The camp will teach participants how to ride horseback, but also equine veterinary care, anatomy, grooming and barn chores. Campers and brothers Jacob (left) and Noah Lewis consider riding their favorite part of the camp. They are supported by Sydney Pitts, trainer and daughter of Natalie Brady.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Summer is finally here, and with it comes the opportunity to either pursue new experiences or reinforce previous interests.

Four Star Farm, at 7445 Pitt School Road, is offering a riding camp for 7- to 14-year-olds with this in mind.

According to head trainer Natalie Brady, the summer horse camp teaches youth responsibility while providing them with an adventure.

“Being here teaches the kids responsibilities, gives them something to look forward to and gives them a hands-on perspective with the horses,” said Brady. “They can also set their own goals for what they want to do or accomplish each week, allowing them to meet their personal goals. I’s fun, it’s relaxing and it’s an adventure.”

Brady has been riding since she was 6 and has been training students at Four Star Farm since 2017. Her accomplishments include winning a gold medal in the North American Young Riders Competition at 21 years old, competing in the World Cup final in Pau, France, and being a certified level III instructor through the United States Eventing Association’s Instructor Certification Program (ICP).

 “I won young riders when I was 21 in Chicago. That started me on the path,” said Brady.

Four Star Farms, 7445 Pitt School Road, offers a series of horseback riding summer camps for kids aged 7 to 14. Trainers such as Anna Early (left) are happy to support beginners and more experienced riders, such as Lydia Skeehan.

Under Brady’s tutelage, with support from her trainers Anna Early and her daughter, Sydney Pitts, Four Star Farm is hosting a series of horse camps throughout the summer. Sessions, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., are scheduled for July 7 to 11 and July 28 to Aug. 1.

“We try to have different activities for campers. My daughter is an artist, for example, so she teaches really cool art projects. This morning, the kids made tie-dye shirts. We also have experts drop by to teach the kids. Usually, we have a vet come that will do a demo during camp or have a farrier come show them how to take care of horse hooves,” said Brady.

According to Brady, the camp is for beginner-to-intermediate-level riders. The brunt of the camp is spent educating students on horse riding techniques, primarily English riding, defined by precision and athleticism.

Both trainers, Early and Pitts, have been riding for more than five years and, similar to Brady, grew up in the horse-riding community.

“I really like the community and love how safe I feel. I wouldn’t want to board my horse or ride anywhere else,” said Early.

Pitts added, “I would say we have a lot of fun and it is cool to see the kids experience a lot of what I did when I was a kid. Just hang out with the animals, learn about them and learn to ride.”

Sarah Erickson (left), a client of Four Star Farm, has been riding for a year and stows her horse Diesel on the property. She enjoys Four Star for its communal identity and sense of equality.

Several campers and clients were also complimentary of the experience. Brothers Jacob and Noah Lewis’s favorite part of the camp is riding horses and their favorite horse is Shoni.

Lydia Skeehan attended the camp two years in a row and has taken some riding lessons. She also considers riding the favorite part of camp.

Sarah Erickson, a client of Four Star Farm, has been riding for a year and boards her horse, Diesel, on the property. She enjoys Four Star for its communal identity.

“I would say it is a very open barn. No one discriminates and there’s actually a lot of discrimination in the equestrian community,” said Erickson.

Syanna Samra, a former client turned working student, intends to go to University of California, Davis to be a veterinarian and has had a passion for animals since she was a child.

“Everyone is super nice and it’s easy to make friends. It made it easy to break out of my shell and become more outgoing. You won’t find any other place like this. People will take the time to teach you, no matter your experience level,” said Samra.

Four Star Farm Riding Camp costs $695 per camper and includes snacks, helmets and juice. Campers are encouraged to bring shoes with a heel, long pants and a lunch daily.

For more information or to register for future sessions, visit fourstarfarm.com or call 707-312-1119.