Overview
Ojai Valley School offers equestrian camp for beginning, intermediate and advanced riders, grades 3-9, who want to develop their skills while enjoying summer camp in Southern California. Our camps are an extension of the OVS Equestrian Program offered to day and resident students during the academic year. As such, campers have the unique opportunity to learn from our own full-time equestrian instructors, who bring extensive backgrounds in dressage and jumping. Please be advised that space in these camps is limited and fills quickly. Riders in both camps are expected to come prepared with the following items: breeches, tall boots or short paddock boots with half-chaps, boot socks, and an ASTM-SEI approved helmet.
Beginning Horse Camp
Campers participate in morning classes five days a week at our Lower Campus stables, divided into small groups according to their age and ability. Each group rotates through practical stable and horse management. Campers learn how to be around horses, build confidence and learn barn safety, basic horsemanship, grooming, and tacking up. Students in this beginning program work toward a goal of riding independently at the end of each session. Each afternoon, horse campers take a break from the barn and participate in afternoon activities.
Advanced Horse Camp
This program is designed to advance the skills of more experienced day and resident equestrians who are interested in either participating in or preparing for competition in dressage and jumping. Students generally ride school-owned horses, but can bring their own horses with prior approval of the equestrian director. The advanced camp meets from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and riders receive daily instruction in dressage, jumping, and equine management. Topics include training and competition psychology, equine anatomy and physiology, veterinary care and more. Riders meet daily at our Upper Campus stables. Each afternoon, campers take a break from the barn and participate in afternoon activities with campers from other programs. All intermediate and advanced riders in this program must be able to walk, trot, canter and tack up on their own.
Please contact the Admission Office at (805) 646-1423 for more information. Equestrian Director George Halkett can be reached by email at ghalkett@ovs.org for any specific horse-related questions.