Eventing/horse camp for (horseless) adults

[SadieRidingHorses]

A couple of months ago, while wasting time on the Internet, I came across the website for Vershire, a facility that ran eventing camps for adults. It seems that they had school horses or lease horses available for those who did not own. Sadly, the facility is permanently closed (I was otherwise planning to ditch husband and dogs and work and head up there at first opportunity).

Are there other such eventing/riding camps? I’m not particularly picky about the discipline (that’s not totally true - strong preference for some type of English riding). Would love the east coast but also perfectly happy to go elsewhere in the States. Now that I think of it, UK would work too (non-horsey husband from there so in normal times we visit regularly).

[Redlei44]

If you’re interested in foxhunting at all, several COTH posters have posted positive reviews of Hunter’s Rest (@Hunter_s_Rest) weekends.

[wsmoak]

Not really a camp, but Amy Skinner does week-long rider’s intensives in NC. She teaches horsemanship and classical riding. I’m not sure whether she has school horses available though.

Here’s a recent post about private sessions. It does say bring a horse but if you are serious about going there’s nothing to lose by contacting her to ask if you would be able to use one of hers for a fee.

Amy Skinner Horsemanship

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

I went to Vershire for an adult intensive, a few seasons before it closed! It was great fun, and although coming to the end of its run, was incredibly well-run and safe for all levels of riding.

Pre-pandemic, I was considering a similar type of learning horse vacation as yourself. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to travel for some time, but this website has links to quite a few programs that are for experienced as well as newbie riders: https://www.equitours.com/trip-instructional/clinics-and-lessons/

[Vyce]

I’ve never hears of these programs before but they sound awesome. (Hard work, physical and mental exercise plus improving one’s horsemanship.) Shame the one place closed down.

[twostinkydogs]

Try Appletree Farm South in Aiken. It is run by Alison Eastman-Lawler. She is based out of New Hampshire the rest of the year. I went in 2017 and 2018 and had a great time. Alison will find you a suitable horse to lease for the week. I am a 51 y/o weenie who has only been riding for 6 years and I felt totally comfortable. My second year there was a lady in her 70s bombing around Novice. You have lessons twice a day, go to two offsite cross-country courses and compete in a 2 phase at the end of the week. We also had a saddle-fitting seminar and a talk with Andrea Monsarrat Waldo. You are responsible for taking care of your horse and cleaning up around the barn. I also went to Vershire and loved it but I got more out of ATF South. Go! You will have a blast!

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

Wow, this looks like an amazing place! For some reason, your link didn’t work for me, but this one does.

http://www.appletreefarm.org/

I’m so tempted by this–maybe not in March 2021, but bookmarking for 2022.

[SadieRidingHorses]

@twostinkydogs (amazing handle!) thank you! This looks so awesome. I’m going to reach out to Alison.

A weekend at Hunters Rest is on the agenda too!

[Grey623]

Valinor Farm in Plymouth MA runs adult eventing camps, and they have horses available.

Grey

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

I was going to mention Valinor. I did it several years ago with my own horse and had a great time. I’m hoping to make it back there this summer! OP definitely worth checking out, great facilities and trainers and they have horses available for an extra cost.

[AllTheCarrots]

Following and dreaming of normal travel again…

[joiedevie99]

Sons of the Wind in FL and MA books intensives for adults in dressage on their lusitanos.

[Widget]

I took lessons from Vitor (Sons of the Wind) many years ago (before the MA and FL locations/moves) and he’s a wonderful trainer/instructor. I wanted to go to an intensive in 2020 but with losing my job and COVID, that will have to wait.