Camp With Your Horse
Welcome. This web page answers the
most asked questions about bringing a horse to Sprucelands.
Please take time to read everything.
(1) First of all, your horse is welcome at Sprucelands. In fact, having your own horse at camp can make your summer experience really special. Just imagine you and your horse as campers together.
(2) Do lots of kids bring their own horses? Not lots. In a session of 60 riders, maybe 2-5 campers have their own horse. If you don't bring your horse, there are camp horses for you to ride.
(3) If I bring my horse, can I still ride a camp horse from time to time? That is most possible if your horse is in the program.
(4) How do I put my horse in the program? Sprucelands offers you choices regarding your horse. Option A and Option B are listed on this page of the website.
(5) What vet paperwork do I need? You would need a current coggins test and verification of annual shots including a rabies vaccination. Please bring your horse only if your horse is healthy. We do not want to jeopardize our camp horses, other personal horses, or the camp riding program.
(6) What about a farrier and a vet? We have an excellent farrier who is available to your horse for emergencies. We request that you have your horse's feet done prior to your arrival. Because there are many horses here, we cannot make additional, regular work for our farrier. Our vet is on call and services as needed.
(7) What is the size of your stalls? Most stalls are 10' x 10'. A few are 10' x 8'.
(8) What is the turnout situation? The horses are rotated in their turnout so they are in a stall every third night. That may be different if your horse prefers not to be in a stall for an extended period of time, or if your horse needs to be in a stall every night.
(9) Can I bring my own grain and supplements? No problem. Often riders decide to bring their own feed so their horse does not have adjustments to new grain. If you feed supplements, you need to bring them with you. We do not provide supplements.
(10) Can I bring my own tack and tack trunk? Yes. Please bring tack for your horse. If you want us to evaluate your tack and bit for fit, we will do so. You may bring a tack trunk as long as everything is labeled. Note: only riders with their own horse need a tack trunk. Riders using camp horses do not need a tack trunk.
(11) Can I ride my horse whenever I want to ride him? Actually, it is too busy at the barn for you to ride your horse whenever you want to ride him during the daytime program. Generally, horse owners spend alone time with their horse during our Special Interest Hour after supper. No other campers are at the barn during that hour so you will be uninterrupted. Supervision is provided. We request you sign up before supper so we know who will be at the barn.
(12) Can I leave my cabin or the program whenever I want to check on my horse? Actually, you will need to trust that your horse is okay when you are not there. We have an excellent staff. They check on the horses regularly. If you think you will worry about your horse while he is here, then please come without your horse. Relax. Have fun, and get to know the camp horses.
(13) Will you put my horse in with the herd? We honor your requests. If your horse is not aggressive, and will slip easily into the herd, we can include him/her with the other horses. Usually, we put geldings together in one group and mares together in another. We do not put mares and geldings in the same group. Even if we put your horse in a smaller area, we try to group him/her with a camp horse so he/she has a friend.
(14) Do I need blankets for my horse? Temperatures in the summer are usually 70-80 in the daytime and 50-60ish at night. Your horse should be fine without blankets.
(15) How would being in the program benefit my horse? Interestingly, we have horses come into our program for schooling. The routine of daily riding and horse care conditions horses and teaches them skills. Every time a horse is ridden, he/she is receiving training. The training is solid under good supervision and instruction. Should you want to talk with someone who had their horse in our program, simply contact us via email.
And Finally...Can I sleep in the hayloft? Hmmm. Now I know you love your horse, but...
Option A