Horsemanship Camps
Our program allows campers to bond with the horses through face-to-face and hands-on interaction.
Through working with the horses, students will learn to trust their intuition and believe in themselves as they develop alongside the horse.
Please fill out a registration form for the desired camp and then call Stephens College Office of Accounting to submit payment. The office number is (573) 876-7105. Let our accountant know you’re calling to pay for Stephens College Summer Riding Program and which camp you wish to book. A complete registration form and payment in full holds enrollment and camps are non-refundable.
Horsemanship For Beginners
Welcome to our Horsemanship Camp, specially designed for individuals with no prior horse experience who are eager to immerse themselves in the world of equine care and management. This camp offers a unique opportunity for participants to experience a “day in the life” of an equestrian, providing hands-on learning to develop a deeper understanding of horse care and handling. Led by experienced instructors, our Horsemanship Camp promises a supportive and nurturing environment where participants can learn, grow, and develop a deep appreciation for the bond between horses and humans.
Camp Highlights
- Introduction to Horses
- Learning horse safety practices such as haltering and leading.
- Exploring the basics of equine anatomy and physiology.
- Stable Management and Nutrition
- Developing essential skills such as stall cleaning
- Creating balanced diets for horses.
- Veterinary Care and Farrier Work
- Understanding routine check-ups, vaccinations, and first aid procedures.
- Learning basic hoof care and hoof anatomy
- Horse Behavior and Communication
- Recognizing signs of stress or discomfort in horses.
- Effective communication with horses.
- Barn Safety
- Sessions dedicated to trailer loading and travel safety.
- Focus on barn safety and emergency procedures.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about the world of horses, join us for an exciting week of discovery and learning at Stephens College Equestrian Center.
Summer 2026 Dates
| June 15 – 19 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Horsemanship: Summer Riding Program | $550 | 7-14 yrs | 10 spots available |
| June 22 – 26 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Horsemanship: Summer Riding Program | $550 | 7-14 yrs | 10 spots available |
Equine Science Camp
Welcome to our Equine Veterinary Camp, specifically designed for those with a passion for horses. This camp offers an opportunity to explore equine medicine while experiencing hands-on learning and while visiting local equine facilities.
Camp Highlights
- Intro to Equine Science
- Gain an overview of equine science, including anatomy and physiology.
- Participate in engaging activities such as painting the horse skeleton and organ system.
- Visit vet clinic for a firsthand glimpse into veterinary practices.
- Nutrition & Digestive Health
- Learn about equine nutrition and different feed types.
- Explore the digestive system through workshops and demonstrations.
- Visit local barn
- Farrier Care
- Learn the basics of farrier care and participate in hands-on hoof picking and trimming demonstrations.
- Visit vet hospital
- Equine Health and Veterinary Practices
- Learn about common equine injuries and preventative care measures.
- Acquire first aid skills, including vital monitoring and wrapping techniques.
- Visit the local rehabilitation center.
- Career Exploration
- Explore various career opportunities in the equine industry.
- Visit local farms and gain firsthand experience in equine care.
Whether you dream of becoming a veterinarian, equine therapist, or simply wish to expand your knowledge of horse health, our Equine Veterinary Camp is for you! Join us for a week focused on the health and well-being of our equine companions.
Summer 2026 Dates
| June 1 – 5 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Equine Science | $550 | 10-17 yrs | 10 spots available |
Riding Information
Riding Fitness
As Stephens College instructors, our horses are very valuable to us, and it is our responsibility to protect them. We cannot permit our horses to carry more weight than their body mass will allow. The required ratio of horse weight (plus tack) to rider is 6:1 or more, or the 20% Rule: a 1000lb horse can carry 200 pounds. Please contact the program director if you have concerns or questions about your fitness for riding before enrolling.
Riding Attire
All riders must wear long pants and hard sole shoes with at least a ½ inch heel (no sandals, tennis shoes, boots with lug or rough soles) Short sleeve or long sleeve shirts must be worn. All riders are to provide and wear an approved ASTM/SEI safety helmet with a neck harness and chinstrap (Stephens cannot provide helmets due to our liability policy). These dress requirements are for safety. Sources for the purchase of your helmet are below.
Riding Gear Sources
Helmets: Our research has shown that often the most inexpensive ASTM/SEI approved helmet is the Troxel brand, but there are many other brands and styles available. You may find helmets/boots online and take advantage of Spring and Summer Sales at the following:
Helmets and boots can also be purchased locally in/near Columbia at the following:
Larry’s Boots
6401 Hwy 40 W (at Midway) (573) 446-2668 www.larrysboots.com
Tractor Supply Company
4151 Paris Rd Columbia, MO (573) 814-2929
Buchheit (formerly Orscheln Farm & Home)
3910 S Providence Rd, Columbia, MO (573) 449-3010
3300 Paris Rd, Columbia, MO (573) 814-2299
Contact Us
Equestrian Studies
Sara Linde-Patel, Coordinator
(573) 876-7144
slinde@stephens.eduStephens College Equestrian Center