Offering an equestrian program can provide a rewarding and enriching experience for campers, but there is a lot to think about when planning such a program. One major factor is having quality facilities for campers to interact with horses and staff members.

Aimee Canterbury of Birmingham, Ala., a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Certified Master Level Riding Instructor, has worked with camp equestrian programs for more than 20 years. An experienced equestrian program manager, she is also an American Camp Association (ACA) member, ACA Standards Instructor, and ACA Lead Accreditation Site Visitor.

Canterbury says that safety and usability are the most important factors when building or renovating an equestrian facility. “If you are unsure of the safest way to build a barn, arena or pasture fencing, refer to the CHA Standards for Equestrian Facilities and Programs. “A safe facility will not only make it safer for your horses and students, but will instill confidence in the participants’ parents that safety is important in the program as well as the facility.”

Sarah Evers Conrad, Sept/Oct 2017, CampBusiness. https://www.campbusiness.com/articles/2017/9/a-bit-of-advice