Summer Horse Camp

Summer Horse Camp

Daycamp 2026
Day Camp 2026 registration begins Monday February 2rd at 8:30AM

Schedule will be posted for viewing Monday January 19th.

*Online Registration Only*
Daycamp 2026
Day Camp 2026 registration begins Monday February 2rd at 8:30AM

Schedule may be viewed on Monday January 19th.

*Online Registration Only*

Garrod Farms has hosted Summer Horse Camp for kids every summer since the late 1960s.  It’s a great way for your child to both learn how to ride as well as how to care for these wonderful animals, as generations have done before.

SUMMER HORSE CAMP FOR CHILDREN

DAY CAMP INCLUDES:

  • One- and two-week sessions throughout the summer for children 8-15 years old
  • Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • A horse for each child to ride, care for and love the entire session
  • A counselor skilled in leadership and horsemanship to supervise and instruct the children
  • Special events such as: lunch rides, games on horseback, horse shows, and drill teams
  • July 4th will be a full day of camp. There will be no refunds if you cannot make it.

CAMP RATES:

  • 2-week session $1750
  • 1-week session $1000

REFUND POLICY

  • Refunds are given up to 10 days prior to the first day of camp, minus a $300.00 cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to the start of camp WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.

LESSONS PRIOR TO HORSE CAMP:

We recommend 4 riding lessons before the start of camp. This will give your child a head start with equestrian skills. Call the Stables Office to set up your pre-camp lessons: 408-867-9527.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  1. Horseback riding boots (NOT hiking boots – they MUST be riding boots!) which are always to be worn around the horses.
  2. Long pants for horseback riding.
  3. Tennis shoes and shorts for vaulting.
  4. Daily sack lunch, water bottles, and sunscreen.
  5. ATSM/SEI-approved horseback riding helmet (this can be purchased in the Stables Office, or one can be borrowed for the duration of camp).

CAMP RULES:

Children must follow Garrod Farms rules at all times. Children must use the buddy system when on the property and must check out with the counselor before leaving camp.

CAMP DESCRIPTIONS:

FOR CAMPERS 8 AND 9 YEARS OLD

Campers will learn to:

  1. Lead, tie, saddle, bridle, groom their horses.
  2. Beginning equitation
  3. Common Horse Sense.
  4. Walk and trot, introduction to the lope
  5. Care of the horse-feeding, grooming, saddling, cleaning, and knot-tying
  6. Western tack-its use, care, and cleaning
  7. Trail riding-rules and safety
  8. Vaulting (simple gymnastics on the back of a horse) to improve rhythm and balance in riding

Terms and Conditions for Day Camp Booking

Please read carefully before booking your camp.  Please be sure to book the camp you really want!

* Children must be enrolled in the appropriate age-group camp.  Your child’s age is whatever age they will be on the first day of camp.  No exceptions.

* To change your booking, you will need to cancel and re-book online.  Camps cannot be swapped.

* Refunds will be issued to any cancellation made at least 10 days prior to the start date of your camp.  A $300.00 cancellation fee applies.

* Any booking cancelled within 10 days of the start of camp is not eligible for a refund.  There are no exceptions to this refund policy (even medical).

* All correspondence will be done by email to rides@garrodfarms.com.

FOR CAMPERS 10 AND 11 YEARS OLD

Campers learn:

  1. Walk and Trot with control and form
  2. Beginning Lope
  3. Equine first aid, diseases, and common treatments
  4. Instruction in horse breeds, breeding, and training
  5. Perfecting posture and position in the arena
  6. Trail riding
  7. Use of obstacle courses and figure work
  8. Vaulting

Terms and Conditions for Day Camp Booking

Please read carefully before booking your camp.  Please be sure to book the camp you really want!

* Children must be enrolled in the appropriate age-group camp.  Your child’s age is whatever age they will be on the first day of camp.  No exceptions.

* To change your booking, you will need to cancel and re-book online.  Camps cannot be swapped.

* Refunds will be issued to any cancellation made at least 10 days prior to the start date of your camp.  A $300.00 cancellation fee applies.

* Any booking cancelled within 10 days of the start of camp is not eligible for a refund.  There are no exceptions to this refund policy (even medical).

* All correspondence will be done by email to rides@garrodfarms.com.

FOR CAMPERS 12 YEARS AND OVER

Campers learn:

  1. Continued exploration and development of basic skills and knowledge
  2. Lead changes
  3. Collection
  4. Drill teamwork
  5. Individual Stock Seat Pattern work
  6. Continued Equitation Improvement
  7. Do precision riding
  8. Test skills with gymkhana courses and trail courses
  9. Advanced trail riding
  10. Learn to control and rate the speed of a horse
  11. Work with the horses’ special needs
  12. Vaulting

Terms and Conditions for Day Camp Booking

Please read carefully before booking your camp.  Please be sure to book the camp you really want!

* Children must be enrolled in the appropriate age-group camp.  Your child’s age is whatever age they will be on the first day of camp.  No exceptions.

