HORSENSE : Equestrian Youth Riding Camp

Horsense is a series of five camps, each five weeks in length. The camp is structured in two sections; Basic Equine Intruction and Life Skills classes. The equine program was developed by 22-time World Equestrian Champion, Al Dunning and Barbara Hanes, Head Equine Instructor. Campers will learn basic riding, safety and care of horses. The Life Skills classes include basic first aid, desert survival skills, team building and making better choices with classes on drug, tobacco and alcohol prevention. Serving as mentors/buddies to the campers are Scottsdale Unified School District Service Learning students, Notre Dame College Prep students, Pinnacle High School students and Xavier College Preparatory students. Other dedicated volunteers provide support as Camp Crew, Ride Crew, and Life SKills Educators. Together, the program engages children in learning about respect, responsibility, leadership skills, making better choices and develops character and self-esteem.

Horsense Week-by-Week

ACTIVITIES

Campers will receive a journal that they should write in about their experiences at camp. Photos will be available from each camp on the Camp Photo Board. Campers are encouraged to take pictures home to include in their journals. Campers will also have an art project, learn to rope, and play horseshoes.

SAFETY

Safety is our number one concern. Campers are outfitted with helmets and vests for equine instruction. Campers are given instruction on safety around horses and are supervised and instructed by a member of our ride crew. Please have your child read and review the safety manual.

Parents should be aware that, under Arizona law, pursuant to A.R.S 12-533, an equine activity sponsor or professional staff shall not be liable for any injury to, or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risk of equine activities. If you have any questions regarding this law or the required Riders Assumption of Risk from that must be signed and on file for your child, please contact the Horsense Program Coordinator.

AMENITIES

The Horsense campsite has indoor bathroom amenities and shade areas for students to gather. We provide drinking water at all times and a healthy snack is also provided.

CLOTHING

Horsense provides campers with a t-shirt and cap to wear to camp. Please have your child wear their shirt and cap to every camp. For safety reasons, all campers should wear long pants, closed toe shoes and sunscreen.

GRADUATION

Graduation is an opportunity for our campers to demonstrate their skills in a horse show. Campers will then participate in a graduation ceremony. Afterwards, everyone is invited to enjoy lunch and refreshments. We encourage parents, grandparents and siblings to attend this special event - please join us!

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation of students to camp is provided by the Scottsdale Unified School District. Please contact your school office for departure location and times. Buses will depart from camp at 12:00 noon - please check with your driver for the pick-up time at your school.

For graduation, we ask that all of our guests park in the front of the fence by the side gate at MacDonald's Ranch (480) 585-0239. We will have signs and volunteers directing you back to the campsite. Bus Transportation is not provided by the school district for graduation.

WHEN

Saturday mornings; 9:30am - 12:00 noon

Please see the Event Calendar for exact camp dates.

WHERE

Horsense is held at MacDonald's Ranch in north Scottsdale.
    MacDonald's Ranch
    26540 North Scottsdale Road
    Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
    (480) 585-0239
    See Map

DIRECTIONS

Take the 101 North to the Scottsdale Road exit
Exit at Scottsdale Road and turn right (north)
Take Scottsdale Road north to Jomax
Turn left on Jomax (west)
Turn left into MacDonald's Ranch
Follow the signs to Horsense parking.

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