. *New Rider Assessment NOT REQUIRED. 
 
Halter Club Level Camp: Novice. This camp is designed for riders with great steering skills at the walk who are ready to solidify their trot work. TWICE daily group horseback riding lessons build knowledge, skills, and respect for our 4-legged friends.
*If you are not currently a student at DERS, a New Rider Assessment MAY be required. 
 
Saddle Club Level Camp: Intermediate. Riders who are controlled at the trot and ready to canter will focus on poles, patterns, and position in their TWICE daily group horseback riding lessons. Other activities and games designed to enhance equine education.
*If you are not currently a student at DERS, a New Rider Assessment IS REQUIRED. 
Bridle Club Level Camp: Advanced. Balanced at the Canter and ready to Jump? This camp is designed for riders who are ready to or already have some experience with cross-rails and verticals. Advanced riders join us for TWICE daily horseback riding lessons. Courses, gymnastics, and fence-setting are just a few of the topics covered, as well as horse conformation, movement and medical care.
*If you are not currently a student at DERS, a New Rider Assessment IS REQUIRED. 

How do I enroll? 

  1. If you don’t already have one, create an online account.
  2. If you have an online account, log in to view the calendar.
  3. Choose the Monday of the week(s) you are interested in attending!
  4. Summer Camp Sessions are in shown in orange, and each level is labeled. 
  5. Click on the level you are interested in booking.
  6. If there is space, it will say “Enroll now.”
  7. If the camp is full, it will say “Join Waitlist.”

2024 Summer Horse Camp Dates:

Week 1:    May 27 – 31

Week 2: June 3 – 7

Week 3:   June 10 – 14

Week 4: June 17 – 21

Week 5: June 24 – 28

Week 6:  July 1 – 5 (Includes July 4th)

Week 7: July 8 – 12

Week 8: July 15 – 19

Week 9: July 22 – 26

Week 10: July 29 – August 3

Week 11: August 6 – 10

Week 12: August 13 – 17

SUMMER CAMP: MORE KEY INFORMATION

The following items are mandatory to attend DERS Summer Camp:

  • SEI/ATSM Certified Horseback Riding Helmet.
  • Paddock Boots, Tall Boots or Cowboy Boots.
  • Summer Riding Gloves. Why Horseback Riding Gloves are ESSENTIAL
  • Jodhpurs, Breeches or Slim-Fit, Stretchy Jeans.
  • T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts or polos.

MONDAYS – THURSDAYS = Drop off all campers at 9:00am. Pick up is at 4pm for all levels except Li’l Equestrians (5-7yr old campers), which is 3:30pm.

FRIDAYS = The horse show begins at 11am. ALL Campers will be ready for PICKUP by 2:00pm. (*Campers may need to clean up their homerooms & put tack away after the fun show before leaving, so be sure to check with Camp Counselors before you go!)

Early Drop-Off / Late Pick-up: Please do not arrive early. If you do arrive early, wait outside until assigned check-in time. Early/Late Pick Up available for purchase (we need to staff for it). This service is offered for a $50 fee, in 30 minute increments.

Many helmets, boots, backpacks, etc. look alike. LABEL ALL PERSONAL ITEMS so if you forget them, we can find you!

PER OUR INSURANCE COMPANY:

  1. NO shorts or tank tops.
  2. NO tennis shoes or hiking boots.
  3. NO bike helmets, ski helmets, or any other type of helmets.
    *ONLY SEI/ATSM certified horseback riding helmets.
*Riders will be sent home without the proper gear required by our insurance company. 

When and Where is Drop Off and Pick Up?

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A RESERVATION FOR EARLY DROP OFF, PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE SCHEDULED TIME.
*NOTE: Li’l Equestrians and Campers ages 8+ have different pick-up schedules.
Park in our lot directly off of Coal Mine Avenue.
Campers ages 8+ and Li’l Equestrians arrive at 9:00am
On Mondays, all campers meet in the main office located in the center of the large barn.
Pick up your campers at 4pm (Li’l Equestrians ages 5-7yrs at 3:30pm).
Campers will be assigned a check out area to pick up at the end of the day.

EARLY PICK UP / LATE DROP OFF is available for anyone needing to drop off BEFORE their time or pick-up after assigned time ($25 per 15-minute increments).

Friday Fun Horse Show
All campers arrive at 9am to prepare for the horse show. The show starts at 11am, and begins with Li’l Equestrians, followed by Beginner riders, then Halter, Saddle and Bridle levels. All riders are excused after the ribbon ceremony and clean up, around 2pm.

Don’t Forget!
Generously apply sunscreen to your camper prior to dropping your camper at the barn, and send extra along to reapply. If your child has allergies, please send them with the correct medication and directions. Pack a hearty sack lunch, and remember to bring a water bottle each day. We provide a refrigerator for keeping cold lunches cold, a microwave and water refill stations for thirsty campers.

*Vending machines and a barn store are located on the property, and campers love to purchase their own souvenirs, soda and snacks! Most parents send $20 for the week.

Cancellation Policy

You will receive your choice of a full refund or credit for cancellations made within 48 hours of enrolling for camp. For reservations cancelled more than 48 hours after enrolling and at least thirty days before the start of your session of camp, you will receive your choice of two options: a 50% refund of money paid towards camp OR a 100% credit with DERS for future camp or lessons. No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations made less than 30 days before your session of camp begins.

Avoid disappointed horse lovers, REGISTER TODAY!

Li’l Equestrians and Beginner Camps do not require pre-approval to join.
HC, SC & BC require prior approval at DERS before enrollment.

L’il Equestrians (ages 5 – 7yrs) Mon – Th 9am – 3:30pm, Fr 9am – 2pm

Summer Campers (ages 8 – 16yrs) Mon – Th 9am – 4pm, Fr 9am  – 2pm

*Li’l Equestrians ride one time per day. Campers 8yo and up ride once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Please note: afternoon lessons and pool days are weather dependent. Colorado can be stormy in the summer, and for safety reasons, we will not be riding in the afternoon or swimming if there is inclement weather, thunder or lightning.

Questions? Email: Ride@DenverEquestrians.com or call us (303) 973-0077

*Add ride@denverequestrians.com to your contacts list so we trot into your inbox!

Campers wrapping up a fun filled week
Campers wrapping up a fun filled week