1.  We tailor our introductory riding program to young, horse-crazy children who are either too young for traditional riding classes or horse camps, or whose busy summer schedule can't accommodate an all-day riding camp.  Camps are available for children in the 6 to 9 age range, although exceptions to that may be granted with prior approval (for example, older children with potential fear issues, etc., ).

2. Our program concentrates on learning proper horsemanship skills, safety skills, having fun, and most importantly, LOTS OF RIDING! 

3.  Our farm is conveniently located in Fern Prairie - just two miles North of Lacamas Lake and four miles from the Camas Safeway.

Since we keep our groups very small, each child will receive individualized attention and will learn at their own speed and comfort-level.  So whether your child has never seen a real horse or pony in person before, or has had limited riding experience, this camp will be a perfect fit for them. 
 

2009 Pony Camp Sessions (limited openings)

"Pony Pals" Camps - for children ages 6 to 9:

Session 1:  June 29 - July 3, 9:00 am - 12:00

Session 2:  Aug. 17th - Aug. 21st, 9:00am - 12:00 ? CAMP FULL

Session 3:  Aug. 24 - 28, 9:00am - 12:00

Each week-long session is $175.  Long pants and closed-toed shoes required - no sandals, flip-flops or shorter "capri pants", please.  Sunscreen encouraged! 

"All About Ponies"  Summer Classes
for children ages 3 to 5

These classes are ideal for your horse-crazy little-one who might be too young for our longer summer camp sessions.  Students will learn pony safety, grooming, basic parts of a horse/pony, etc.  All kids will have the opportunity to ride the pony at each class.  Choose from the following class times:

Tues. and/or Thurs:  Beginning July 7

9:30am to 11:00am - $155 for two classes a week, $80 for one class per week

-------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesdays: 9:30am to 11:00am - $80, beginning July 8th

**** CLASS FULL ****

Class size is VERY small to ensure maximum learning and individual attention. 
A 50% deposit will secure your child's spot in the desired session.  For registration, please call Tracey at: 360-852-3250 or email at:  pony-pals@renaissancefarms.com
 

"Pony Pals" Classes for children ages 6 to 9:

These lessons are more in-depth and focus on horsemanship skills and riding.   Students will learn pony safety, grooming, basic parts of a horse/pony, plus horse behavior and psychology.  Perfect for first-time riders or kids who love horses but might have fear issues to conquer.  Choose from the following class times:

 Tues. and/or Thurs: beginning July 7, 2009

11:30am - 1:00pm $155

----------------------------------------------------------

Wednesdays: 11:30am to 1:00pm - $80, beginning July 8th

Class size is VERY small to ensure maximum learning and individual attention. A 50% deposit will secure your child's spot in the desired session.  For registration, please call
Tracey at:  360-852-3250 or via email at:  pony-pals@renaissancefarms.com
 

Private Lessons

We don't believe that a child has to wait to be 7 or 8 years old before they can start learning how to ride, as there is so much they can learn right now!  We specialize in one-on-one, individualized instruction for children ages 4 on up.  

Price: $25 per lesson when taking monthly lessons; $35 for twice-monthly lessons
(every other week)

Standard summer lesson times will be Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, Wednesdays, and other days/times available upon request, depending on availability.

To reserve your summer riding lessons spot, please email Tracey at: 

 pony-pals@renaissancefarms.com or call: 360-852-3250

Kid at heart?! We also offer lessons to adults who have always wanted to learn how to ride, or who have been away from horses one day too many.

Mother/Child or Father/Child lesson packages available
(it really IS fun for the whole family!) 
 
For availability and registration, contact:

Tracey Kasten
pony-pals@renaissancefarms.com or call:  360-852-3250

Individual Pony Rides

This refers to a single, one-time Pony Ride, not associated with our regular monthly and twice-monthly Lesson Program.  This hour-long session will include learning how to groom the pony, tacking up the pony, followed by riding the pony.  Prices begin at $40 (cash only) for one child; please call for pricing information if siblings or a friend will be riding as well. 
 

Other Good Things to Know...

♥ Safety is #1 - therefore, helmets are mandatory (and provided) while your child is riding. 

♥ During warmer weather, apply sunscreen each morning prior to class, as all riding is done outdoors in our 60-ft. corral. 

♥ Long hair should be in a pony-tail positioned near the bottom of the neck so that it won't interfere with the helmet.

 
About Fiona...

"Fiona" is our Pony Camp mascot and official lesson pony!  She is a black and white pinto Shetland Pony, and is very characteristic of her breed.  Fiona is very experienced with children and has provided pony rides at different venues such as church carnivals, block parties, birthday parties, etc. - her temperament is as solid as they come.  We have found that she's a great pony for kids to learn on, as she has the patience of Job! 

About me...

As a parent myself, I once started out as a horse-crazy little girl, too.  I can still vividly recall my very first time on a "real" horse at the wee age of three!  I figure that if
I can remember that event so distinctly, then it just might have a similar impact on your own child - a responsibility I take very seriously. It is my mission to ensure that your child's first experience with our ponies is the best it can be, so that they can continue to enjoy learning about and being with horses as they grow. 

My love for horses has continued to this day, and my husband and I enjoy participating in a sport called "Endurance Riding" (competitive long-distance riding) with our Paso Fino horses.  Our two daughters are taking riding lessons and hope to join us on the endurance trail someday!  Our son Seth is still a bit too young for riding lessons, but we hope that he will come to enjoy horses as much as the rest of the family does.  J