HORSE RIDING CAMPS

What to Expect at PHC Summer Camp

At Pickering Horse Centre, we’ve been offering quality summer camp experiences since 1978.

Our program blends hands-on horsemanship, fun activities, and expert instruction—designed with every child’s development in mind.

Daily Riding & Horsemanship

  • Two riding opportunities each day

  • Lessons focus on the basics of equitation and good horsemanship

  • Campers enjoy:

    • A fun “Games Ride”

    • A private Lunge Lesson (ideal for beginners)

  • Beginner riders build confidence using our simulation barrel horse before riding a real horse

  • PHC proudly supports Rookie Riders, an Equestrian Canada program for beginner riders

  • Our curriculum follows Long-Term Equestrian Development (LTED) principles from the Coaching Association of Canada

Camp Activities

  • Stable management & equine theory

  • Equine-themed arts & crafts

  • Summer Camp Gymkhana Days

  • Fun-filled theme days

  • Games and group activities

  • End-of-session Show Day for family and friends, with weekly awards for every camper

Our Commitment to Safety

  • Lessons taught by certified Equestrian Canada Instructors and Level 6 Rider Councillors

  • All staff are First Aid and CPR trained

  • Campers receive barn safety training

  • All saddles have safety stirrups, and our tack is professionally maintained

Offering Quality Horse Riding Camps Since 1978

We believe we have the best camp Schoolies in the world.

Well-trained, reliable, and safe horses
that help young riders thrive.

CAMP SESSIONS

  • 2024-2025 WINTER

    Monday December 23

    Friday December 27

    Monday December 30

    Thursday January 2

    Friday January 3

    Time: 9:00 - 3:30 daily

    Cost: $135 + HST per day

  • 2025 SPRING

    Monday March 10

    Tuesday March 11

    Wednesday March 12

    Thursday March 13

    Friday March 14

    Time: 9:00 - 3:30 daily

    Cost: $135 + HST per day

  • 2025 SUMMER

    Session 1: June 30 - July 4

    Session 2: July 7 - 11

    Session 3: July 14 - 18

    Session 4: July 21 - 25

    Session 5: July 28 - August 1

    Session 6: August 4 - 8

    Session 7: August 11 - 15

    Session 8: August 18 - 22

    Session 9: August 25 - 29

    Time: 8:30 - 3:30 daily

    Cost: $675 + HST per session

    * EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Register prior to March 31 AND receive a 10% discount

register today!

SPECIALITY SUMMER CAMPS

Open to students that are currently in our lesson program.

PHC Specialty Sessions include:

Lease A Horse:
Enjoy a week of horse ownership! Riders will develop their skills working one on one with their favoirite horse.

Special activities include: a more enhanced stable management program (bathing, braiding, grazing, etc) as well as lessons that will cater towards individual competition goals for personal success in the OE Skills Development show ring.

Dates: June 30 - July 4, 2025 and July 14 - 18, 2025

Hunter Derby:
This session will provide an opportunity for riders to learn and practice a more challenging hunter course in a grand prix environment. Riders and horses will showcase their capabilities through courses that demand athleticism and boldness with natural and interesting jumps and in a two ring format.

Dates: August 4-8, 2025

Musical Ride:
Ready to combine your love of horses with the magic of music? This session is the perfect blend of teamwork, rhythm, and equestrian fun. Whether you're an experience rider or a beginner, this is your chance to create a performance with a horse.

Dates: August 25 - 29, 2025

FAQs

  • We start riders at or turning age 7 during their camp year.

    We will accept younger riders if they have previous equestrian experience.

  • Each camper must bring their own lunch & snacks.

    Riding Attire

    • Boots: Campers must bring a pair of boots that cover the ankle and have a small heel (e.g. rain boots or paddock boots).

    • Pants: Long pants must be worn for riding—jeans, breeches, or leggings are all suitable.

    • Change of Clothes: Campers are encouraged to bring a change of clothes and shoes for games, crafts, and lunchtime comfort.

    Helmets

    • All riding helmets must meet ASTM safety standards.

    • Helmet rentals are available if your camper does not have one.

  • No. All riders must wear an ASTM approved riding helmet in order to be fully protected while riding and working around horses.

    Helmets are available for rental at $30 per session.

  • Regular Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in spring/winter and 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in summer.

    PHC offers a before and after-care program for campers who arrive between 7:00 and camp start, and who leave between camp finish and 5:00.

    If you know you will be late, give the office a call at 905 626 9065 or email thepickeringhorsecentre@gmail.com, and we will have staff ready to keep the camp fun going until you arrive.

    The cost for before and after-care is $20 per day each

  • During Summer Camp PHC offers a camp tuck shop which sells pop, water, freezies, chips, chocolate and Gatorade.

    If you are not sending your camper with money please remember to pack lots of water on the hot summer days!

    We do not open our Tuck Shop in the Winter or Spring so campers won’t require money during Spring Camp.

  • At PHC campers will experience the ride and feel of many different horses. Meet Our Horses

  • Each day of Winter/Spring horse camp is different, as well as each Summer camp session.

    Each has varying stable management topics and crafts.

    Campers will gain more riding skills and advance to new levels by strengthening muscle memory, which comes from practice in the saddle.

  • Campers will ride twice a day.

    Riding is the primary activity at PHC Camp, and campers develop skills rapidly.

    One week of camp is equivalent to over 2 months of lessons!

  • The final afternoon of Summer camp is Parent Day at PHC!

    Family members and friends are welcome to come and watch their camper ride for one hour and show off the skills they have learned throughout the week!

    Awards will be given out to all campers.

    Riding times for Parent Day will be sent out on the first day of camp.

  • Be sure to communicate any relevant health information in the designated spot on the registration form.

    If your camper has a food allergy, a notice will be sent out before the first day of camp for other parents to be aware of.

    If any medications are required to be taken by campers while at camp it must be designated on the registration and medication be given to the staff.

  • PHC Camp Refund Policy - We require minimum 30 day notice prior to the start of the camp date minus a $75.00 administration fee to provide a refund.

    If you would like to switch to a different date with availability we will do our best to accommodate.

  • Before & After Hour Care is available for $20 per day.

    Great for early drop-offs or late pickups!