Saddle Up
& Ride!
Open Houses
Horse Camps
Mustang, Durango, East Valley Ranch & Horse Trails
Camps for Equestrians and Future Leaders
Frost Valley YMCA is home to four special Summer Horse Camps: Mustang Village (for girls in grades 3-6, min. age 8), Durango Village (for boys in grades 3-8, min. age 8) both located at our Main Camp and East Valley Ranch, (for girls in grades 6+, ages 10+) just twelve miles away in a serene and secluded valley unto itself, and Horse Trails, (for boys & girls in grades 8+, ages 12+). All of our programs are dedicated to providing the opportunity for developing equestrians to become more confident in their abilities and comfortable within a community of riders as, together, they develop lasting friendships while learning the fundamentals of riding and horse care. From the beginning rider to the advanced, campers grow by leaps and bounds during their sessions, gaining confidence, independence, and leadership skills. The Equestrian Staff is composed of experienced horse lovers from all over the world, eager to share their knowledge with campers. The facilities have over eighty exceptional horses; each of the separate facilities has a large barn, multiple riding arenas, and acres of open fields leading to miles of trails. This program is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and upholds the highest safety standards.
“My riding skills get better every year. The counselors are so friendly and helpful. Going to Horse Camp is the best part of summer!”
– Chloe, Horse Camper
Mustang Village
Mustang Village, our summer camp equestrian program located on Main Camp, is designed for girls in grades 3-6 (min. age 8) who want to spend time at the barn and still participate in traditional camp activities. Half the day is spent learning the basics of horse health care and on riding techniques in the arena and on the trail. The remainder of the day is spent trying a wide range of other camp activities including waterfront, crafts, climbing, hiking, and much more. The girls live in a lodge together with special horse counselors selected for their exceptional skills with both campers and horses. This program offers a great experience for first-time campers or those with little to no riding experience, however, all riding levels are accepted. Riders will be grouped based on skill and assigned their own horse for the session.
Durango Village
Durango Village at Main Camp is designed for boys in grades 3-8 (min. age 8) who want to gain horseback riding skills but still participate in traditional camp activities. Campers will share a cabin based on their age group; one cabin for campers 8-10 and another cabin for campers 11-13. Campers are paired with their own horse throughout the course of the session. Half the day is spent learning the basics of horse care and riding techniques, while the remainder of the day is devoted to a wide range of other camp activities including swimming, climbing, hiking, and more. They’ll even enjoy an overnight camping trip to the barn! This program offers a great experience for boys with basic riding experience, although all riding levels are accepted.
East Valley Ranch
2-Week Program (Grades 6-11, min. age 11)
Young equestrians will learn not only how to ride, but also the responsibility that comes along with caring for horses. Campers are assigned a horse for one week and will switch mid-session. They spend half of their day at the barn, focusing on their riding technique and learning about grooming, tacking, veterinary care, and training techniques. Another portion of each day is spent hiking, completing high and low ropes elements, boating, and making arts and crafts. Campers will enjoy water activities several times each week, an overnight camping experience and an all-camp day focused on a theme.
4-Week Program (Grades 8-11)
For older girls, this month-long adventure provides new challenges and opportunities to further advance their riding technique and gain a deeper knowledge of horses. Girls spend half of their day with the horses, working on horse training techniques and learning about what it takes to own your own horse. Throughout the month, they will design and practice their own drill team show and prepare and head out on an overnight under the stars with their horses. Four-week campers will also get the chance to take part in traditional camp activities. This program helps build strong, independent and experienced equestrians.
1-Week Program: Fillies (Grades 5-7): Aug 22-27, 2027
A one-week equestrian immersion for girls entering grades 5–7, set in the serene and beautiful East Valley Ranch. Combining the best of Mustang Village’s beginner-friendly structure with the intimate experience of East Valley Ranch, campers dive into both riding and personal growth. Each day balances barn time – riding, grooming, tacking, and horse care – with traditional camp adventures like hiking, crafts, ropes, and games.
This one-week session is the perfect introduction to East Valley Ranch camping, offering campers a taste of the independence, adventure, and equestrian excellence that East Valley Ranch is known for. Whether a camper is brand-new to horses or building on prior experience, she will leave with new skills, friendships, and a sense of accomplishment.
Horse Trails
Horse Trails is a one-week equestrian adventure for experienced riders entering grades 8 and up. This unique program offers full-day horseback treks through the scenic backcountry of the Catskills, featuring an all-new trail route that maximizes time in the saddle. Along the way, campers gain hands-on experience in outdoor living and horse care, taking full responsibility for grooming, tacking, feeding, and bonding with their trail partner.
Campers will camp out at remote sites, cook their own meals, and learn wilderness survival and navigation skills between rides. This is a physically and emotionally rewarding experience for teens who love horses, are confident riders (walk/trot minimum), and are ready to explore the outdoors in a new and meaningful way.
This trip is best suited for campers with prior riding experience, especially those who have participated in Frost Valley’s equestrian programs
2027 DATES (1-week session):
Session 3A: July 25 – 30
