The Horsemanship program is a popular choice for many campers, both new and returning. In the east Texas piney woods, horseback riding is a common activity, and campers often enjoy participating in this experience. Every day, campers will enjoy learning new skills, both on and around horses including the basics of riding and caring for horses. These activity classes have something for everybody, no matter their skill level!

Campers with little or no experience, as well as campers who prefer not to trot, should participate in Horsemanship 1: Intro to Horsemanship.  Intro to Horsemanship involves basic horsemanship like grooming, but always finds the campers on horseback everyday learning the basics of riding. Horse control techniques, trail rides (always a highlight of the beginner class), and a chance to ride in the grand entry of the rodeo are all a part of Horsemanship 1: Intro to Horsemanship.

Riders for Horsemanship 2: Advanced Beginner are expected to already have basic horse knowledge and be comfortable walking horses while maintaining control. This class will help those semi-experienced riders become more comfortable and learn to trot.  These campers will also have the opportunity to ride in the grand entry of the rodeo.

For those who have a fair amount of experience on horseback and would like the challenge of riding in a rodeo event involving poles or barrels (going around and not over them!), we will have two separate options for Rodeo classes: 

Horsemanship 3: Intermediate is for those who are comfortable and can control their horse at both the walk and the trot, and are wanting to learn the basics of the lope.  

Horsemanship 4: Advanced is for those that are comfortable with and can control their horse at all three gaits (walk, trot, and lope). It is expected that campers who sign up for Horsemanship 4 already have the basic skills and confidence needed to safely go at a fast pace. These campers will start on the first day practicing for a harder rodeo pattern, working throughout the week on techniques and skills required to decrease their time and compete in a more competitive rodeo event.

**Frontier Camp reserves the right to place campers in a lower level class if they are unable to safely ride at their registered level in order to ensure camper safety and enjoyment, but will not advance campers to a higher level class without parental permission.**