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The Painted Bar Stables offers camp programs to children, teens and adults of all levels.
Camps offer a unique way to have fun, while cramming a whole lot of education into one week.
Our goal is to mingle the fun of horseback riding with learning about riding skills, horse behavior and general riding information.
Our camp programs give a complete education, from barn management and equine care to groundwork and riding.
What kind of camp program are you looking for?
The focus of our programs is not shows, ribbons or external success, but the ability to ride safely in the arena and on trail in real life situations and to independently navigate obstacles. While our lessons do instruct using classic riding techniques, the goal of our program is to develop confidence, real-life skill and the knowledge necessary to ride or own your own horse.
Endurance and Distance Riding Clinics
Distance Riding Bootcamp
Teens & Adults
Intermediate to Advanced Riders
June 6-8, 2025
$1000 per person using Painted Bar Horses
$750 to bring your own horse (apply coupon BYOHORSE)
Includes Meals!
BYO Horses Encouraged
This endurance camp is a jam packed 3-day weekend full of riding and learning.
You will spend a time in the saddle every day going through both technical and athletic bootcamp as well as knowledge seminars in order to prepare you for distance sports.
This camp is a perfect intro to understanding the logistics, training, and ways to succeed in distance sports with your horse.
This endurance camp designed for intermediate and advanced riders looking to discover and understand more about endurance in a full immersion long weekend. This is a jam packed 3-day weekend full of riding and learning. You will spend hours in the saddle every day going through both technical and athletic bootcamp as well as knowledge seminars in order to prepare you for distance sports.
This camp is a perfect intro to understanding the logistics, training, and ways to succeed in distance sports with your horse.
Friday:
Making camp and then a ½ Day of Practical Knowledge and Lessons starting at 12:00pm
Saturday:
Full Day of Practical Knowledge, Trail Rides and Lessons
Sunday:
Introductory Endurance Ride and Debrief Award Ceremony over Late Lunch/Early Supper
The goal of this camp is for riders to:
- Learn the rules for both endurance competition as well as competitive trail competitions and understand how they differentiate.
- Review the logistics, timeline and "flow" of a distance competition.
- Master the vet check!
- Develop the riding skills necessary to ride with minimal impact on their horse over long distances.
- Understand the differences in speed, rhythm, and technique between long trail rides, competitive trail pacing, and endurance riding.
- Practice techniques, drills and workouts that will get you and your horse fit for long distance riding.
- Grasp the veterinary and medical information that will help you prepare your horse as well as keep your horse safe while riding long distances.
The program includes four hours of mounted instruction daily as well as lectures.
All riders should be able to canter and control their horses while riding on open trails, in groups and solo or in pairs. Teens and adults are welcome. Pre-Teens are welcome by invite or approval only.
 
 
Youth Camps
| Youth Horsemanship Spring Camp |
Youth Adventure Horse Camp |
Ages 10-17
Riders of all levels are welcome.
No experience is necessary but first time riders should be brave and willing.
April 14-18, 2025
9:00am to 4:00pm.
Early drop-off or late pick-up may be available but only for added cost.
$650
Sibling Discount of $50 for each additional child.
Learns the ins and out of true horsemanship - because it isn't all about riding.
This camp is designed to give youth the opportunity to work with horses and fully understand what goes into their maintenance, care and ownership.
Each day in addition to riding lessons will also be learning opportunities on in training and horsecare.
All Youth Campers get a horse of their own for the week and will learn both in the barn and on horseback
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Ages 10-17
Ridaers of all levels are welcome.
No experience is necessary but first time riders should be brave and willing.
June 30 - July4, 2025
August 11-15, 2024
8:30am to 4:30pm.
Early drop-off or late pick-up may be available but only for added cost.
$750
Sibling Discount of $50 for each additional child.
If you're looking for FUN, this is the camp for you!
An intensive adventure for youth, this camp is one that focus on fun and adventures from the ground up.
Our adventures are geared towards encouraging our riders to develop the following skills:
Relationship Building with their Horse, Problem Solving, Pushing Boundaries, Barn and Stable Management.
All Youth Campers get a horse of their own for the week and will learn both in the barn and on horseback .
