Mini Day Camps

For ages 8-16

Mini-Day Camps are Woodland Horse Center's perfect solution for school days off — a single-day camp experience open to all kids ages 8 and up that packs all the fun of summer camp into one great day. At $140 per day, campers enjoy a one-hour riding lesson grouped by skill level, plus time out of the ring exploring horse care, breeds, tack, nutrition, and horse-themed arts and crafts — all with indoor and outdoor options to handle whatever the weather brings.

With six dates spread across the school year (designed to coincide with holidays and teacher workdays), there are plenty of opportunities to saddle up when school is out. Registration is simple — forms are available online or right in the barn office — and just need to be submitted at least 48 hours before the camp date. Whether it's a one-time treat or a regular tradition, Mini-Day Camp is a great way to spend the day at "The Friendliest Barn Around!"

Two young women riding horses on an outdoor riding arena with spectators sitting on a bench in the background.
A young woman wearing a helmet and riding boots happily rides a chestnut horse over a white fence with greenery in the background.

Camp Details

In the ring, campers are placed in appropriate classes by skill set.

Beginner riders learn:

  • mounting correctly

  • correct position in the saddle

  • how to ask for the walk & halt

  • how to ask for the posting trot

  • sitting trot and half-seat position

Intermediate riders learn:

  • to improve their trot skills

  • canter positions

  • canter individually and possibly small group

  • jump position and small, individual jump

Advanced riders work on:

  • improving their walk, trot & canter skills

  • jumping a little higher

  • how to negotiate a course of jumps

  • lateral movements

Out of the ring, campers learn about:

  • horse care to include medical and nutritional information

  • horse breeds & colors

  • tack knowledge & care

  • creative activities to include horse-related arts & crafts

  • other fun horse activities

We have indoor and outdoor options to accommodate any fickle weather.

NOTE: All camp activities are supervised 100% of the time by Woodland instructors and camp staff. Campers will be evaluated on the first day of camp. Campers will then be divided into 6 groups. Half will ride in their lesson first. The other half will have unmounted horse education activities.

Young girl riding a horse with the help of an instructor at an outdoor riding arena, with greenery and trees in the background.

$140 per one-day session

2026-2027 Schedule

  1. Friday, October 16th, 2026

  2. Monday, January 25th, 2027

  3. Tuesday, March 9th, 2027

  4. Monday, April 12th, 2027

  5. Thursday, April 22nd, 2027

  6. Monday, May 17th, 2027

Download Registration Forms
Four young girls pet a large brown horse outside in a rural setting with a wooden fence, grass, and small buildings in the background.

Mini Day Camp Schedule

9:00 am - 9:30 am: Roll Call and Getting to Know You

9:30 am - 10:00 am: Grooming and Tacking

10:00 am - 10:15 am: Bathroom break*

10:15 am - 11:00 am: Round 1 of Group lesson or unmounted horse education:

  • Group lessons are broken into groups by skill set.

  • Unmounted horse education topics are horse care, nutrition, breeds, colors, tack care and knowledge.

11:00 am - 11:15 am: Snack and Bathroom break*

11:15 am - 12:00 pm: Round 2 of Group lesson (or unmounted horse education)

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Round 3 of Group lesson (or unmounted horse education)

12:45 pm - 2:00 pm: Snack and Bathroom break*

  • The campers will also have time to visit the Tack Shop for treats.

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Mounted & un-mounted activities.

  • Activities include bareback lesson, western lesson, tacking relay races, water games and so much more.

NOTE: All camp activities are supervised 100% of the time by Woodland instructors and camp staff. Campers will be evaluated on the first day of camp. Campers will then be divided into 6 groups. Half will ride in their lesson first. The other half will have unmounted horse education activities.

*There will be bathroom breaks and handwashing between lessons and other activities.

Four young girls riding horses during a horseback riding lesson outdoors on a sandy ground with trees in the background.

Camp Policies and Requirements

The following information applies to all Woodland camps, regardless of season or type.

PAYMENT: A deposit of one-half of the total amount for your first session is due at time of registration. Balances are due one week prior to the first day the camp session.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Registration forms must be received no later than 1 week prior to the first day of your first camp session.

CONFIRMATIONS: Confirmations are sent via email. If you do not get confirmation within 10 days of sending your application, call 301-421-9156 or email woodlandhorsecentercamp@gmail.com

DEPOSIT: A deposit of one-half of the total amount is due at time of registration to secure and guarantee your spot(s).

REFUND POLICY:   A $25 administrative fee will be charged for any changes. The deposit will be refunded only if the space can be filled. Thank you.

CAMP BALANCES: Due one (1) week prior to the first day of camp.

FOOD: Campers must bring their own lunch to enjoy in our shaded picnic area or air-conditioned lounge. We do have a refrigerator, but we suggest bringing lunch, drinks, and snacks in a small cooler labeled with your name. We have vending machines for soda, water, and energy drinks; beverages and snacks may also be purchased at Woodland’s onsite tack shop, Anytime Tack.

DRESS: Campers must have their own helmets and wear long pants and hard-soled boots with a small heel. Our onsite tack shop Anytime Tack has everything you need.

Woodland Testimonials

  • Woodland truly cares

    “Of all the barns at which I've ridden, Woodland has the nicest, most caring staff and volunteers. They truly care about the horses and it shows in the temperament of the horses.”

    — Susan C.

  • We love the horses and the instructors

    “My daughter has been riding weekly at Woodland for 2 1/2 years and there has never been a day that we were not excited to go - even in the coldest and hottest weather. We love the horses, the instructors with their friendly approach, and the open space where kids can play.”

    — Sarah S.

  • Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland

    “As always, Jordan loved summer camp at Woodland, and as always, we parents did, too! It was great fun, great physical activity, great learning about responsibility. The staff are completely low key and flexible to our family's needs. It's such a pleasure to be there!”

    — Joey R.

  • A great place to learn

    “I have been riding at Woodland for 20 years. It is a great place to learn the proper way to ride.”

    — Peter F.

  • Definitely for the whole family

    “The instructors are top notch and are great with children. This place is definitely for the whole family. They offer lessons for adults, teenagers, and even the little ones in Pony Pals. I've been riding there for 17 years and my daughter has grown up at the barn. They provide more than just the experience of riding. They also teach respect and responsibility of the horses.”

    — Patti B.

  • So many great memories

    “One summer I went to camp and I haven't left since then. My friends and great instructors keep me coming back. I have so many great memories here.”

    — Therese C.

  • Thank you Saddle Club!

    “My daughter Sophia loves taking care of the Woodland horses. She knows a lot about horses, thanks to the Saddle Club. Thank you Saddle Club!”

    — Johnna J.

  • My daughter’s happy place

    “My daughter calls Woodland her ‘happy place.’ The animals always look clean and healthy, surrounded by people who truly love, understand and appreciate them. Woodland offers so many exciting opportunities for all levels and ages that the only challenge is finding the time to participate in all the activities. My favorite part as a parent, though, is the supportive and caring staff: I have the peace of mind knowing that my child is always taken care of in the most warm and nurturing way.”

    — Masha M.

  • My 5-year old daughter will be a horse lover forever

    “My 5-year old daughter participated in Pony Pals Camp for 2 weeks. I was impressed with how much she learned in such a short time. Our family enjoyed the information she shared about horses every evening. She had a wonderful time and misses the horses dearly. After this experience, she will be a horse lover for ever. She has already asked if she can come back next year. The staff is wonderful, friendly and helpful. The program is well run and organized. I highly recommend it. Thanks for a great 2 weeks!”

    — Meredith W.