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Summer Riding Experience

Summer Riding Experience

An extension of Walker's renowned equestrian program.

Since the early 90s, Summer Riding Experience has helped girls develop into complete horsewomen while having fun! 

The Ethel Walker School’s Summer Riding Experience is an extension of the School’s renowned equestrian program. The camp consists of daily riding sessions complemented with activities that include horse care, working with farriers and veterinarians, equine science, and general equestrian knowledge.

For more information, contact Camp Director and Assistant Director of Riding Randi Booth at rbooth@ethelwalker.org or +1-860-408-4360.


2024 SRE Information

All sessions of 2024 Summer Riding Experience are currently full. Thank you for your interest!

June 24-28, 2024Day CampFULL
July 7-14, 2024Residential CampFULL
July 14-21, 2024Residential CampFULL
July 21-27, 2024Residential CampFULL
August 5-9, 2024Day CampFULL

Registrants can find the required medical and consent forms here.

Facilities

Located on the 427-acre campus of The Ethel Walker School, the Frank O.H. Williams Barn and Henderson Riding Ring is a state-of-the-art equestrian training facility. It has capacity for up to 65 horses. There are work areas for vets and farriers, two heated wash stalls, and three tack rooms. The Henderson Riding Ring is a lighted indoor arena with dust-free footing and a viewing gallery. The outdoor riding ring is 175′ x 350′. There’s easy access to the winding trails of Walker’s Woods and extensive turnouts. It’s a remarkable facility with great energy.

The newest dorm on campus is the home of our residential Summer Riding Experience campers. The 23,000-sq. ft., 38-bed building includes central air, suite-style rooms, one bathroom every two rooms, cozy common spaces, larger community rooms, and a kitchen. Our athletic facility, the Centennial Center, includes an eight-lane pool and double gymnasium.

Instruction

Summer Riding Experience is staffed by the same team that runs the School’s equestrian program.

All adult staff members are second and third generation horsewomen who are seasoned competitors and trainers. You will be coached by the Walker’s team to become a more complete rider, whether you are getting on a horse for the first time or are already an accomplished rider. Additionally, girls from Walker’s equestrian team assist the Summer Riding Experience adult staff, giving you a glimpse into the spirit and camaraderie of the School’s riding program.

 

SRE instruction

Residential Program

Our Residential Program is designed to foster lifelong friendships. The Summer Riding Experience residential program provides opportunities for girls to interact with each other, members of the Walker’s equestrian team and adult instructors in various activities throughout the day and into the evening creating a fun and comfortable equestrian-based experience.

  • Time: Check-in is on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.; check-out is the following Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Age: Typically, our residential campers are between 10 and 15 years old.
  • Range of ability: The skills of our campers range from new riders to experienced jumpers.
  • Meals: Our dining hall serves healthy meals during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are a time for the entire summer community to come together, including girls participating in other summer programs.
  • Daily activities: Meals with other campers and adult staff, multiple lessons a day, stable management, arts and crafts and other leisure activities, and a horse show each Friday.
  • Evening activities: Movie nights, game nights, trips into the local community, and swimming.

SRE residential

  • Riding breeches
  • Belt
  • Riding socks
  • Appropriate riding boots and chaps (make sure boots have at least a 1″ heel)
  • Riding gloves
  • Approved riding helmet
  • Appropriate riding shirts (no tank tops please)

  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Jeans
  • Sneakers
  • Tank tops
  • Light jacket/sweatshirt
  • Rain jacket
  • Appropriate undergarments
  • Swimsuit
  • Pajamas
  • Sweatpants
  • Flip flops
  • Socks

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Sunscreen
  • Goggles
  • Bug repellant
  • Sunglasses
  • Appropriate bedding (twin x-long sheets, blanket/comforter, pillow, pillowcase)
  • Bath towel
  • Beach towel

Day Sessions

Day camp options are available for local girl and boy riders.

  • Time: Day session is from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with snack and water included.
  • Age: Typically, our day campers are between 8 and 15 years old.
  • Gender: Boys are welcome to attend any of our day camp sessions.
  • Range of ability: The skills of our campers range from new riders to experienced jumpers.
  • Daily activities: Lessons, stable management, arts and crafts, and a horse show each Friday.

  • Packed lunch daily
  • Optional snack
  • One white t-shirt (for craft)
  • ASTM-approved helmet
  • Riding pants
  • Heeled riding boots
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Change of clothes (including extra shoes)

Campers may also feel free to bring their own saddle and saddle pads, but must understand that if the saddle does not fit the horse properly it may not be used.