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Horseplay Pee Wee One Day Camp |
Age 6-9
Riders of all levels are welcome.
No experience is necessary but first time riders should be brave and willing.
Monday May 26th, 2025 (Memorial Day)
Monday July 14th, 2025
Monday August 4th, 2025
9:00am to 3:00pm.
Early drop-off or late pick-up may be available but only for added cost.
$150 per day
Gallop on over to join this exciting horse filled day of camp!
The Horseplay Pee Wee Day Camp is an intensive day of horses for youth. This camp hits on all aspects of the horse experience in just one day! |
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Adult Camps
Adult Retreat Camps
$3300 for Single Registrant
$3000 for Per Person for Room Sharing Pairs
$1650 Non-Riding Partner Tag Along (Click Here for Tag-A-Long Registration)
$2200 for Commuter (Click Here for Commuter Registration)
IMMERSION CAMP: May 31 - June 6, 2026
IMMERSION CAMP: September 20 - 26, 2026
TRAIL WARRIOR CAMP: October 25 - 31, 2026
Check in is at 5:00pm on Sunday and Check-Out is at 11:00am on Saturday.
Dinner is not provided Sunday evening so please eat prior to arrival.
Do you want to go to an all-inclusive sleep away camp? Tired of the ordinary?
Imagine a week where the only item on your agenda is the rhythm of hoofbeats, the whisper of the wind through the pines, and the profound joy of connecting with a powerful, gentle partner. Join us on this one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive adult getaway designed not just as a vacation, but as a journey for the soul.
This is your invitation to trade the noise of daily life for an immersive experience where horses, nature, and unparalleled comfort converge. The best way to learn to ride, is to immerse yourself in riding.
Who Is This For? This retreat is for anyone who has ever felt the call of the horse—from enthusiastic beginners to experienced riders looking to deepen their connection. If you crave adventure, value community, and are ready to experience the transformative power of partnering with a horse, you have found your herd.
Each day is thoughtfully crafted to balance exhilarating adventure with deep, personal growth in the saddle.
· Master the Trail: Our days are filled with guided trail riding through breathtaking and varied landscapes. From sun-dappled forest paths to sweeping mountain vistas, you’ll build confidence and skill while exploring the wilderness from the best seat in the house.
· Forge a True Partnership: This is more than just a ride. You will be paired with your own horse for the week, allowing you to build a unique bond and mutual trust. Through ground exercises, mindful horsemanship lessons and clinics, you’ll work towards being able to communicate, listen, and move in harmony with your equine partner.
· Become a Student of the Horse: We delve into the "why" behind the "how." Explore avenues of horsemanship that interest you, from equine psychology and natural communication to the fundamentals of horse health and care.
After a day of adventure, retreat to your home away from home—a beautifully restored farmhouse that exudes warmth and character. Unwind on a sprawling porch with a glass of wine, share stories by the stone fireplace, or simply soak in the serene views of the pastures where your equine partners graze.
We believe a great adventure deserves great food. Your stay is graced by the talents of our private chef, who crafts delicious, chef-prepared meals from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy gourmet picnic lunches on the trail and multi-course dinners that become a celebrated part of each evening's conversation. Dietary needs are not just accommodated; they are celebrated.
This All-Inclusive Retreat Includes:
· 6 Nights in our luxurious, private farmhouse accommodation
· 5 Days Riding on our well-behaved and experienced trail and lesson horses
· All chef-prepared meals: from healthy breakfasts to buffet lunches and homemade dinners
· Daily guided trail rides on carefully selected, seasoned horses
· Your dedicated equine partner for the duration of the retreat
· Daily horsemanship clinics and partnership-building sessions
· All necessary riding equipment
· A supportive community of like-minded adult riders |
IMMERSION CAMP:
For Brave Beginners on Up!
Prior experience is not necessary for the Immersion Camp! We just motivation to learn, the sense of adventure in doing something different, the willingness to work hard and the stamina and wit to put it all together. We will help you master the biomechanics of horseback riding and give you life-long trail riding skills that will take you to the places you wish to go.
Whether you are a gutsy and athletic novice rider or a seasoned equestrian, we will help you hone your skills through a variety of lessons, lectures, games, trail rides and on-the-ground training with our horses culminating in an all-day trek into the National Forest.
