PHC Camp Programs
PHC has been offering quality horse camp since 1978. We offer fantastic camp Facilities and an extensive program offering:
2 riding opportunities per day. Lessons are taught with emphasis on sound basics of equitation and good horsemanship. Campers will also participate in a “Games” ride and a Lunge Lesson. PHC is dedicated to the principles of LTED as developed by the Coaching Association of Canada in partnership with Equestrian Canada. Our program is designed with each camper’s physical, mental and emotional stages of learning in mind.
Equine arts & crafts
Stable management & equine theory
Games
Summer Camp Gymkhana days
Beginner skill and confidence building on a simulation horse’s barrel before their first interaction with the real horse. PHC works alongside Equestrian Canada in their ‘Rookie Riders’ program for beginner riders
Summer Camp Private lunge lessons for beginner riders
Summer Camp Theme days
Summer Camp End of session show for family and friends to come watch campers show off their riding skills, with weekly awards given to each camper
Safety & fun go together with certified Equestrian Canada Instructors, accredited Equestrian Canada Rider Level 6 Councillors and barn safety training for campers. All staff members are first aid and CPR trained. All saddles are equipped with safety stirrups, and tack is well cared for
The best camp Schoolies in the world that are well-trained, safe and reliable - Meet Our Horses
2024 Spring Sessions:
monday march 11th
tuesday march 12th
wednesday march 13th
thursday march 14th
friday march 15th
2024 Summer Sessions:
session 1: July 1st - 5th
Session 2: July 8th - 12th
Session 3: July 15th - 19th
Session 4: July 22nd - 26th
Session 5: JULY 29th - August 2nd
Session 6: August 5th - 9th
Session 7: August 12th - 16th
Session 8: August 19Th - 23rd
Session 9: August 26th - August 30th
winter & Spring camp
9:00 - 3:30 daily | $135 + HST per day
summer camp
8:30 - 3:30 daily | $675 + HST per session
* EARLy bird discount: register prior to march 31st will receive a 10% discount
attire: campers must bring a pair of boots to ride in. Boots must cover the ankle and have a small heel (e.g. rain boots). Long pants must be worn for riding. A change of clothes and shoes can be brought for games and lunch
helmets must meet astm standards. rentals available
$20 before & after hour care options available
Specialty Summer Camps
Only offered to current PHC Riding School students, Contact our office to register!
PHC also offers Specialty ‘Lease A Horse’, ‘Long Term Equestrian Development’, ‘Show’ and ‘OE Rider Testing’ camp sessions. These sessions are limited to 12 campers per session. Specialty sessions include:
2 clinic-style lessons per day
Specialized stable management and theory
Horsemanship sessions
Lease A Horse: Enjoy a week as a horse owner! Riders will develop their skills working one on one with a particular horse as if it was their own
Show: Jump into the sport! Riders will work towards individual competition goals for personal success in the OE Skills Development show ring. Excellent introduction for riders looking to experience open schooling shows for the first time
Dates:
Lease a Horse Camp #1: July 15th - 19th, 2024
Show Camp #2: August 5th - 9th. 2024
8:30am - 3:30pm daily - $750.00 + HST per session
F.A.Q’s
Q: How old can my camper be to register for camp? A: We start riders at or turning age 7 during their camp year. We will accept younger riders if they have previous Equestrian experience
Q: What does my camper need to bring to horse camp? A: Each camper must bring their own lunch & snacks, as well as a pair of boots to ride in. Boots must cover the ankle and have a small heel (e.g. rain boots). Long pants must be worn for riding. A change of clothes and shoes can be brought for games and lunch
Q: Can my camper ride in a bicycle helmet? A: No. All riders must wear an ASTM approved riding helmet in order to be fully protected while riding and working around horses. Helmets are available for rental at $30 per session
Q: I am going to be late picking up my camper, what do I do? A: Regular Camp hours are 9:00 A.M – 3:30 P.M in Spring/Winter and 8:30 A.M - 3:30 P.M in Summer. PHC offers a before and after-care program for campers who arrive between 7:00 and camp start, and who leave between camp finish and 5:00. If you know you will be late, give the office a call at 905 626 9065 or email thepickeringhorsecentre@gmail.com, and we will have staff ready to keep the camp fun going until you arrive. The cost for before and after-care is $20 per day each
Q: Does my camper need to bring money to camp? A: During Summer Camp PHC offers a camp tuck shop which sells pop, water, freezies, chips, chocolate and Gatorade. If you are not sending your camper with money please remember to pack lots of water on the hot summer days! We do not open our Tuck Shop in the Winter or Spring so campers won’t require money during Spring Camp.
Q: Will my camper ride the same horse in camp each day? A: At PHC campers will experience the ride and feel of many different horses. Meet Our Horses
Q: If my camper signs up for more than one camp day/session, will they be doing the same activities all over again? A: Each day of Winter/Spring horse camp is different, as well as each Summer camp session. Each has varying stable management topics and crafts. Campers will gain more riding skills and advance to new levels by strengthening muscle memory, which comes from practice in the saddle
Q: How many rides will my camper get? A: Campers will ride twice a day. Riding is the primary activity at PHC Camp, and campers develop skills rapidly. One week of camp is equivalent to over 2 months of lessons!
Q: Can I come to watch my camper ride and take pictures? A: The final afternoon of Summer camp is Parent Day at PHC! Family members and friends are welcome to come and watch their camper ride for one hour and show off the skills they have learned throughout the week! Awards will be given out to all campers. Riding times for Parent Day will be sent out on the first day of camp.
Q: My camper has allergies or a medical condition, what should I do? A: Be sure to communicate any relevant health information in the designated spot on the registration form. If your camper has a food allergy, a notice will be sent out before the first day of camp for other parents to be aware of. If any medications are required to be taken by campers while at camp it must be designated on the registration and medication be given to the staff
Q: I just found out my camper is no longer able to attend the session they are registered for, what are my options? A: PHC Camp Refund Policy - We require minimum 30 day notice prior to the start of the camp date minus a $75.00 administration fee to provide a refund. If you would like to switch to a different date with availability we will do our best to accommodate.