Vermont Horseback Riding Camp
A program with roots
Over a century of classical English riding, and counting.
Very few camp programs can trace their history back more than 100 years. The horseback riding program at Teela-Wooket has been developing young equestrians since 1913, through generations of campers, instructors, and horses. That history isn’t just a number. It’s the accumulated wisdom of a program that has been refined, loved, and passed down for over a century, making Windridge one of the longest-running horseback riding camps in Vermont.
Today, our overnight riding program emphasizes fun and skill development in equal measure. Campers are matched with horses suited to their personal needs and skill level, and our staff develops an individual progress plan for each rider, designed to build confidence, improve technique, and create a lasting connection with horses that goes well beyond the riding ring.
The riding major is limited to 15 campers per session, so every rider gets real attention. And because Windridge is a sleepaway camp, kids enjoy their time at the barn alongside everything else that makes a Vermont summer camp special: cabin life, evening activities, and friendships that last.
What makes our program different
Over 110 years of history
Classical English riding has been taught at Teela-Wooket since 1913, making this one of the longest-running equestrian programs at any summer camp in the country. Teela-Wooket also holds a special place in American riding history as one of the first places dressage was introduced in the United States. That tradition shapes everything we do, from how we care for our horses to how we teach young riders to work with them. Look closely at this photo and you’ll recognize today’s Windridge: the 22-stall barn still stands at camp, and it’s where our riders tack up every day. Campers at our Vermont horseback riding camp learn on the same grounds where generations of riders came before them.
Individual progress plans
Every camper is treated as an individual. Whether your child is brand new to horses or has years of experience, our riding major welcomes riders of all levels during our regular sessions. At the start of each session, our riding staff gets to know each rider by learning about their riding background, watching them in the saddle, and talking with them about what they hope to accomplish. From there, we create a personalized progress plan that identifies goals, builds on strengths, and moves at a pace that builds genuine confidence rather than false speed.
For some riders, that might mean mastering a posting trot or their first canter. For others, it means refining their position over fences. Instructors check in on each rider’s progress throughout the session and adjust the plan as they grow, so every camper is challenged without being rushed.
With 15 campers per session, our staff has the time to give each rider real attention. The result is a camper who leaves our Vermont horseback riding camp a better, safer, and more confident rider than when they arrived.
More than time in the saddle
With four riding rings, including two grass rings, an outdoor sand ring, and an indoor sand arena, plus a 22-stall barn on campus, riders can work on flatwork and jumping in the ring one day and head out on the trails the next. Newer riders build a strong foundation in balance, position, and horse care, while experienced riders refine their technique over fences and on the flat.
Riding at Windridge isn’t only about riding. Campers learn to groom, tack up, and care for their horses, building the responsibility and horsemanship that make a well-rounded rider.
On-campus barn
Our horse barn is right on campus, just a short walk from the cabins, so riders can visit their horses throughout the day and take part in daily stable routines. It’s a full equestrian experience, not just a riding lesson.
The 22-stall barn has been part of camp since the Teela-Wooket days, and it’s still the heart of our riding program. For a lot of campers, the barn becomes one of their favorite places at camp.
Having the barn on site also means no time lost to travel. Riders spend their periods in the saddle and around the horses, with plenty of time left for electives, evening activities, and everything else that makes our Vermont sleepaway camp special.
Indoor riding arena
Vermont weather can be unpredictable, but riding at Windridge doesn’t stop for rain. Our indoor arena sits right next to the barn, so on bad weather days, lessons simply move inside and riders stay on schedule. Together with our three outdoor rings, two grass and one sand, the indoor arena gives riders four places to ride right on campus.
The arena has a sand footing, which gives horses solid, comfortable ground to work on and lets riders practice flatwork and jumping in all conditions. Two additional stalls are built right into the arena, making it easy to keep horses close by during lessons.
Between the indoor arena, our outdoor riding rings, and the 22-stall barn, riders have everything they need right on campus, rain or shine.
Riding disciplines
Our program covers the full breadth of classical English riding, from competitive disciplines like show jumping and dressage to trail rides through the Vermont countryside. Every camper, regardless of level, will experience a variety of riding formats throughout the session.
Mixing disciplines makes riders better all around. Dressage builds balance, precision, and communication with the horse. Jumping develops timing and confidence. Trail riding teaches riders to stay relaxed and adaptable outside the ring, and pony club games bring out teamwork and quick thinking. Together, they give every rider a well-rounded foundation they can take anywhere.