Roughing It Horse Programs

Ann and Hobie Woods developed the Roughing It Horse Programs in 1980 as an outgrowth of their popular Day Camp riding program. During each session riders of all levels develop skills, coordination, and self confidence. Roughing It now has 50 horses for its riding programs, making it one of the largest horse camp programs in the Bay area.

Roughing It Day Camp Riding

Campers who want to participate in a variety of camp activities but also want to learn or improve their riding skills can attend our traditional multi-activity Day Camp, where they will participate in Day Camp Riding. In addition to horseback riding, Day Camp campers participate in swimming, fishing, crafts, sports, boating, and many other activities. At Day Camp Riding, campers are taught riding instruction and are grouped by ability levels, beginner through advanced. They can specialize in riding by signing up for Saddle Club, a part of CampPlus, our extended Day Camp program. Day Camp is a four week program.

Learn More: Day Camp, Day Camp Riding, CampPlus

Ranch and Horse Day Camp Program

Ranch Camp and Horse Day Camp are both full day horse camp programs for the "horse crazy” camper between the 3rd and 10th grade. Both programs accommodate riders of all levels from beginner to advanced. Campers learn and practice a variety of skills both mounted on the horse and through horsemanship activities. At Ranch Camp campers learn different disciplines of Western riding and farm animal care. At Horse Day Camp, campers learn different disciplines of English riding.

Learn More: Horse Day Camp, Ranch Camp

Afternoon Horse Day Camp Program

Our Afternoon Horse Day Camp Program is a half day program designed for the beginner rider ages 3rd grade and up who wants to gain more experience and confidence around horses. Campers learn the fundamentals of riding and how to care for the horse through horsemanship activities.

Learn More: Afternoon Horse Day Camp

Horse Camps Staff

All Roughing It programs are known for the high quality of staff. The major difference between Roughing It and other horse programs is that our staff members are adults who are BOTH experienced horse instructors AND experienced youth leaders. Our staff have participated in eight days of staff training and our senior instructors have completed the five day Certified Horsemanship Association Instructors Clinic. All of our staff are currently certified on both First Aid and CPR.

Camper Grouping

Our summer horse camps accommodate riders of all levels. Campers' abilities are checked on the first day of the program and they are placed in a group that fits their skill level - beginner, advanced beginner, intermediate or advanced. Children with no previous experience are placed in the Horse Readiness Group and then move into a beginner class. The Roughing It staff to camper ratio is 1:4.

Before and After Camp Programs

CampPlus is a program that runs before and after each camp day to meet the needs of today's busy families and campers who want additional, specialized activities before and after the normal camp day.