Horseback Riding
at our summer camp
Working with horses comes naturally to the Forrestel family. Eugene Peter Forrestel bred, raised and trained the national champion Belgian, Roscoe Peel. Marjorie Forrestel, like her father, had a passion for horses. Her beloved mare, Persian Slipper, produced a foal named Morey that became one of the top five confirmation hunters in the United States.
Mary Herbert, the camp's director, and the campers attending Forrestel share this love for horses.
Top-Notch Equestrians
Our instructors realize one size does not fit all when it comes to riding! We carefully take age, size, and previous riding experience into consideration as we plan a rider’s lessons. Forrestel specifically searches out instructors who have achieved their “B” rating. Our confidence in them is complete.
Forrestel is the best summer camp for kids who like to ride horses. At Forrestel, each camper is assigned their own horse to work with and care for while at camp.
Whether a child is enrolled in the Equestrian Program or the Horsemanship Program, each camper is assigned their own horse while they are at Forrestel. By working with the same horse, campers earn the trust of their mount and develop their confidence. Campers also have the option of bringing their own horses.
Riding instruction includes structured ring work and cross-country riding. Advanced riders may choose to focus on hunt seat equitation, dressage, or eventing. Once a week, campers compete in pony club games, a favorite.
Class Size
One-on-one time with a riding instructor is a common occurrence at Forrestel. Every effort is made to work with each camper at their ability level.
Classes are intentionally kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. Frequently, we allow one-on-one time with less experienced riders. The rider to instructor ratio is usually 3:1 in regular class time. Because students arrive with varying abilities, we challenge the riders at their own personal skill levels.
Horses & Facilities
Forrestel has a private stable where our family owned horses are kept throughout the year. You can be confident that your child will be riding a well-mannered and well-schooled horse.
800 Acres of Trails
Forrestel is located on an 800 acre working farm in upstate New York. Our horse loving campers find miles and miles of cross-country riding trails. They explore for hours with only the deer, birds, and quiet babble of Oak Orchard Creek accompanying them. Hidden along the trail is our secluded campsite, used for the favorite overnight treks.
Our riding facilities also include several schooling rings, a lovely outdoor hunt course, and a challenging cross-country course.
Overnight Horseback Trips
Many riders have never had the joy of riding out on the trail or taking their horse for a splash in a cool brook. During our overnight “Trail, Tack and Tent Trip,” Forrestel campers get to experience nature the old-fashioned way.
After dinner at camp, a small group of riders and two counselors ride out. When they reach the overnight site, they untack and water their horses. Once their charges are fed, the fire is started. It’s not a real campfire until the marshmallows are out and the s’mores are toasting!
It's hard to smile any bigger than that!
After a night of trading horse secrets and giggling, the kids cook breakfast and then go on a beautiful trail ride. It’s become tradition to stop for a swim in the bass pond on the way back to camp.
The “Trail, Tack and Tent Trip” has become a favorite among the kids. Any rider we judge to be experienced enough is invited for this unforgettable event.
Stable Management
Campers participate in and learn many different barn and stable management skills including trailer safety, braiding and equine veterinary care.
Horsemanship Program
Forrestel offers two different riding programs. Most campers enjoy the balance offered by the Equestrian Program, which allows them to participate in all of the other camp activities. As well as riding every day, campers also take instruction from our tennis pro, our resident artist and our archery expert, among others.
The Horsemanship Program is focused on riding. Campers who are accepted into this program ride twice a day and engage in specialty activities once a day.
The Advanced Riding Clinic is reserved for girls, 12-17 years of age, seeking an accelerated week of horseback riding. Participants ride 2 or 3 times a day and spend the rest of the day engaged in other equestrian activities. Applicants for the clinic must be proficient on the flat, able to post and cantor without stirrups, and have experience riding different horses. A statement of recommendation from the applicant's riding instructor is required and may be .
