2008 - 2009 CAMPS
WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER

If your child is anything like mine, they'll wave and point to every four-legged, furry animal with a long tail within a 100 yard radius of wherever we happen to be.  In fact, I think the animals seek my son out as much as he seeks them...if for no other reason than to watch with distinct pleaseure and amusement as he does his best imitation of a moo, bark, or whinny.  This great feat does not escape me either, as wathching Mommy do her best horse imitation often seeks shrill bouts of laughter from the entire family.

These moments, however time consuming and somewhat tedious they may be, leave me smiling for hours...even now, with such moments distant memories, they bring back fond thoughts of the absolute simple pleasure that animals can bring into a little person's life.  And that is what AAES Camp is all about.  

WHY AAES?
The goal of the AAES Camps is threefold: first, to provide each and every camper with a positive, supportive, and enriching  experience filled with the two best things in life: friendship and laughter. Secondly, through the relationship between the camper and his/her horse, foster each child’s social and emotional development by honing the skills – respect, empathy, and the desire to help others – necessary to become a successful and productive young adult. And thirdly, to provide our young and aspiring horse enthusiasts with safe, constructive instruction of the equestrian sport. The world-class equestrian fundamentals your child will learn here in the classical principles of dressage and jumping will serve them throughout their riding career.

DAILY ACTIVITIES
Each day at AAES Horse Camp is filled with a mix of activities – from the morning barn duties and private riding lessons, to lunches under the big oak tree or by the stream, to afternoons filled with camp songs, games, arts & crafts, and more riding.

The mornings are spent in the barn, learning about everything from basic barn safety to the horse’s living environment to the horse’s breeds, colors and conformation. Each camper has the opportunity to ride in a private lesson (some of our more advanced campers may ride in a group). Lunches are outside, either under the big oak tree or by the creek that lazily strings itself through our 116-acre property – weather permitting, of course. Afternoons are filled with additional ride time, seat exercises on horse back, games, arts & crafts, and team-building activities.

The weekly lesson plans include not only learning about the horses and all things barn related, but also on what the rider must do to be a good partner for the horse – things like physical fitness, developing flexibility and core strength, and why it’s important to eat healthy and treat your body well. On some afternoons throughout the week, the campers will participate in exercise classes and age-appropriate discussions on nutrition and how to become a physically-fit athlete.   The week as a whole is spent preparing for the Friday afternoon show - the highlight of the week- during which the campers will perform their newly acquired equestrian skills for their parents, family, and friends.

DATES
AAES offers Winter, Spring, Summer and one/two day camps throughout the year as follows: