Summer Camp 2025 | CougarMountainStables

Explore Life on The Farm

Horse-crazy campers, Enhanced Horse Program!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! After 13+ years of running successful horseback riding camps, Cougar Mountain Stables is expanding our offerings to create a brand-new experience: the Outdoor Learning & Kids Discovery Farm Camp. This camp will be a unique blend of our beloved equestrian programs and our rich farming heritage. Campers are allowed to explore and spend as much time as they'd like in subjects that interest them! We have scheduled activities every day for campers to learn new skills and enjoy the environment.

What is new!

Farm Discovery

Campers will have the opportunity to interact with our farm animals—LOTS of horses, bunnies, goats, chickens, miniature cows, kune kune pigs, worlds cutest sheep and more. They’ll also explore our vibrant 3-acre garden, pick fresh strawberries, and learn about sustainable farming. Our beekeeping activities will give them hands-on experience with honeybees, all while safely suited up. Plus, there will be plenty of farm-to-table activities, including making butter and ice cream!

Day Camp

Horse & Farm Discovery

Campers are free to explore the the farm, meet the animals, basics of horse care, washing, grooming, feeding and education on equipment, crafts and enjoy horseback riding lessons and games. Campers don’t need any prior riding experience, and our goal is for all riders to begin to learn to ride independently through practice, strengthening muscles, and proper technique. They’ll participate in mounted and unmounted games and activities throughout the day that make learning to ride fun!

Campers are allowed to explore, change stations as they'd like, go where they would like to spend most of there time! Scheduled events are broken up between groups.

Equine Day Camp

Horse Focused

Riders should be independent at the walk and trot. Provides quality lessons to young riders, emphasizing developing their horsemanship skills. Campers learn equitation in a fun, safe and encouraging environment.

Riders with strong enough skills at walk and trot can learn to canter. Campers continue to hone their skills and proper technique, and they’ll learn more about horse care and management. Each camper’s day is filled with mounted and unmounted lessons, activities, and games with their fellow campers.

Seats very limited!

Half Day Camp

A little bit of everything!

Learning horse care
Daily riding
Crafts related to horses
Learning about horses
Meet all the animals
Snack time

Confidence Through Independence

Campers learn to explore, choose new activities and discover the joys of being more independent. They are allowed to go to the stations of their choice to learn more about the activities they are interested in. Each station has our own Ranch School fun facts about the animals & gardens! Confidence through independence is vital for a child's development. When children are given opportunities to explore and solve problems on their own, they build trust in their abilities, which boosts self-esteem. Independence helps kids learn responsibility, decision-making, and resilience, enabling them to face challenges with confidence. By mastering tasks independently, children develop a sense of achievement that encourages them to take on new experiences, fostering a strong sense of self and empowerment as they grow.

Wonder

Wonder is essential for children's growth and development. It fuels curiosity, encourages creativity, and inspires learning. When kids are free to wonder, they explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the world in ways that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Wonder also nurtures a sense of awe and joy, making learning exciting and helping them develop a lifelong love for discovery. Embracing wonder allows children to connect with their environment, fostering imagination and innovation in all areas of life.

Connection

Connection with animals and friendships is crucial for a child's emotional and social development. Interacting with animals teaches empathy, responsibility, and compassion, while also providing comfort and companionship. Friendships help children develop social skills, cooperation, and trust, offering support and a sense of belonging. Both animal bonds and friendships encourage emotional resilience and understanding, helping children navigate relationships and build meaningful connections throughout their lives. These interactions foster kindness and communication, essential traits for personal growth and well-being.

Meet the family!

Learn about raising cattle, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep and rabbits! Each farm animal has fun activities to associated to them. Learn what it takes to raise these wonderful animals!

EXPERIENCE LIFE IN THE OUTDOORS

Activities

So many choices, they just may choose to participate in all of them - yes even horse back riding!

Every day there are new things for our campers to discover, learn, grow, cultivate, build and explore.