The main goal of our camp is to get everyone out on trails enjoying the Finger Lakes – as that is our specialty. We will partake in several lessons on trail and in the arena, as well as recreational trail rides to enjoy the beauty of the region helping you increase your independence and capability on riding in the real world.
At camp, our "campers" may be split into various groups based on their skills and natural abilities:
- Gusty Novice riders will get a primer on riding, helping them to not only understand riding not just by how to execute cues, but why those cues work and how to properly communicate with their mount.
- More seasoned riders will be given opportunities to really strengthen their abilities and problem-solve their weaknesses while developing an in-depth understanding of the biomechanics of both the horse and the human and how they sync in harmony.
A Day in the Life of Immersion Camp:
- Campers help us bring in all 50+ horses from the field.
Horses range in size from 11.0 hands to 17.0 hands and from foals to senior citizens
- Campers help us feed grain and hay to all horses
- Each camper is assigned a horse and grooms and preps their own horse
- Late Morning Lesson or Trail Ride
- Back to the house for lunch
- Seminar at the house on topics ranging from biomechanics to hoof care to anything of interest.
If you want to learn it we have probably already made a powerpoint on it for a conference at some time in the past!
- Back to the barn to care for your horse take an evening lesson or trail ride (whatever we didn't already do that day)
- Back to the house where Chef Milo will have dinner ready for us!
Spring Camp does not have a full moon and will probably include a vineyard trail ride
Fall Camp
happens during a full moon and will include a full moon trail ride.
Final Day is an all day trail ride |
TRAIL WARRIOR CAMP:
For Intermediate and Advanced Riders
While our immersion camp is focused more on the experience of owning a horse and immersing yourself in life in the barn working with your horse, the Trail Warrior Camp is about taking it to the next level and learning how to travel with a horse to various locations in the Finger Lakes to hit the trails and go the distance.
In the Trail Warrior Camp we will spend each day doing a half-day ride at local National Forest and State Forest trails as well as a shorter evening ride. Many of the evening rides will be moonlight rides where we will focus on using our non-visual senses, developing faith in our partnerships and learning how to work with horses instead of commanding them.
Access to many of these trails is only accessible via trailer, making trailering skills and trailer safety a large part of this camp. Campers will learn various quick release knots, horse loading techniques, trailer safety, particular health issues and dangers that are connected to trailering and more.
Trail Warriors must be of Intermediate or Advanced Level in terms of skillsets as we will be doing longer treks at various speeds on a multitude of terrain.
Riding Test: On the Monday of camp, every rider will take a short riding test to ensure they are competent enough for the upcoming treks, and fall into the below guidelines. The decision of the manager conducting the test is final. For any riders who don’t ride frequently, or have been out of the saddle for a while, we highly recommend getting back into the saddle prior to your trip. Whether this means taking lessons, riding with a friend, or going on a local trail ride, it’s important to get reacquainted with your riding muscles before spending hours in the saddle while on holiday!
Our stables predominantly hits the trail in Western Tack, however all of our horses are trained in both English and Western styles and will be riding in SNAFFLE bits. Riders who are joining a trip where they will not be riding in their normal riding discipline may find themselves at a lower riding level than they might be at home.
For any rider who does not pass their intermediate level riding test, they will be welcome to do one hour trail rides or join lessons with our existing students each morning with an instructor to better learn the skills they were lacking in order to "catch up" to the group to join the ½ day rides. They are still welcome to join the shorter evening moonlight rides or sunset rides with the group.
Intermediate
Intermediate riders are familiar with correct riding position and can ride in control at the walk, trot, and canter. Intermediate riders will be able to post or rise the trot on the correct diagonal and to ride at the canter without bracing on the saddle or reins. Riders who have a history of riding regularly, or ride semi-frequently.
Intermediate rides offer rides at varied paces, depending on the riders in the group, and well-schooled horses. Many trips fall into this category, since there is room for flexibility.
Advanced
Advanced riders are those who ride well and are currently riding regularly, confidently and in control at the walk, trot, canter, and gallop over open ground or variable terrain, with independent seat and hands. Comfortable and competent with a forward-going horse. |
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Q: What kind of riding do you offer with camp?
