Camp Programs
Adventure, Learning, and Fun in the Heart of Nature
Sweet River Farm summer horseback riding camps in Whately, MA, offer participants a safe, inclusive environment to explore the joy of horses! Tailored for beginner to intermediate equestrians, Sweet River Farm summer horseback riding camps focus on building confidence, independence, and fostering strong connections between rider and pony. Morning camp activities include hands-on horse care, a daily individualized riding lesson, and horsemanship activities. Afternoon activities vary by week, depending on the theme. Love art or theater? Join them for their theme weeks and get the best of both– horses all morning and art or theater all afternoon! Each week will conclude with a showcase presentation for families.
Our Camp Programs for 2025
Pony Pals Beginner Camp
Tuesday-Thursday 9-12
Ages 5-7*
$200 per week
An introductory horse experience for beginning equestrians! Campers will spend the morning grooming, caring for, and learning all about horses. Each camper will receive an individualized riding lesson daily. Additional activities include stories, games, horse care and visiting the other animals on the farm. There will be a short demonstration of skills on Friday for families. Suitable for first time and beginner riders. Rainbow level. Enrollment maximum is 6 participants.
*4 year olds and 8 year olds accepted on a case by case basis
Ride with Pride! Camp
July 7th-11th
Monday-Friday 8:30-1 pm
Ages 7-14 **
$395
A week of camp specifically designed for campers who identify as LGBTQ+ to RIDE WITH PRIDE! During this week, campers will be celebrated and will explore themes of identity as well as immersing themselves in the world of horses! Campers will receive a riding lesson daily, will assist in daily horse care, and will learn basic horsemanship skills. Horse themed games, activities, and crafts will also be part of the fun.
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**Younger participants may be accepted with permission of Camp Director**
Horse Lover’s Camps:
July 14th-18th and July 21-25
Monday-Friday 8:30-3:00
Ages 7-14 **
$525 per week
This camp is for students who love everything about horses! Campers will participate in daily horse care, will receive a riding lesson each day, and will continue to work on their horsemanship skills. In the afternoons, campers will participate in horse themed games, activities, and crafts. The week will culminate in a short demonstration of skills for families. Suitable for ALL current SRF riders who meet the age requirements. Rainbow-Green level riders. Enrollment 10 campers. Our most popular camp!
Barn Rats Camp
July 28-Aug 1
Monday-Friday 8:30-1
Ages 7-14
$395
This camp is for students who love being in the barn! Campers will participate in daily horse care, will receive a riding lesson each day, and will expand their horsemanship skills. Suitable for beginning, advanced beginner, and intermediate riders. HorseSense Red-Green level riders. Enrollment 10 campers.
ADULT Equine Mindfulness Retreat
July 28th-30th
Monday- Wednesday 4-6 PM
Ages 18+
$180
Enrollment limited to 8.
Gallery: Camp Memories
Testimonials
Sweet River Farm makes you feel like one of the family. I’m an adult rider and my daughter participates in the camps and clubs. Both Annie and Alyson are extremely knowledgeable about all-things equine from horse care to English equitation while nurturing a love of horses that is both safe and fun.
Jennifer B.
Alyson and Annie have been incredible to learn from! They have openly shared their wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for horses with me. Their natural ability and commitment to connect people and horses is inspiring. Supporting the mission of Sweet River Farm and working with the horses and community at the barn is something I look forward to each week.
Sam
I’m a participant’s grandfather, and I can attest she ALWAYS looked forward to going to your farm. I personally think this farm experience for children is an incredible step in their development. Most children think having a horse or in fact any animal, is just ride or play time. This program teaches them that owning a pet comes with an incredible amount of responsibility. The amount of work it takes to properly take care of an animal is learned and I believe it teaches the children to respect not only horses but all living creatures, including their fellow barn buddies. Thank you!
Steven M.
There are not enough positive words to describe Sweet River Farm! Alyson and Annie are truly amazing! They have helped my daughter become more comfortable not only as a rider and being around/caring for horses, but they have encouraged positive attitudes and social skills with their summer camps and after school programs. We can not wait to get back to the farm!
Martha M.
Our family cannot say enough good things about Sweet River Farm! Our kiddo went to camp last summer and had the absolute best time. She was so eager to go each day and learned so much, including how to take care of the horses and basic riding skills. Her confidence grew over the course of the week and she was so proud of herself as she showed off her new skills on the last day of camp! Alyson and Annie are gentle instructors and also establish and hold firm boundaries. We love Sweet River Farm!
Meaghan C.
I love Sweet River Farm! Everyday I learn something new. My riding instructors, Annie and Alyson, help me work through difficult challenges whether its on the ground or up on horseback. I’ve made so many new friends over the past two years and I even have a riding partner! Me and my friends love earning badges in the badge program. I am so excited for the rest of my journey at Sweet River Farm.