Summer Programs 2008
Day Camp ›
Overnight Camp ›
Pony Preschool ›

Day Camp
Paard Hill Farms Summer Day Camp provides instruction and hands-on experience with horses and stable life. The program is designed for girls and boys age 7 and up who are interested in improving their riding skills and want to learn about horses and their care. Our professional instructors inspire joy, courage and confidence in a safe and friendly environment.

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The daily agenda will include a group activity such as a discussion about horse anatomy or nutrition, trailer loading, designing a jump course, bathing a horse, or practicing groundwork skills and techniques. A group riding lesson is scheduled every day with the kids grooming and tacking up their horses. After their ride, they will untack, brush the horses, put them in their stalls, and clean their saddles and bridles. Playing games, such as having a stall mucking contest, or watching educational videos are other activities that are planned for each day. And somewhere in the busy day will be time for a snack! Our Day Camp will be fun, informative and interactive. Our mission is to inspire excellence in every lesson – whether it’s riding or painting a jump rail!

Camp will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am – 1pm. Children who can post the trot around the arena by themselves are eligible for this program.

COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE
We will pick participants up on Shelter Island before camp and drop off at the ferry after camp.

WEEKS/SESSIONS
June 30-July 4 · July  7-11 · July 14–18 · July 21–July 25
July 28-August 1 · August 4–8 · August 11-15 · August 18-22

RATES
$500 per week · $975 for 2 consecutive weeks
$1435 for 3 consecutive weeks · $1870 for 4 consecutive weeks
$2285 for 5 consecutive weeks · $2675 for 6 consecutive weeks
$3050 for 7 consecutive weeks · $3400 for 8 consecutive weeks


Overnight Camp
This unique 5-day, 4-night program is for girls age 9 and up whose minimum skill level is cantering. We are offering two sessions: The first session is Monday July 14th – Friday July 18th, and the second session is Monday August 11th – Friday August 15th.

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This special program includes daily lessons in equitation, hunters, or dressage. The lessons are tailored to each student’s ability and may be private or group. There will be hands on experience in all aspects of horse care, from learning how to detect lameness to learning how to do show quality braids. Our farrier, veterinarian, equine massage therapist, and chiropractor will be on hand for exciting and informative clinics. A special treat is a Natural Horsemanship clinic in which the girls will learn about horse nature, behavior, and psychology. They will practice techniques and exercises to improve their relationship with their horse, both on the ground and in the saddle. At the end of each adventure-filled day the girls will have the opportunity to swim in a pool or in the calm waters at one of the island’s fine beaches.

The girls reside in our beautiful 4-bedroom Victorian house on the farm’s property. Our resident Barn Manager, Mary T. McFarlin, lives in the house and supervises the girls at night along with one of our Working Students. Mary is CPR Certified and is also a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of nursing experience.

Evening activities might include a movie, make-up session, manicure/pedicure, jewelry making, board games, miniature golf, and dinner at local restaurants.

Our Residential Program is unique on Long Island, as Paard Hill Farms is the only barn to offer this kind of experience on the East End. The cost is $1950 per session or $3800 for both sessions. All lessons, clinics, lodging, and meals are included. You can use our horses or bring your own. There is an additional $100 stabling fee if you bring your own horse.

This program is limited to 6 participants per session, so reserve your place today!


Pony Preschool
The Pony Preschool Program at Paard Hill Farms is designed for children age 4 – 6 that have never ridden or have limited experience. With the help of an assistant they will groom and tack up their ponies for their ride. Parents are involved in the group lesson as mom or dad leads the pony, controlling the pace and steering. This allows the kids to learn about balance without worrying about having to control the horse. As the kids progress, they will take the reins and learn to steer, stop, and make their horses go at will.

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At the end of each ride, the kids will be encouraged to talk about they liked best about that day’s experience. After dismounting they will groom their ponies again and give them treats.

Class meets on Saturdays from 10am – 11:30am. The program is divided into two four-week sessions. The first session begins July 5th and ends July 26th. The second session begins August 2nd and ends August 23rd. The cost is $400 per session, or $700 if you register for both sessions.

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a creative riding class with your child. Help your son or daughter develop new skills and gain confidence as he or she learns to balance on top of a moving horse!