Camp Ondessonk Equestrian Program 2019

The Equestrian Program at Camp Ondessonk is a big draw for both campers in the summer and school groups throughout the off-season. The program has grown so much through the past few years, now that Horse Camp is held every session, as well as, Horse Adventure every other week. This allows for more campers than ever before to get to experience a week in the barn. 

“Kids should come to Camp because they are going to make the best and most fun memories they have ever had. They get to try all of these new things: riding horses through the forest, climbing the rock wall, going swimming, and sliding down waterslides, like they never believed they could. They should come because it is the best week of the year,” said Catherine Limkeman, Equestrian Director.

In the barn, there is an evident camper progression. New this summer, mini-campers first get introduced to the barn with our goats. They are also shown around the barn and get go for pony rides. In traditional camp, campers 11 and under, go for an arena ride and compete for Golden Arrowhead points, while campers 12 and over go on a trail ride.

“One thing the barn does is it allows campers to learn something about themselves that they could not have learned anywhere else. In the barn, if you are too aggressive with the horses, they will get upset. If you are too nervous, the horses know that you are nervous. It helps show the kids something new about themselves, and it is an experience that they can’t have anywhere else,” said Tyler Gillum, Head Wrangler.