Pony camps in Ireland: a parent's guide to riding camps for kids
For many Irish children, a week at pony camp is the highlight of the summer. Riding camps combine lessons, horse care and outdoor games, and they are often where a child goes from "likes ponies" to "lives for Saturdays at the yard". If you are a parent choosing a camp for the first time, this guide explains what to expect and what to ask.
What happens at a pony camp?
Formats vary, but most day camps in Ireland follow a similar pattern:
- A riding lesson each day, grouped by ability, often in an arena and sometimes with a hack or games on horseback.
- Stable management: grooming, tacking up, mucking out, feeding and learning the parts of the horse and saddle.
- Lectures or demonstrations on topics like horse health, rugs, shoeing or road safety.
- Pony games and fun activities, from egg-and-spoon races to treasure hunts, plus off-horse games when the ponies are resting.
- Lunch and breaks, either brought from home or provided.
Camps run mostly during the summer holidays, with many centres also running shorter camps at Easter, Halloween and other mid-term breaks. Some are day camps; a smaller number are residential. The holiday camps page describes how camps have been run at the Moy.
What age can children start?
Each centre sets its own age range. Many accept children from around six or seven for day camps, with younger children sometimes welcome for shorter sessions on the lead rein. Residential camps typically start at an older age. Children do not need riding experience for most camps, but tell the organiser honestly what your child can do so they are placed in the right group.
Choosing a riding camp
Check approval and insurance
In Ireland, the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) approves riding centres and inspects members regularly for safety, teaching quality, child protection and horse welfare. Choosing an AIRE-approved centre is a sensible first filter. Ask whether the centre holds public liability insurance; AIRE's membership requirements include it.
Ask about safeguarding
Organisations working with children in Ireland have obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Tusla's Children First guidance explains what a child safeguarding statement is. It is reasonable to ask a camp:
- Do you have a child safeguarding statement, and who is the designated liaison person?
- Are staff and volunteers Garda vetted?
- What is the ratio of adults to children, and of instructors to riders in lessons?
- Who supervises the children when they are not riding?
Ask about the ponies and instructors
- How many ponies are used, and how often do they rest?
- What qualifications do the instructors hold?
- Are children taught to handle ponies on the ground as well as ride them?
Practicalities
- What are the drop-off and pick-up times?
- Is lunch provided, and can the camp manage allergies?
- What happens on very wet days?
- What is the policy on phones?
Exams and progression at camp
Some camps include preparation for riding tests. In Ireland, AIRE runs a graded series of riding and stable management exams, and many camps use them to give children a goal for the week. The examinations page explains the structure. For children who want to go further, joining a branch of the Irish Pony Club is the next step; see our Pony Club Ireland guide.
Packing list for pony camp
- Riding hat to a current standard, if the child has one (most centres lend hats). Our hat standards guide explains labels.
- Jodhpur boots or sturdy boots with a heel. Not trainers.
- Jodhpurs or comfortable leggings, plus a spare pair.
- Body protector if they own one; ask whether one is required for jumping. See the body protector guide.
- Waterproof jacket and warm layer, even in July.
- Gloves.
- Sun cream and a cap for breaks.
- Packed lunch and plenty of water, unless provided.
- A change of clothes and a plastic bag for muddy kit.
- Wellies for yard work, separate from riding boots.
Label everything. Pony camp generates a remarkable amount of lost property.
Preparing a nervous child
Some children are thrilled; others are anxious about falling or about not knowing anyone. It helps to visit the yard beforehand, book a lesson or two before camp, and choose a camp where your child can attend with a friend. Explain that camps are full of children at every level and that instructors expect beginners.
After camp
Children often come home from a good camp exhausted, sunburnt or soaked, and desperate to go back. If the enthusiasm lasts, weekly lessons are the natural next step, and regular riding through the year makes the following summer's camp far more rewarding. Some children also enjoy keeping a simple riding diary, noting which pony they rode and what they learned.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need riding experience for pony camp?
Usually not. Most day camps take complete beginners and group children by ability. Tell the camp your child's experience when you book.
Are pony camps safe?
Riding carries risk, but well-run camps manage it with suitable ponies, qualified instructors, correct equipment and good supervision. Choosing an AIRE-approved centre and asking about safeguarding and ratios are the best ways to judge.
What should my child wear to pony camp?
A riding hat to a current standard, boots with a small heel, comfortable trousers without thick seams and layers including a waterproof. Avoid jewellery and loose scarves.
How long are pony camp days?
They vary by centre. Many day camps run from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, Monday to Friday. Check the times when booking.
