Horse camp offers young people a unique and enriching experience that extends far beyond the basics of riding. It provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and the creation of lasting memories. Through participation in horse camp, youth gain:

Hands-On Experience: Campers build practical skills in horse care, grooming, and riding, which fosters confidence and knowledge around horses.

Responsibility & Teamwork: Daily chores and group activities teach the value of hard work, cooperation, and dependability.

Confidence & Self-Esteem: Mastering new skills and working with animals helps youth grow in self-assurance, resilience, and independence.

Physical Fitness: Riding and stable chores promote strength, balance, and overall physical activity in a fun and engaging way.

Connection with Nature & Animals: Camp encourages respect for animals and the environment, fostering empathy, awareness of animal welfare, and stewardship of the natural world.

Friendship & Social Skills: Campers build lasting friendships while strengthening communication and social interaction skills.

Horse camp is more than just fun—it’s an opportunity to develop character, life skills, and a lifelong appreciation for animals, teamwork, and the great outdoors.

Horse camp offers young people a unique and enriching experience that extends far beyond the basics of riding. It provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and the creation of lasting memories. Through participation in horse camp, youth gain:

• Hands-On Experience: Campers build practical skills in horse care, grooming, and riding, which foster confidence and knowledge around horses.
• Responsibility & Teamwork: Daily chores and group activities teach the value of hard work, cooperation, and dependability.
• Confidence & Self-Esteem: Mastering new skills and working with animals helps youth grow in self-assurance, resilience, and independence.
• Physical Fitness: Riding and stable chores promote strength, balance, and overall physical activity in a fun and engaging way.
• Connection with Nature & Animals: Camp encourages respect for animals and the environment, fostering empathy, awareness of animal welfare, and stewardship of the natural world.
• Friendship & Social Skills: Campers build lasting friendships while strengthening communication and social interaction skills.

Horse camp is more than just fun—it’s an opportunity to develop character, life skills, and a lifelong appreciation for animals, teamwork, and the great outdoors.

The Green River Horse Camp brought together youth and adults from four counties: Union, Henderson, Ohio, and Muhlenberg, for a three-day, two-night adventure centered around horses and horsemanship.

Attendance:

• Youth Participants: 18 youth, ages 9 to 18
• Adults: 34 adults, including:
  • 2 Extension Agents
  • 6 Planning Committee Members
  • 7 Volunteers

The camp offered valuable hands-on learning and skill-building opportunities for both youth and adults alike.

Participants enjoyed a wide variety of workshops and activities, including:

• Showmanship
• Horse Safety
• Body Condition Scoring
• Rope Tricks
• Tack Cleaning

Campers explored multiple riding disciplines such as:

• Western Pleasure
• Beginner Basics
• Contest Riding
• Horseless Activities for those without horses

Additional fun and educational activities included:

• Horse Care
• Horse Bingo
• Quiz Bowl
• Free Riding Time
• Fun Show

Throughout the camp, youth received approximately 16 hours of instruction, all while following strict safety guidelines— including the mandatory use of ASTM-certified helmets while riding.

The camp successfully enhanced horsemanship knowledge, taught new skills, and reinforced the importance of safety around horses.

Feedback from participants and parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting:

• A desire for a future horse camp option for Cloverbuds
• Enjoyment of the trail ride
• Appreciation for the individual attention each participant received
• An upbeat atmosphere and a variety of engaging activities

The majority rated their camp experience as “excellent” or “good.” Notably, 100% of participants expressed interest in attending future 4-H horse camps and clinics, demonstrating the camp’s lasting impact and strong appeal.

1. Horsemanship Skills Improvement:
    88% of participants reported their horsemanship skills improved “quite a bit” or “a lot.”
2. Knowledge Gained through 4-H Horse Program & Club:
    82% felt they learned “quite a bit” or “a lot.”
3. Commitment to Future Helmet Use:
    59% said they will always wear helmets when riding; 35% said sometimes.
4. Showmanship Skills Improvement:
    53% reported that their showmanship skills improved “quite a bit” or “a lot.”
5. Previous Attendance:
    82% of youth were returning participants, reflecting the camp’s popularity and positive influence.

The Green River Horse Camp continues to serve as a valuable platform for teaching life skills, building confidence, and fostering a passion for horses in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Its lasting impact is clear in both participant feedback and strong return rates year after year.