Chariot Riders and Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore offers quality riding school instruction in a summer camp setting. Our program features beginning to advanced lessons in both English and Western riding. Emphasis in all program levels is on skill development, progression and expanding knowledge of horses and horse care. Within their registered program, campers are placed in classes based on their skill level. Classes are kept small with a ratio of at least 1 instructor to 5 campers.

• Have daily lessons
• Participate in daily theory lessons
• Take part in the horse care and management
• Participate in the sport of vaulting, which teaches balance while learning to move with a horse
• Receive a written evaluation of their skills throughout the session and a ribbon of completion

How to Pick a Horse Program for your rider

Finding the correct riding program for your daughter is important not only for the quality of her program but for her own safety. To help you select the program that would best suit your daughter, review the levels of the Horse Programs offered and their descriptions. ALL skills listed for the chosen style of riding need to be met consistently to qualify for that riding program. Riding time varies with each program and lessons are more in depth as riding levels advance.

Choose the Riding Style That’s Right for You

Western Style (W)

From reining to rodeos, western equitation is a thrilling way to experience horseback riding. Participate in lessons at the arena or set off on fantastic trial rides… jump in the saddle and become a cowgirl today! Western Style riding lessons and instruction is offered at Chariot Riders.

English Style (E)

Are you a hunter or a jumper? From ground poles to jumping over fences, gain skills in this traditional riding discipline. Develop proper balance and form through hunt seat equitation and even ride through the countryside. English Style instruction is offered at Chariot Riders.

LEVEL 1: Saddle Sampler - an Introduction to Riding

Campers do not need any previous experience

Take part in two styles of riding lessons, and learn about how to take care of your horse! Campers will get to try Western and English styles.

This unit is half day with an am and pm session and is open to girls and boys who wish to get a feel for what style of saddle/riding as well as how to mount, sit and groom a horse…

LEVEL 2: Pony Tails (E) or Silver Spurs (W)

Campers need minimal experience.

We recommend girls who have completed Horse Fun and/or Horse Fan to start here. During daily riding lessons, you will learn to ride in an arena without a lead line, demonstrate the basic balanced position at the halt and walk, and demonstrate control at the walk and the trot according to your riding style (English or Western).

LEVEL 3: The Mane Event (E) or Take the Reins (W)

Campers need to be comfortable around horses and have some experience. We recommend girls who have either completed Level 2 or have completed Horse Sens. A minimum of 5 lessons during this past year are required.

Campers must be able to:

• ride in an arena without assistance
• lead a horse comfortably
• mount and dismount without assistance
• begin demonstrating control while maintaining a safe balanced position at the walk, trot (E) / jog (W)
• demonstrate correct reining position
• halt and turn horse at the walk
• a minimum of 5 previous lessons are required for this level

LEVEL 4: Mount Up (E) or Saddle Up (W)

We recommend that girls who have completed Level 3 - A minimum of 15 previous lessons in the past year are required for this level.

Campers must be able to:

• demonstrate control while riding in a group
• ride without stirrups at the walk and trot
• ride with control the trot (E) or jog (W)
• ride in a basic balanced position while demonstrating control and confidence on the flat (E&W) and over fences (E)
• explain the aids and demonstrate riding at the canter (E) or lope (W)

Campers riding Western style must also be able to:

• perform single turns and large circles at the walk and the jog

Campers riding English style must also be able to:

• maintain jumping position at the trot
• jump a fence at a minimum of 18” at the trot

Le Trec

Girls must have completed level 4 to participate in Le Trec

Discover the world of Trec, one of the fastest growing equestrian sports that every horse and rider can enjoy. The emphasis is on having fun with your horse! The sport is made up of three phases: orienteering, control of gaits, and a cross country obstacle course. Participate in daily lessons that will teach you how to overcome various challenges in the natural environment.

LEVEL 5: Advanced Riding

We will not be offering Level 5 this summer (2011) but will add this next summer as our campers finish Level 4

Girls will submit a progress report from the horse riding counselors/instructors who will verify proficiency

We will offer in 2012 Tally Ho! (E) and Wild West Adventure (W)

Campers must be able to:

• mount, dismount, walk, trot, and canter a horse with control
• demonstrate a secure balanced position and progress toward an independent seat and coordinated use of aids.
• explain the application of and reasons for various aids
• demonstrate an increased and decreased speed and show confidence and control at all gaits
• demonstrate the ability to ride different horses showing confidence and control
• ride without stirrups at the walk and sitting trot

Campers riding Western style must also be able to:

• demonstrate correct use of leg aids
• maintain a light rein

Campers riding English style must also be able to:

• jump a single course of 5-7 obstacles
• trot/canter over ground poles followed by a cross rail
• demonstrate balanced and steady position over fences at 2’3 to 2'6