A student must meet the minimum age requirement by the start of the selected camp session. The minimum age for Half-Day Camp is seven years old, and we accept campers up to 15 years old. Camp registrations will be checked for age at the time registration is received. Campers found to be in the wrong camp age group for camp will automatically be canceled.

Campers are required to purchase a certified ASTM-SEI approved helmet manufactured in the USA and not more than five years old. (Bicycle helmets and other recreational safety equipment are not allowed.)

Campers must wear a boot with hard sole and small heel (paddock boot is the general term if doing an online search). Hiking boots, rain boots, and sneakers are NOT suitable or safe for horseback riding.

Campers should bring or wear long pants for riding.

All campers need to bring their own water bottles (no glass of any kind is allowed, even when covered in rubber/plastic). There will not be a lunch or snack time (please give advance notice if your camper has a medically advised need for a snack, or related issue.)

Cell phones need to be kept stowed during camp. They are a distraction and a potential safety issue.

All belongings should be labeled with the camper’s name. We encourage campers not to bring other valuables to camp.

Every camper must have a signed Acknowledgement of Risk at the start of the camp session. No camper will be allowed to ride unless this form is completed and signed by a parent or guardian. We require parents to inform us prior to start of camp if a camper has any food or other allergies, if they are on medications that might affect their physical, mental or emotional performance, or if there are any physical restrictions, etc. Please let us know as this information helps us to meet individual safety needs and respond constructively. Please keep in mind that this is not a therapeutic riding camp. Forms will be collected at the Front Desk on the first day check-in.

Complete Visitor’s Acknowledgement of Risk

Many campers have not been exposed to common allergens at a horse barn (horse hair, hay, hay dust), so campers and families are surprised when it happens, typically on Monday morning! Sometimes campers develop itchy eyes, sometimes more severe reactions occur.  At the first sign, we will remove the camper from the activity, bring them into the classroom, wash their face and hands, and apply cold compresses. We will call the parent/emergency number to let you know and expect that you’ll arrange pick up.  Sometimes it works for the camper to get a single dose of an allergy medication, but you need to know that we cannot administer any medications. We’ll work with your camper as best we can through the week, but if the allergic reaction continues the camper may not want to return. If your child has known allergies, require advance notice prior to the start of camp. They will need to receive their allergy medication at home, before camp begins.

Registration is completed online at www.RockCreekHorseCenter.com. Follow instructions to set up an account, register and pay. Full payment is necessary at the time of registration in order to secure your reservation.

If you’re signed up for our camp and you have to cancel, just let us know as early as possible. If it’s 45 days (or more) from the start date we’re more than happy to give you your money back, less a $75 registration fee. If your plans change less than 45 days from the start of camp, we won’t be able to issue you a refund.

Registrations are not transferable. Registrations made by one person cannot be sold or traded. We will work to accommodate transfers to a different session if space permits. There is no charge for a transfer.

The program is directed by knowledgeable staff with experience in individual and group instruction, individual and team competition, and horse care. First Aid and CPR certified staff is on site during camp hours. The camp horses are part of the team of school horses from our group and private lesson program. Why is this important? Our staff knows our horses very well and can appropriately pair campers with mounts.

Rock Creek Park Horse Center is located in the heart of Rock Creek Park in Northwest Washington DC. The Horse Center is located on National Park Service property and operated as a concession by Guest Services, Inc. The equestrian facility includes a large indoor riding ring, school horses and ponies, multiple outdoor riding arenas, wooded trails, and fields. Camper belongings may be stored outside under a covered structure. Extensive parking is available; no cars however are allowed down the road to the camp office and horse barn.

The RCPHC facility is nestled in the shade of Rock Creek Park, but campers should prepare for hot and humid days. Campers should apply sunscreen and bug spray before arriving at camp. If they wish to bring additional sunscreen and bug spray, please bring in a bag with camper’s name, parent’s name and signature, date, brand of product(s), and instructions for whether a staff member can assist in application.

We will evaluate weather situations and plan activities accordingly. Appropriate alternative activities will be substituted at the discretion of the camp director (Day Camp and/or Ponies & Friends Camp). There are no refunds or make-up days for inclement weather.

Please let us know ASAP if your camper wants to ride with a friend or is part of a household grouping that is separate from your camp registration. We assign our camp groups before camp starts and will not make changes once camp has started. Please email [email protected] with details and thank you!

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