POWAY HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Camps at the Ranch — A week of horseback lessons, horsemanship and outdoor play at San Diego Trail Company in Poway
Week-long horse camps for kids aged 6–18 that combine guided riding, hands-on equine education and classic camp activities; this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.
Camps at the Ranch — A week of horseback lessons, horsemanship and outdoor play at San Diego Trail Company in Poway.
San Diego Trail Company’s Camps at the Ranch run as week‑long horse camps in Poway that combine daily mounted lessons, horsemanship instruction and outdoor camp activities. Campers aged 6–18 move between riding, grooming and tack work, equine education, and recreational activities such as scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and simple yoga, all delivered in a structured setting intended to build confidence, responsibility and teamwork while keeping safety paramount.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Guided horseback lessons and riding games
Daily mounted instruction and riding challenges are core elements of camp, designed to help campers build saddle confidence through guided lessons and interactive horseback games.
Hands‑on horse care and equine education
Campers learn grooming, tacking and groundwork alongside basic equine anatomy, behavior and safety—practical horsemanship that reinforces responsibility and safe horse handling.
Trails, crafts and movement
Beyond the barn, the program mixes scavenger hunts, nature hikes, arts and crafts and simple stretch and movement sessions to round out each camp day with outdoor exploration and creative projects.
What the day feels like
What a week at camp feels like
Each week is structured around a daily rhythm: guided riding lessons paired with horsemanship sessions and bolstered by camp‑style activities. Professional instruction and step‑by‑step teaching allow campers to progress at their own pace while participating in group games, trail time and hands‑on horse care that emphasize safety, teamwork and steady skill building.
THE RIDING
Guided horseback lessons and riding games
Daily mounted instruction and riding challenges are core elements of camp, designed to help campers build saddle confidence through guided lessons and interactive horseback games.
THE HORSEMANSHIP
Hands‑on horse care and equine education
Campers learn grooming, tacking and groundwork alongside basic equine anatomy, behavior and safety—practical horsemanship that reinforces responsibility and safe horse handling.
THE CAMP LIFE
Trails, crafts and movement
Beyond the barn, the program mixes scavenger hunts, nature hikes, arts and crafts and simple stretch and movement sessions to round out each camp day with outdoor exploration and creative projects.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Duration: 6 (as provided in program information).
Check‑in and camp operations are at 14875 Mina De Oro Rd in Poway.
Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks and a labeled water bottle; riding boots with a small heel; comfortable riding clothing (jeans or riding pants recommended); sunscreen, a hat and an extra change of clothes if desired.
Sessions are kept to a maximum of 20 campers; the program is limited to ages 6–18 and carries a 200 lb riding weight limit. Note the policy against refunds for missed days and the requirement that no drop‑offs occur before 7:45 AM without prior arrangement.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What if my child has never ridden before?
Beginners are welcome; the staff matches each camper with a horse suited to their skill level and provides step‑by‑step instruction.
Do you provide helmets?
Yes — helmets are provided. Riders must bring their own boots with a small heel.
Can parents stay and watch?
Parents are welcome to observe during drop‑off and pick‑up, but camp activities are designed for campers only.
What happens if it rains?
Camp continues with adjusted activities, including indoor horse education, crafts and games; riding may be modified for safety.
Is lunch provided?
No — campers must bring their own lunch, snacks and water daily.
How many kids are in each camp session?
Camp sizes are kept to a 20 camper maximum to ensure personalized instruction and safe supervision.