How are campers placed into specific riding groups?
How are riders assigned to a horse?
How can I keep in touch with my camper?
How will my camper receive their meds at EVR?
Can I come and see East Valley Ranch before summer?
What does my camper need to bring with them to EVR?
How are campers placed into specific riding groups?
On the first full day of each session we have a ‘riding evaluation’ – which is not a test or an exam, so there is no need to worry or stress! The girls are assigned a horse (which might not necessarily be the horse they ride for the rest of the session), and asked to do a number of different activities (such as stopping, reversing, and circling) and we look to see what their riding ability is. Our riding instructors are trained to recognize specific skills that we would like to see in order to place them by their riding level. They will be placed in a group of three or four other girls of the same or similar ability. However, this is not a concrete final decision. If a camper is progressing more quickly than others or needs to take things a little slower, we do allow for changes in lesson groups.
How are riders assigned to a horse?
We have thirty incredible horses at East Valley Ranch of all different shapes, sizes, colors and abilities. We assign a horse to a rider by evaluating each and every camper’s riding ability on the first day in order to match them up with the perfect horse. The key to the perfect horse assignment is matching similar personality and character type, size, and riding ability. However, we do accept that not every assignment will be spot on and sometimes we do switch out horses for a better fit – but this only means that riders become more experienced and adaptable in riding different horses! Our goal is to make sure that each rider gets to spend the maximum time available with their assigned horse.
How can I keep in touch with my camper?
We have a one way e-mailing system that we use at East Valley Ranch. Parents, relatives and friends can keep in contact with campers during their time away. Information on how to sign up for this service is provided on check-in day. We print out emails and hand them out each day during meal times or rest hour. We encourage campers to write home as frequently as possible – we suggest that campers come with writing materials, stamps and addresses, but we do also provide stamps, pens and letters in the camp store.
Parents can also keep up with what is going on at camp by looking at our photos uploaded to smugmug.com and also by following us on our blog! This way you never have to miss out on all the fun!
How will my camper receive their meds at EVR?
We have an EMT onsite at EVR 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also have a Registered Nurse available to distribute medications and address any other health concerns or issues that campers may have during the day.
Can I come and see East Valley Ranch before summer?
We have several summer camp open houses and we are also open to scheduling private tours of the facility to suit your schedule! We always suggest visiting a camp before actually signing up to make sure that you are making the best decision for you and your camper. If you are interested in scheduling a tour please contact us at horses@frostvalley.org
What does my camper need to bring with them to EVR?
Click here to download a printable packing list.
If you have any more questions about any of our horse programs please don’t hesitate to contact us at horses@frostvalley.org or call (845) 985 – 2291 ext 240.
