Merrie-Woode’s hunt-seat riding program, grounded in the English riding style, offers campers the opportunity to not only hone their skills in the ring, but also learn to jump and trail ride as their skills permit. Camp Merrie-Woode has both an open and covered riding ring, as well as miles of trail leading to an on-campus shelter for overnight trail rides. Classes are divided by skill level, and each level’s requirements provide a structured outline that enables campers to continue building their skills from one year to the next. In our June and Main Sessions, our advanced riders work to complete a Drill Team performance that is presented at the end of the session.
Campers can progress over the years through four different riding skill levels:
These levels culminate with the prestigious title of Horsemaster. Becoming a CMW Horsemaster traditionally takes multiple summers to complete and is an achievement to be proud of!
All campers are required to wear jeans or breeches, and helmets with chin straps and boots. We do have a number of helmets and camp provides rubber boots. If your daughter has her own helmet, riding boots, or breeches, she should bring them to camp. In the August session, Riding is extremely popular and availability is limited, with preference given to the oldest campers.