* To change your booking, you will need to cancel and re-book online.  Camps cannot be swapped.

* Refunds will be issued to any cancellation made at least 10 days prior to the start date of your camp.  A $300.00 cancellation fee applies.

* Any booking cancelled within 10 days of the start of camp is not eligible for a refund.  There are no exceptions to this refund policy (even medical).

* All correspondence will be done by email to rides@garrodfarms.com.

ENGLISH STYLE CAMP FOR RIDERS 10 AND 11 YEARS OLD

Campers learn:

  1. ‘Balance Seat’ equitation and beginning dressage
  2. Basic caveletti work
  3. Technical skills such as mane and tail braiding, leg wrapping, and bandaging
  4. Horse exercise techniques
  5. Continued exploration of basic horse and equitation skills and knowledge
  6. Beginning Jump
  7. Vaulting

Terms and Conditions for Day Camp Booking

Please read carefully before booking your camp.  Please be sure to book the camp you really want!

* Children must be enrolled in the appropriate age-group camp.  Your child’s age is whatever age they will be on the first day of camp.  No exceptions.

* To change your booking, you will need to cancel and re-book online.  Camps cannot be swapped.

* Refunds will be issued to any cancellation made at least 10 days prior to the start date of your camp.  A $300.00 cancellation fee applies.

* Any booking cancelled within 10 days of the start of camp is not eligible for a refund.  There are no exceptions to this refund policy (even medical).

* All correspondence will be done by email to rides@garrodfarms.com.

ENGLISH STYLE RIDING FOR CAMPERS 12 YEARS AND OLDER

Campers learn:

  1. Fine points of Equitation-form and control
  2. Precision transitions, dressage patterns
  3. Suitability of horse to rider
  4. Working with poles on the ground, and raised caveletti
  5. Jump patterns
  6. Vaulting

Terms and Conditions for Day Camp Booking

Please read carefully before booking your camp.  Please be sure to book the camp you really want!

* Children must be enrolled in the appropriate age-group camp.  Your child’s age is whatever age they will be on the first day of camp.  No exceptions.

* To change your booking, you will need to cancel and re-book online.  Camps cannot be swapped.

* Refunds will be issued to any cancellation made at least 10 days prior to the start date of your camp.  A $300.00 cancellation fee applies.

* Any booking cancelled within 10 days of the start of camp is not eligible for a refund.  There are no exceptions to this refund policy (even medical).

* All correspondence will be done by email to rides@garrodfarms.com.

C.A.T. REGISTRATION

For counselor’s assistant trainee (C.A.T.) Registration please email stables office: rides@garrodfarms.com. This is a leadership position. Each camp has an opening for one C.A.T.

MANDATORY TRAINING SUNDAY JUNE 7th. 9:30-3:00

  • Must be 14 years old or older on the first day of camp.
  • Must have completed a minimum of 3 weeks of summer horse camp.
  • Must have management approval.
  • Must be a competent rider and know how to safely tie, groom, and tack up a horse.
  • Expected to assist Counselor, including but not limited to: tacking up the horses, helping with lessons, being a ‘buddy’ to campers, and cleaning up camp.

REFUND POLICY

  • Refunds are given up to 10 days prior to the first day of camp, minus a $300.00 cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to the start of camp WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.

C.A.T. RATES:

  • 2 weeks $980
  • 1 week $700

Vaulting Camp

 

 VAULTING, ACROBATICS, and CIRCUS FUN

Dates: June 8-12, June 15-19, and June 22-26
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM M-F
Total Cost: $735
Ages: 7 – 14
Enrollment: 4 min/12 max
  • Equestrian Vaulting: Build strength and coordination with time on our practice barrel and work on introductory skills on the live horse.
  • Circus Arts: Fun activities like juggling, pedalo, flower sticks, and hula hoop will be incorporated.
  • Horsemanship: Learn essential, hands-on skills for caring for and working with horses.
  • Creativity: Engage in fun arts, crafts, and games.
  • Grand Finale: The week culminates in a spectacular camper show where participants proudly demonstrate their new skills for family and friends!
Led by Expert Coach: The camp is directed by Jen Ellington, a credentialed public-school teacher, MEVC vaulting coach, and experienced circus camp director.

ADULT DAY CAMP

DAY CAMP 2026 INCLUDES:

● 3-day sessions (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) from 9:00am to 4:00pm
● A counselor skilled in leadership and horsemanship & a trained team of staff & instructors to supervise and instruct participants.
● Daily horsemanship & horseback riding lessons
● Daily lunch provided
● Special events such as: Vaulting, Yoga, Pilates, Trail Rides, Wine Tasting, & games.

CAMP RATES:

REFUND POLICY

  • Refunds are given up to 10 days prior to the first day of camp, minus a $100.00 cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to the start of camp WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.