A: Lessons are in English, Western, Endurance, Treeless or Bareback.
Trails are strongly encouraged to be in Western Tack
Lessons are sometimes mounted in our indoor or outdoor arena, but some lessons will be unmounted working on biomechanics, balance and "feel" or groundwork and horsemanship skills.
While lessons are a part of camp, as well as academic seminars - our main focus is to develop people's independence and get everyone out on adventures on trail.
Q: What physical fitness requirements are there for camp?
A: Basic physical fitness is a must as working with horses requires a level of physical aptitude. All riders must:
· Be capable of standing on their feet and walking for multiple hours a day while in the barn.
· Have the capacity and endurance enough that they would be able to climb 3 flights of stairs without being winded.
· Be able to carry 30lbs. of weight. Hay bales weigh 40 lbs., and saddles range between 20 to 50lbs. depending on the style and size of the saddle.
· For camp, due to limited availability of larger horses, all riders must weigh 230lbs. or less, which is less than our stable’s usual weight limit of 250lbs. |
Q: What does Adult Immersion Camp look like for Advanced Riders? How about Rookie Riders?
A: We welcome riders of all levels and often end up with a mixed crowd.
Some of the lessons or trail rides (such as moonlight or vineyard rides) are done all together as a group because the topic applies to everyone equally.
For other rides we tend to split into groups, where novice riders go one way and cantering riders go another.
For more advanced riders we also use more advanced horses, such as the endurance horses, while giving novices our incredibly reliable horses, such as some of our Haflingers.
Usually by the end of the week everyone is so bonded and the novices on their easier mounts are cantering so the all day ride has less splits and regroups because people want to ride together - but the options are still there.
For riders truly looking for a more advanced experience, we would strongly encourage you to register for the Trail Warrior Camp. |
Grownup and Almost Grownup
Adventure Day Camp
Ages 16 - Adults
Beginner to Advanced Riders
$600
NO DATES FOR 2025
Not all the fun is for the kids! Immersion is often the easiest way for adults to move forward in their riding. Lessons are augmented by demonstrations and lectures covering everything: barn management and nutrition, basic equine medical care, biomechanics and form, and more.
For novices we will get you up and rolling so that you can hit the trails with the best of them without being a burden to your horse companion.
For more seasoned riders we will dig deep into your technique in how to help you and your horse. We will also get you out on the trails and help you learn how to control your horse at a gallop, and more.
Things that campers will need every day:
Lunch
2+ Water Bottles or Juice - no soda, please!
Generous Snacks!!!!!
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Boots - no sneakers or sandals allowedSpare pair of Shoes
Gloves (for working in the barn and perhaps riding)
Proper attire: pants, comfortable shirts, good socks. Please tell your kids to dress intelligently!
We have helmets if you don't have your own.
A GOOD AND FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE!
Please remind your children before they come that working with horses requires horse care as well as riding. We are firm believers that if you don't take care of horses they won't take care of you and at the stables and chores is a large part of this experience. The better their attitudes and the more efficient focused, and responsible they are the more they get to ride.
Please also remind them that this is not a competition in terms of their riding and none of them have anything to prove - this is supposed to be fun and an opportunity for personal growth as well as growth as an entire group.
Lastly, they may or may not get their first choice in horses - some horses are coming off of pregnancies, some may be lame or injured, and a variety of other factors. One of these factors is that we want to select the horse that will teach them the most throughout the week and offer them the best learning experience. The mantra I will be telling the kids is "There is no bad horse, only mistaken riders."
Cancellation Policy:
If a cancellation is needed before the start of the event for ANY reason (whether because of a COVID19 diagnosis or symptoms, a death in the family, an injury... any reason) a transferable but non-refundable deposit of 20% will apply. This deposit will be added to your account as account credit to be used towards future programs or rides.
Starting on the day of the event, there will be absolutely no refunds. Please be sure to coordinate with us prior to the start of the program if there are any concerns.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID19 may be asked to leave with no refund. Please make sure you are symptom free before arrival. We strongly suggest testing if you are prone to "mock symptoms" such as allergies that may be confused with COVID19.
Painted Bar Stables is a smoke free, alcohol free and drug free environment. We reserve the right to refuse any potential rider.
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