Horseback Riding

Riders lesson daily in groups broken down according to riding level. Our teachers are career riding instructors from our year round lesson program. They bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to the learning process—along with a sense of fun and humor to make learning to ride a truly positive experience. Lessons consist of both English and Western; and follow the curriculum set by our Academy Director. Each rider will ride in a program that is designed to bring out the best in each child and let him progress at his own natural pace. Safety and proper progression for each individual rider is our policy. Learning to ride is not a race and we are looking to create solid and balanced riders who understand the basic principals of horsemanship– along with being able to laugh and have fun with the horses and each other!

Gardening & Harvesting

Explore our vibrant 3-acre garden, pick fresh strawberries, and learn about sustainable farming practices

Creative Arts

Creativity comes alive in the arts barn with a range of exciting activities! Campers will have the chance to make beeswax candles, build collages, paint, and even involve horses in the artistic process. Each camper will also get to tie-dye their own t-shirt, adding a personal touch to their creative creations. It’s a fun and engaging way to explore the arts while learning new skills and expressing themselves!

Water Slides & Bouncy Houses

Bounce into fun with our bouncy houses, a perennial favorite for kids looking to burn off energy and enjoy a break from the sun. These inflatable play zones promote physical activity, coordination, and social interaction. For those hot days, our 65ft Mega Slip and Slide offers the perfect way to cool off and have a blast! Racing down the giant water slide is a refreshing and exhilarating experience that keeps everyone smiling and splashing. Both activities are designed to keep kids active and entertained while making the most of their summer camp experience!

Beekeeping

Dive into the fascinating world of honeybees with our hands-on beekeeping activities! Equipped with safety suits, campers get a close-up look at these essential pollinators, learning about their crucial role in our ecosystem. Discover how honeybees contribute to plant growth, food production, and environmental health, all while gaining practical experience in beekeeping. It’s an engaging way to appreciate these incredible insects and understand their importance in sustaining our natural world.

Youth Environmental Sustainability

With the wonderment of a child's perspective, campers delve into the magic of farm sustainability by exploring their natural surroundings. From examining bugs and bird nests to tracking animal footprints and listening to forest sounds, the farm becomes an outdoor classroom brimming with inspiration. Imaginative games and activities are fueled by the land, creeks, and fields. Campers engage in hands-on experiments, viewing specimens under a microscope and observing wildlife, all while learning about the delicate balance of our environment and how they can contribute to its care.

We will also embark on exciting adventures to find tracks of beavers, raccoons, and coyotes, discovering a variety of animals in the area. They’ll learn to identify different animal tracks, explore habitats, and uncover the secrets of wildlife in their natural environment. Each track tells a story, and our outdoor explorations offer a hands-on way to understand and appreciate the diverse creatures that call the farm and surrounding areas home.

Barns and Gardens

At Barn Day Camp, campers dive into farm life by planting flowers, feeding farm animals, gardening, and harvesting vegetables. They may even get a chance to assist with chick hatching, eagerly watching for cracks in the egg shells. Our farm is home to goats, bunnies, chickens, and pigs, each with its own animal station. At these stations, campers will discover each animal's favorite treats and create delicious snacks just for them. It's a hands-on way for kids to learn about and care for farm life while having fun!

Enclosed Trampolines

Experience the joy of safe and fun jumping in our fully enclosed trampolines! Bouncing is not just a blast; it's also great for kids’ development. It helps improve coordination, balance, and motor skills while providing a healthy way to expend energy. The enclosed design ensures a secure environment where kids can jump freely and confidently. It’s a perfect way for them to stay active, build strength, and have an unforgettable time!

Discovery - Treasure Hunts!

Join the adventure with our Discovery - Treasure Hunts! Each day on the farm, campers embark on exciting quests to find hidden treasures. Whether it's an Easter egg hunt, searching for a lost animal, collecting clay for keepsakes, discovering gem stones, or unearthing arrowheads near the creek, the possibilities are endless! At the start of each day, we'll announce a new list of treasures to find, turning the farm into a thrilling exploration zone. Let the hunt begin and see what surprises await!

Horse-crazy campers, Enhanced Horse Program!

