Horse riding has long been a cherished summertime activity for children. More than just an enjoyable pastime, it offers a wealth of developmental benefits that can positively impact a child’s physical, emotional, and social growth.
Whether they’re starting out as a complete beginner or have been horse riding a few times, horse riding is a valuable and rewarding skill that will last a lifetime. In this blog, we’ll explore the many reasons why sending your child to a pony camp is worth every penny.
7 benefits of horse riding for kids
Beyond the fun and excitement of spending time with these magnificent animals, horse riding for kids offers a range of unique opportunities for personal growth and development, from getting active and making friends to building confidence and learning responsibility.
1. Promotes physical activity
In today’s digital age, encouraging physical activity in children is more important than ever. Horse riding camps are a fantastic way to keep kids active during the holidays. Riding a horse is an excellent full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups, including your core, legs, arms, shoulders and glutes. All of these work together to maintain balance and posture in the saddle while absorbing the horse’s movements.
This results in improved strength, stamina, and flexibility as it requires riders to coordinate their bodies and make constant subtle adjustments. Horse riding also enhances cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate and promoting better blood circulation. Besides riding, children also participate in various evening activities at our camps, like archery tag, ensuring they remain engaged and entertained throughout their stay.
2. Improves focus and coordination
Horse riding requires a high level of focus and coordination. Riders must make real-time decisions, communicating with the horse to prompt it to stop, slow down, speed up, or turn, while also listening to their instructor’s directions and their horse’s temperament. Simultaneously, they’re learning to use independent aids, meaning they might use their left leg to push the horse forward while their right rein slightly guides its head.
Over time, the brain and body learn to organise all these actions and signals together, dramatically improving hand-eye coordination and concentration — essential qualities for a successful horse and rider partnership. These skills are also transferable to other areas of life, such as improving academic performance, excelling in sports, and handling everyday tasks like writing, drawing, or gaming with greater precision and control.
3. Enhances social skills
One of the biggest benefits of horse riding for kids is the opportunity to enhance their social skills. At pony camp, children interact with fellow riders, instructors, and of course, the horses. They’ll have to listen carefully to directions, communicate their needs or concerns, and learn to work with others when taking turns in the arena or cleaning the stables. These social interactions help them to understand the importance of collaboration and respect towards their peers and adults alike.
Furthermore, the structured, supportive, and welcoming nature of a horse riding camp, coupled with the shared interest in horses, provides a fantastic opportunity for children, particularly those who are a little shy or nervous, to form lasting new friendships. Who knows? They’ll likely find a friend for life and enjoy riding together long after the camp ends.
4. Instils empathy and respect for nature
Just like people, horses are living creatures with their own unique personalities, moods and needs. Spending time with them at camp naturally helps children develop empathy and respect for animals and the natural world. One way children learn compassion and non-verbal communication is by reading a horse’s body language. For example, ears back can indicate anger, fear, or pain, whereas a relaxed posture with one hind leg resting shows the horse is calm.
Outside of the stables, young riders get to see how horses live, what they eat, and how they behave in the fields or on a woodland hack. Experiencing this firsthand helps you appreciate nature more deeply, noticing the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the outdoors. Over time, kids start to understand that every creature and environment deserves care and attention, which builds empathy not just for horses, but for the world around them.
5. Builds confidence
Mastering the art of horse riding is a great confidence booster. After all, learning to control and ride a large, powerful animal like a horse is a huge feat! Moreover, the sport presents numerous obstacles and challenges for kids to overcome, and solving each one can give them a great sense of accomplishment and self-assurance. This could be as simple as mounting the horse by themselves, giving the right command, or trotting for the first time.
With every lesson, your child’s confidence and belief in their own capabilities will grow. It’s about stepping outside of comfort zones and learning not to give up, even after a mistake. Next time, they’ll know how to correct it, handle the situation better, and realise, “I can do this.” Your child won’t be alone either. Pony camp is a safe space where everyone is learning together. Plus, the unconditional trust and affection they receive from their equine partner can be incredibly liberating and a significant boost to their self-esteem.
6. Teaches responsibility
Horse riding camps instil a strong sense of responsibility in children. For starters, campers must be responsible for their own equipment, and wear the right gear/clothing before jumping into the saddle. This includes a helmet, appropriate footwear, a body protector and gloves. Following the rules and listening to instructors is also vital for their own safety and the horses.
At PGL, kids are also expected to participate in the daily care of their assigned horse, which includes essential tasks like grooming, feeding, tacking up (getting the saddle and bridle ready), and mucking out the hay from the stalls. Through this hands-on experience, children not only develop a strong work ethic but also gain a deeper understanding that being sensible, accountable, and reliable keeps their horse happy and healthy.
7. A chance to relax
Lastly, horse riding for kids is a chance to unwind and take a break from school, homework, and other daily pressures. When the horse is walking or trotting gently, children can focus on their posture, breathing, and the feel of the saddle beneath them. The rhythmic, gentle motion of riding can be inherently calming, acting almost as a form of meditation. In fact, many riders say they feel “in the zone”. Grooming a horse can also be a very soothing and therapeutic activity.
On top of that, being outdoors adds a huge boost to the relaxation of horse riding. The fresh air helps you breathe deeply and feel more energised, while natural sounds like birdsong and rustling leaves calm the mind. Sunshine and open skies lift your mood, while the changing scenery (fields, forests, and rolling hills) keeps your brain engaged without feeling like hard work. Spending time outside further encourages movement, stretching, and better posture as you navigate uneven ground or follow trails.
Saddle Up for Pony Riding Camp!
We hope this blog on the benefits of horse riding for kids has been helpful. So, if you’re considering a horse riding camp for your child, now is the perfect time to saddle up!
At PGL Kids’ Camps, we offer three pony camps for riders of all levels:
Beginner Pony Camp (8-13 years)
Pony Improver Camp (11-16 years)
These camps offer a range of fun horse riding activities and learning experiences in a safe and controlled environment where children can thrive, learn, and grow, all while having an unforgettable time! Our professional instructors are on hand to help young riders work on their strengths and weaknesses and make them all-rounders!
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help.
While you’re here, why not explore our other amazing outdoor adventure camps? We’ve got Watersports, Adrenaline Quest, Cooks Academy and much more!
