DIY Horse Care: What Kids Learn at Camp That They Can Use at Home
There’s nothing quite like summer camp in Petaluma—long days in the sunshine, learning to ride, bonding with new friends (both human and horse!), and picking up skills that last a lifetime. But what if the fun didn’t have to end when camp does? At Strides Riding Academy, kids don’t just ride horses—they learn how to care for them, too! And the best part? Many of these skills can be used at home, whether they have a horse of their own or just love being around animals.
Let’s saddle up and dive into some DIY horse care activities that your young equestrian can keep practicing long after camp is over!
🧽 Grooming Like a Pro: A Spa Day for Your Horse
Every horse deserves a little pampering! At camp, kids learn proper grooming techniques, from brushing a horse’s coat to cleaning out hooves (without getting their toes squashed!). Even if there’s no horse at home, these skills transfer to pet care—brushing the family dog, cleaning a bunny’s cage, or even learning patience and responsibility with any animal.
👉 DIY Activity at Home: Make a “pet spa” at home! Create a grooming kit for your dog, cat, or even a stuffed horse. Kids can use real soft brushes, towels, and water spritzers to keep their pets looking fabulous.
🥕 Feeding & Treat-Making: Happy Horses, Happy Bellies
At Strides Riding Academy, kids get hands-on experience with feeding routines—measuring grains, preparing hay, and making sure horses get the right balance of nutrients. They also learn which foods are safe (carrots = yes, chocolate = big NO!).
👉 DIY Activity at Home: Make homemade horse treats! Try this easy recipe:
🔹 1 cup oats
🔹 ½ cup applesauce
🔹 1 mashed banana
🔹 A handful of grated carrots
Mix everything together, shape into small balls, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. These treats are safe for horses—and delicious for dogs, too!
🩹 Basic First Aid: Horse Edition (and Human Too!)
Scratches, bug bites, and minor bumps happen to everyone—including horses! Kids at camp learn how to check a horse’s hooves, coat, and eyes for any signs of injury and how to apply simple first-aid techniques. Knowing how to properly clean a small wound or wrap a bandage is a life skill they’ll use forever!
👉 DIY Activity at Home: Create a mini first-aid kit for pets. Include gauze, pet-safe antiseptic, tweezers, and a thermometer. Let kids practice wrapping a soft bandage on a stuffed animal or even on their own arm (with supervision, of course!).
🎨 Horse-Themed Crafts: Bringing the Barn Home
Horse camp isn’t just about riding—it’s about creativity, too! Kids can bring a little barnyard magic home by making DIY crafts inspired by their favorite four-legged friends.
👉 DIY Activity at Home:
🎨 Make a Horseshoe Painting – If you have an old horseshoe (or can buy one online), paint it with bright colors and glitter, then hang it for good luck!
📿 Friendship Bracelets with a Twist – Braid yarn or leather to make a "reins-inspired" bracelet, just like the ones on the horses they rode at camp.
🐴 Bringing Camp Skills Home
Even if there’s no horse in the backyard, the lessons learned at Strides Riding Academy extend far beyond the barn. Responsibility, patience, and care are qualities every great equestrian (and human!) should have.
So whether it’s grooming the family pet, making treats, or practicing first-aid, summer camp doesn’t have to end when the season does. These horse-inspired skills will stick around long after the last ride of the summer!
Want your child to experience the magic of horse camp? Check out our upcoming sessions for Summer Camp at Strides in Petaluma, CA and let the adventure begin! 🏇✨