Expanding on Our Equestrian Legacy

Our renowned riding programs, which have seen kids progress from beginners to advanced riders—even breaking wild horses—are now enhanced with a dedicated Horse Schooling Program. For those horse-crazy kids who just can’t get enough of our 45 horses, we’ve created a special curriculum. Each child will receive a comprehensive booklet that guides them through various levels of horsemanship. The more time and dedication they put into learning, the more they can achieve, culminating in a sense of accomplishment as they complete the program.

What’s different from previous years? Campers can now spend as much time as they'd like learning about topics related to horses — yes, that includes riding! They are free to explore the farm and visit various stations at their own pace.

Learn to ride, take a break to visit the bunnies, and come back to ride again! Our program isn't just for beginners—we designed it to work with each individual, one at a time. Whether you're looking to master the trot or improve your canter, we have the perfect horse for you!

Western Tack & Riding

In our Western riding lessons, you'll learn all about the Western saddle, from identifying its parts to proper placement on your horse. We'll teach you how to bridle your horse, adjust your stirrups, and tighten the cinch securely. You’ll also discover how to measure the correct saddle size for both horse and rider, ensuring comfort and safety. As we progress, you’ll learn to trot in rhythm, mastering how to post with the horse’s movement and sit the trot with balance and ease. It's a comprehensive foundation for confident, skilled riding!

Rein Management

Before hopping on a real horse, you'll first learn how to properly manage your reins for smooth control. We also use our mechanical horse to help you get a feel for the movements and practice steering, stopping, and balance. It's a great way to build confidence and coordination before riding the real thing!

The mechanical horse offers a safe, controlled environment for riders to practice essential riding skills without the unpredictability of a live horse. It helps you develop balance, posture, and coordination, while allowing you to focus on specific movements, such as steering with the reins, proper leg placement, and mastering transitions like walking, trotting, or posting. It’s especially helpful for beginners to build confidence and learn at their own pace before transitioning to a real horse.

English Tack & Riding

In our English riding camp, campers will learn how to properly tack up their horses with English saddles, including identifying all the parts and ensuring correct placement. They'll practice adjusting stirrups, fitting the bridle, and securing the girth for a safe, comfortable ride. As they progress, campers will also learn the basics of riding in an English saddle, including posting at the trot and identifying the correct posting diagonal for better balance and rhythm. It’s a great introduction to the world of English riding!

Vaulting Practice

Campers will have the exciting opportunity to practice equine vaulting movements while riding. Vaulting, which combines gymnastics and horseback riding, is a fantastic way to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. It also boosts confidence as riders learn to move in harmony with the horse, developing trust and body awareness. Whether standing, kneeling, or doing other basic moves, vaulting helps build strength and grace, making it a fun and beneficial activity for all levels of riders!

Bareback

Riding bareback offers a unique and valuable experience for campers, helping them develop a deeper connection with the horse. Without the saddle, riders learn to rely on their core strength and balance, which improves their posture and overall riding skills. Bareback riding also enhances body awareness and communication with the horse, making it a great way to build confidence and trust. It’s a fun challenge that strengthens the bond between rider and horse while improving riding fundamentals!

Ride with your legs

After mastering rein control, it's important for campers to learn how to guide their horses using leg cues. By using their legs, campers can communicate more subtly with their horses, helping them understand direction and speed without relying heavily on the reins. This not only improves the rider’s balance and control but also creates a more harmonious partnership with the horse. Campers will practice riding through courses, refining their leg cues to steer and guide their horses with ease and finesse.

Trail Course Challenges

Campers will put their skills to the test in an exciting trail course challenge! Using everything they’ve learned about riding with leg cues, they’ll navigate obstacles while practicing how to back a horse, side pass, move the horse’s hindquarters, perform shoulder turns, and more. This fun and engaging challenge helps riders build confidence and refine their control, making them more versatile and skilled in the saddle. It’s a great way to apply their riding techniques in real-world situations!

Equine Science

Equine science is the study of horses, including their biology, behavior, nutrition, care, and interaction with humans. It covers a wide range of topics, such as horse anatomy, breeding, training, genetics, and equine health. For kids, learning equine science offers numerous benefits:

Responsibility and Discipline: Caring for horses requires routine tasks such as feeding, grooming, and mucking stalls. Kids develop a sense of responsibility by maintaining these daily habits and understanding the needs of animals.

