Horseback Riding Camps in Tucson, Arizona

School is out and parents are going crazy wondering what to do with their kids until school starts again. Below are children's camps here in Tucson, Arizona that offer horseback riding, lessons and everything your children need to know about horsemanship.

1. Tanque Verde Ranch Kid's Day Camp
When: now - August 14, 2010
How long: 3 day sessions: Monday-Wednesday or Thursday-Saturday. 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. or 7:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Ages: 7-13
Where: 14301 E. Speedway Blvd., past Houghton Road
Phone: 520-731-5575 or 520-296-6275
Email: steves@tvgr.com
Website: www.tanqueverderanch.com
Price: $200.00 per 3 day session

On beautiful Tanque Verde Ranch in the Rincon Mountains, this day camp includes: riding lessons, trail rides, harness horse driving and horse care. Other daily camp activities include: swimming, hiking, nature programs, fishing, roping and arts and crafts. Breakfast and lunch is included.

2. Tanque Verde Ranch 10-Day Overnight Horse Camp
When: July 31, 2010 - August 10, 2010
How long: overnight for 10 days
Ages: 9-18
Where: 14301 E. Speedway Blvd., past Houghton Road
Phone: 520-731-5575 or 520-296-6275
Email: steves@tvgr.com
Website: www.tanqueverderanch.com
Price: $1,850.00 due at the time of enrollment.

There's a limit to 12 campers, so enroll immediately. On beautiful Tanque Verde Ranch in the Rincon Mountains, this 10-day overnight camp includes: horsemanship classes, team penning and more. Other camp activities include: swimming, hiking, nature, fishing, games and crafts.

3. Just Horsin' Around
When: now - August 13, 2010
How long: weekly sessions Monday-Friday all day: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Ages: 8-18
Where: Call for exact location in Vail
Phone: 520-591-1615
Email: justhorsininvail@yahoo.com
Price: $150.00 per child per week

These sessions are great for beginners through intermediate horseback riders. Activities include riding lessons, improved skills lessons, round pen work, arena work and extensive trail riding. All children work with a horse trainer. Transportation is provided.

4. Head To Tail Riding School
When: now - August 5, 2010
How long: five-day or eight-day 2 hour morning sessions each weekday: Monday-Friday: 7:00 A.M.-9:00 A.M.
Ages: 10-16
Where: 11600 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 520-544-9666
Email: shezacanopener@aol.com
Price: $150.00-$240.00

These sessions are for intermediate and advanced riders. Horse activities include reigning, extensive trail riding, improved skills lessons, and more.

5. Head To Tail Riding School
When: now - September 2, 2010
How long: five-day or eight-day 2 hour evening sessions each weekday: Monday-Friday: 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.
Ages: 8-16
Where: 11600 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 520-544-9666
Email: shezacanopener@aol.com
Price: $150.00-$240.00

These sessions are for beginner Levels 1 and 2. Horseback riding lessons and everything to learn about horsemanship.

6. Sahuaro Girl Scout Council Hacienda Day Camp
When: now - July 30, 2010. Other camps available after July 30, 2010 (for other ages too)
How long: seven camps over 6 weeks. Monday-Friday all day: 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Ages: girls in grades K-5
Where: 3101 N. Sabino Canyon Road, near Cloud Road
Phone: 520-319-3174
Email: kwakefield@sahuarogsc.org
Website: www.girlscoutssouthernarizona.org/summercamp
Price: $200.00 or $188.00 for girl scouts

Call to ask if horseback riding is included in the specific camp inquiring about. Each camp title has a very full itinerary. Camp activities can include: outdoor adventure, swimming, art, singing, dancing, cheerleading, acting and film production, a field trip to go behind the scenes at a local movie theatre and other field trips, karaoke contests and other contests, fashion learning, fashion project making using fun prints, graphics and everyday household materials, and more. Remember activities included depends on the specific camp. Go to their website above to see which camps are still open. Hacienda Day Campers must bring sack lunches from home four days each camp week. One day during each camp, the girls prepare and cook lunch, or a special meal is brought in for them. Healthy snacks and beverages are provided each day. Special dietary needs are met upon request and when listed in the medical history. Depending on the specific camp, registration can possibly be done online. A registration deposit is required. A medical history is required. All of their staff are certified in first aid and CPR.

7. Sarabande Academy of Riding
When: now - July 23, 2010
How long: weekly Monday-Friday mornings: 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.
Ages: 6-16
Where: 3250 E. Allen Road at River Bend Ranch off of E. River Road, west of N. Dodge Blvd.
Phone: 520-907-3965
Email: info@sarabandeacademy.com
Website: www.sarabandeacademy.com
Price: $250.00 per 5-day session, or $50.00 per day

These morning sessions focus on horseback riding lessons and a hands-on approach to all horsemanship skills. Daily activities include: riding lessons at appropriate skill level including the disciplines of riding, pony school, horse and barn care, hands-on experience around horses including safety and positively communicating with the horses, arts and crafts, games, contests and prizes. Every morning is a full learning experience and fun-filled. Their purpose is to have fun, work hard and learn the art of riding.

Not far from Tucson:

8. Camp Charles Pearlstein
When: now - August 1, 2010
How long: sessions range from 10 days to 7 weeks
Ages: 7-15
Where: 3400 Camp Pearlstein Road in Prescott Arizona
Phone: 1-480-951-0323
Email: camp@cbiaz.org
Website: www.CampCharlesPearlstein.com
Price: from $900.00 per week with a 25% discounts for first time campers entering grades 2-5

This is a Jewish residential summer camp. Along with western horseback riding, other camp activities include: indoor and outdoor rock climbing, mountain biking, instructional and recreational swimming, canoeing, high and low challenge courses, sports, arts and crafts and ceramics, teva (nature) and camp crafts, drama, guitar instruction and performance, Israeli and modern dance, video production and editing, digital and film photography, a variety of sports including: archery, basketball, volleyball, soccer, batting cage, soccer, lacrosse, disc golf, and more! Evening activities consist of cooking outside (including S'mores), setting up a tent, learning about nature and wildlife, scavenger hunts, game shows, dances and lots more. All activities are age appropriate. No need to worry about your children's health either because in their Wellness Center there's a staffed Registered Nurse on duty 24/7. First time campers may leave camp early if desired. Positive comments about Camp Charles Pearlstein can be read on its Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Prescott-AZ/Camp-Charles-Pearlstein/51985772360