LESSONS PRIOR TO HORSE CAMP:

We recommend 4 riding lessons before the start of camp. This will give you a head start with equestrian skills. Call the Stables Office to set up your pre-camp lessons: 408-867-9527.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  1. ● Horseback riding boots (NOT hiking boots – they MUST be riding boots!) which are always to be worn around the horses.
    ● Long pants for horseback riding.
    ● Tennis shoes and shorts for yoga, pilates & vaulting.
    ● Daily water bottles, and sunscreen.
    ● ATSM/SEI-approved horseback riding helmet (this can be purchased in the Stables Office, or one can be borrowed for the duration of camp).

CAMP DESCRIPTIONS:

HORSE CAMP FOR ADULTS (Ages 21+)
Garrod Farms has hosted Summer Horse Camp for kids every summer since the late 1960s, and is now hosting our 2nd annual Horse Camp for Adults! It’s a great way to both improve your riding skills, as well as learn how to care for these wonderful animals.
In Adult Horse Camp, you will get the full experience Garrod Farms has to offer. In addition to the horse piece, you’ll also gain exercises on how to improve your balance & body awareness through vaulting, yoga & pilates! Additionally, you’ll also get to experience a tasting of our wines, and fun games. We are also providing lunch daily!

Garrod Farms: Adult Horse Camp

HORSE CAMP FOR ADULTS (Ages 21+)

Garrod Farms has hosted Summer Horse Camp for kids every summer since the late 1960s, and is now hosting our 2nd annual Horse Camp for Adults! It’s a great way to both improve your riding skills, as well as learn how to care for these wonderful animals.
In Adult Horse Camp, you will get the full experience Garrod Farms has to offer. In addition to the horse piece, you’ll also gain exercises on how to improve your balance & body awareness through vaulting, yoga & pilates! Additionally, you’ll also get to experience a tasting of our wines, and fun games. We are also providing lunch daily!

HORSE CAMP INCLUDES:
● 3-day sessions (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) from 9:00am to 4:00pm
● A counselor skilled in leadership and horsemanship & a trained team of staff & instructors to supervise and instruct participants.
● Daily horsemanship & horseback riding lessons
● Daily lunch provided
● Special events such as: Vaulting, Yoga, Pilates, Trail Rides, Wine Tasting, & games.

YMCA & LOCAL REC DEPARTMENTS

Garrod Farms also offers day camps through the local recreation departments and YMCA’s. Check your summer brochures from these organizations for more information!

Garrod Farms

4.4

Based on 83 reviews

 


“Awesome trail ride. Dylan was a cool young ride chief. He was very informative. All of the staff there is great and extremely nice. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in getting to know horses.”
Don Nguyen

5 months ago


“Had a great trail ride with the family. Booked online, got there early, instructions were clear, guide was very courteous, and all had a great time.”
Tom Leung

a year ago


“The property here is amazing. Over 150 acres of vineyards and stables. The trail ride is amazing as well. The views over the entire valley and as far as San Francisco. Windy trails and areas where we could gallop with the horse make this one of the best hours you can spend in the region. When finished you can go to the tasting room and enjoy the wine. The staff here is very friendly and let you enjoy your time.”
Todd O.

a year ago


“We had so much fun! Our first time horseback riding ever. We took advantage of the early bird special at 8:30 morning. It included an extra half hour for the price of an hour. Our guide was great, she was knowledgeable of the property and horses.”
Raquel Spriggs

2 years ago

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Family ownership & operation since 1893

Garrod Farms was established in 1893 with the purchase of 65 acres from the Mt. Eden Orchard and Vineyard Company.

Around 129+ years and 5 generations later, it continues to be a family agriculture operation today. Alongside the horse operation, we now have 28 acres of vineyards here on the property. We are also proud to say that we were one of the first wineries in the state of California to become Certified Sustainable in our farming practices.

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“My sister and I had a wonderful time trail riding here. Gorgeous views of the valley and well behaved horses. After our ride we had a glass of wine and some cheese/crackers on the patio. Perfect day!”

– Lynn –

“What a beautiful trail. We loved our trail guide and good ole Smokey the horse. I had Cowboy and he was a hoot. Learned new things about the area. We’ll be going again and the wine tasting was awesome too.”

– Juan –

“We had so much fun! Our first time horseback riding ever. We took advantage of the early bird special at 8:30 morning. It included an extra half hour for the price of an hour. Our guide was great, she was knowledgeable of the property and horses.”

– Raquel –

“We have taken family trail rides as well as lesson programs here and found the people very friendly and helpful. The horses are handled much better here than some other places-the owners and employees care about the safety and well being of riders and animals. Garrod Farms is home to a very well respected equestrian team that competes world wide and has won gold medals. Top notch horse facility and check out the winery too.”

– Bjorn –

“Great place for your child to learn horseback riding. Friendly staff and awesome teachers!”

– Jenifer –

“I’ve been horseback riding for over 30 years. I’ve been to many stables. This one definetly stood out from the others. The guides were very friendly. The horses very clean and very well trained. It was my sons first time and he now wants to ride more frequently from having such a great experience and my other son that’s ridden with me for the past 14 years was really happy we went there and pointed out the same things I did. Thanks for making my family’s day a perfect one. Phoenix was the best horse.”

– Roxanne –