Empathy and Compassion: By interacting with horses, children learn to connect emotionally with animals. They develop empathy as they care for creatures that rely on them for well-being.

Physical Fitness: Riding and caring for horses involve physical activity, improving balance, coordination, and overall fitness in kids. Tasks like grooming or mucking stalls also strengthen their bodies through functional movement.

Emotional Development: Horses are sensitive to human emotions, offering children a non-judgmental space to express themselves. Working with horses can reduce stress and build confidence as kids develop a bond with these gentle creatures.

Educational Value: Equine science integrates many subjects such as biology, chemistry (nutrition and health), and physics (horse movement and riding dynamics). Kids also develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they handle the practical aspects of horse care and training.

Connection to Nature: Spending time with horses outdoors fosters an appreciation for nature and the environment, encouraging kids to be mindful of ecological balance.

Career Foundation: For children passionate about animals, equine science can spark interest in future careers such as veterinary medicine, animal behavior, or agriculture.

Learning equine science equips kids with valuable life skills, deepens their understanding of animals, and fosters personal growth in a meaningful and engaging way.

Trick Training and Liberty

Experience the fun of trick training and liberty work with our adorable miniature ponies! Campers will learn to teach these clever ponies a variety of tricks and maneuvers, all while working in a relaxed, free-roaming environment. This hands-on activity not only strengthens the bond between pony and handler but also enhances communication skills and creativity. It's a delightful way to see just how smart and responsive these little ponies can be, making for a memorable and enjoyable experience for all!

Make Simple Homemade Horse Treats

Get ready for some tasty fun as campers learn to make simple homemade horse treats! They’ll discover how to mix, bake, and create delicious cookies for our furry friends. It’s a hands-on activity that teaches baking basics while letting campers show their love for horses by preparing tasty snacks that will make their four-legged pals' day extra special!

Booklet & Check Lists!

Introducing our new Horse Crazy Booklet Series! Designed as an engaging scavenger hunt, these booklets encourage kids to explore all aspects of horsemanship. Each booklet features a checklist of tasks and skills to master before moving on to the next level, making learning both fun and rewarding. Our booklets are a fantastic way to get kids excited about riding and understanding horse care, fostering a deep appreciation for our large friends and their needs. It’s an adventure in horsemanship that builds knowledge and confidence!

Awards

In our Horse Crazy Booklet Series, campers earn friendship bracelets with unique charms for each equine subject they complete. Each charm represents a milestone in their horsemanship journey, making it a fun and memorable way to celebrate their achievements. Collect them all and showcase your progress while enjoying a special keepsake from your equestrian adventures!

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Parisa G.

My daughter loved loved this camp and she’s begging to go again. She’s gathering more friends to join her so they all can enjoy their summer together.

Jackie F.

My daughter was over the moon with the range of activities offered: from horse riding, to art projects, to bounce houses, to water-play! She came home happy, dirty, and exhausted every day…And couldn’t wait to go back!

Natalie

Incredible program! Very positive staff and fun sleepover experience the last night. Would highly recommend!

EXPLORING THE MAGIC AND WONDER

Horse Riding & Barn Day Camp

Horse Riding & Barn Day is about taking time for the simple pleasures of being outdoors. We provide a safety-first environment where kids can be kids, learning, discovering and thriving. Horse & Barn Day Campers are a part of age-based groups of 10-12 campers, with 2-3 counselors for each group. An additional counselor or two will join the group on adventure days.

Frequently Asked Question
"We attended the last few years, and our child loved the horses. Is that still happening?"

Absolutely! Our horse camp is even better this year! Campers now get to choose where they’d like to spend most of their time. Each camper receives an activity booklet with stickers to collect as they explore the farm.

If your child loves horses, they can spend their entire day with them! While our program remains structured, it now allows campers more freedom to focus on what they enjoy the most. See below all of the horse related activities.

Campers are provided with a cubby to store their backpack, lunchbox, a change of clothes, and projects they want to bring home.

Campers bring their own lunch and are provided two snacks a day. A healthy protein snack in the morning to help fuel their day and a fruit/veggie option in the afternoon. Many of these delicious snacks are from our own farms!