Overview
Ojai Valley School offers equestrian camp for beginning, intermediate and advanced riders, ages 8-16, 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 equestrian 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. A jumping vest is mandatory for cross-country jumping and optional for stadium/arena jumping. Students in the two equestrian camps must have strong proficiency in English speaking and listening for their own safety.
Horse Camp
Beginning to intermediate riders participate in morning classes five days a week at our Lower Campus stables. Riders are divided into small groups according to their experience and ability. Each group rotates through riding, practical stable and horse management, and academic sessions. Topics include training and competition psychology, equine anatomy and physiology, veterinary care and terminology. Students generally ride at least one horse prior to lunch. They also have the opportunity to participate in field trips and other educational equestrian activities during their horse summer camp experience. Each afternoon, horse campers take a break from the barn and participate in a wide range of afternoon activities.
Advanced Horse Camp
This program is designed to advance the skills of more experienced day and resident horse campers who are interested in either participating in the United States Pony Club and/or preparing for competition. 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 with an emphasis on preparation for upcoming clinics, Pony Club certifications, and/or shows. Riders meet daily at our Upper Campus stables. Transportation from the Lower Campus is provided for day and resident campers. Each afternoon, horse campers take a break from the barn and participate in a wide range of afternoon activities with campers from other programs.
Please contact the Admission Office at (805) 646-1423 for more information. Equestrian Director Stephanie Gustafson can be reached by email at sgustafson@ovs.org for any specific horse-related questions.