Horseback Riding Lesson Registration
Camp Coleman provides a “total horsemanship” program which includes un-mounted topics such as horse behavior, breeds of horses and horse care, in addition to instructional horseback riding, Camp Coleman Equestrian Center (CCEC) offers a progressive program including English western and trail riding; pleasure and utility driving; and vaulting. The Equestrian Center includes 20 stalls located in two barns, three arenas, and round pen. CCEC is one of only 24 riding academies in the United States to receive CHA Site Accreditation. Through the Certified Horsemanship Association’s (CHA) peer review process stables and academies agree to uphold a stringent code of operational practices recognized among horse professionals as essential to safe operation of a riding stable.
Camp Coleman can offer an instructor and horse suitable for every rider. Our instructors are CHA certified riding instructors, all with extensive training and experience. Our stable is full of proven lesson horses that make reliable, obedient mounts as students learn the basics of good horsemanship. We employ a wide variety of horses in our program, preferring to select horses based on training and temperament rather than their breed. This has resulted in a herd that includes roping horses, team penning horses, western horsemanship horses, dressage, and jumping horses, along with some nice quiet trail horses. Breeds include Quarter horse, Thoroughbred, Paint, Appaloosa, Haflinger, and Mustang. Over half of our horses are registered and many compete regularly in horse shows, pull wagons, or are ridden in parades. We even breed at the CCEC, usually producing one or two foals each year which are used in special programs in the summer camp which teach campers to train the horses.
Riding Styles
English - a riding discipline using an English saddle and bridle. Students ride hunt seat, English pleasure, equitation on the flat and over fences. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of English riding all the way to "show ring" ready!
Western - Ridden in traditional western saddle with a saddle horn, deep seat and high cantle. Horses have a brisk walk, slow jog that allows the rider to sit the jog and a collected and balanced lope. Most students begin riding western to develop a feel for riding, riding split reined or two handed. Once student advances they will learn how to ride single handed in a curb bit.
Though the differences between English and Western riding appear dramatic, there are more similarities than most people think. Both styles require riders to develop a solid seat, with hips and shoulders balanced over the feet, with the riders hands independently acting from the seat to avoid disturbing the balance of the horse and interfering with its performance.
Trail Riding - Trail Rides are a great way to give students and their mounts new challenges outside of the arena. Students and their mounts are exposed to many new experiences like bridge crossing, uneven terrain, water crossing, new surroundings along with a break from normal arena riding.
Vaulting - Exercises on horseback. The horse is on a long lead rope controlled by a trained handler. This allows the rider to work on developing a balanced body position and seat without having to worry about controlling the direction or speed of the horse.
Driving - Horse and cart or buggy. Students learn how to safely and correct harness and hook a horse to a cart. They will also learn the basic commands like "gee" to tell the horse to turn right and "haa" to tell the horse to turn left.
Weekly Riding Lessons
All lessons at Camp Coleman are in small groups of 3-5 students. Lessons last one and one-half to two hours depending on the exact number of students in the class. Students prepare (grooming and saddling) their horse for each lesson. Students then lead their horse to the arena and the mounted lesson begins. After lessons, students are required to untack their horse and prepare it for turnout. All students are encouraged to try different styles of riding, but the decision is left up to each student. We also offer semi-private (2 students) for $40 per lesson and private lessons for $50 a lesson, group lessons (3-5 students) are $30 per lesson. Contact: (205) 655-3782 or toll free (866) 882-3572 or cgray@girlscoutsnca.org.
Equestrian Education Classes
Pony Pals
Pony Pals – Parent/Child Horsemanship Series
Sundays: September 11, 18 & 25, 2011, AND April 15, 22 & 29, 2012
Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m., 2:30–3:30 p.m. OR 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Coleman Equestrian Center, Trussville
Min/max: 4/8 students per class
Cost: $75 + $12 non-member fee (if applicable)
Registration deadline: September 1, 2011, and April 1, 2012
This class, designed for children 4–7 years old, with a participating adult, introduces them to the horse and horseback riding. Parent/accompanying adult leads the horse or pony as the child learns commands for walking, turning and stopping. Closedtoe shoes are required for everyone visiting the barn. Students should wear long pants; helmets will be furnished. NOTE: This event is intended for INDIVIDUAL participation. Contact Cera Gray, Camp Coleman Equestrian Director, cgray@girlscoutsnca.org or call 205-655–3782 or 800-734-4541 x2000.
Jr. Horsemanship Basics Series
Sundays: September 11, 18 & 25, 2011 AND April 15, 22 & 29, 2012
Time: 1:30–3 p.m. OR 3–4:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Coleman Equestrian Center, Trussville
Min/max: 4/8 students per class
Cost: $90 + $12 non-member fee (if applicable)
Registration deadline: September 1, 2011, and April 1, 2012;
Children at least 6 years old who are ready to ride independently will learn the basics of riding a horse. Children will ride in very small groups and learn the basics of how to care for and work safely around horses. Students must wear long pants, hard-soled shoes with a heel and a helmet (furnished). Closed-toe shoes are required for everyone visiting the barn. NOTE: This event is intended for INDIVIDUAL participation. Contact Cera Gray, Camp Coleman Equestrian Director, cgray@girlscoutsnca.org or call 205-655–3782 or 800-734-4541 x2000.
More Ponies Please Series
Sundays: October 9, 16 & 23, 2011, AND April 15, 22 & 29, 2012
Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m., 2:30–3:30 p.m. OR 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Coleman Equestrian Center, Trussville
Min/max: 4/8 students per class
Cost: $75 + $12 non-member fee (if applicable)
Registration deadline: October 1, 2011, and April 1, 2012
Children 4–8 years old who have participated in Pony Pals will begin learning independent control of the horse (riding a horse by themselves). Children will ride in small groups with a parent nearby to help when needed. The class will also include learning how to care for and work safely around horses. Students must wear long pants, hard-soled shoes with a heel and a helmet (furnished). Closed-toe shoes are required for everyone visiting the barn. NOTE: This event is intended for INDIVIDUAL participation. Contact Cera Gray, Camp Coleman Equestrian Director, cgray@girlscoutsnca.org or call 205-655–3782 or 800-734-4541 x2000.
Horsemanship Basics Series
Sundays: October 9, 16 & 23, 2011, AND April 15, 22 & 29, 2012
Time: 1:30–3 p.m. OR 3–4:30 p.m.
Location: Camp Coleman Equestrian Center, Trussville
Cost: $90 + $12 non-member fee (if applicable)
Registration deadline: October 1, 2011 OR April 1, 2012
In this introductory program, participants ages 6–10 will spend half of the lesson exploring horse behavior and learning to care for the horse. The other half will be spent practicing basic riding skills. Students must wear long pants, hard-soled shoes
with a heel and a helmet (furnished). Closed–toe shoes are required for everyone visiting the barn. NOTE: This event is intended for INDIVIDUAL participation. Contact Cera Gray, Camp Coleman Equestrian Director, cgray@girlscoutsnca.org or call 205-655–3782 or 800-734-4541 x2000.
