summer camp 2022--openings still available today!

We have totally revamped our camp programs to make our camp programs more informative and educational for our riders.  So, in doing this, we have modified our camp to have a limit of 10 campers per GROUP per week only.  This way, riders will have more time with horses, learn more about equine science and the care of horses to make our campers more responsible for their horses both on and off the ground.  In all levels of camp, all riders will be responsible for their horse for the entire day---this is from grooming, saddling, riding and caring the for the equipment at the end of the day.  Please notice that our camps are now only from Monday thru Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  We will still provide the Booster Camp for Beginner thru Advanced level and this must be now indicated with your camp enrollment to receive the extra hour of horseback riding per day.  And, camp enrollment will stop when that particular camp is at full capacity.

Beginner Camp: The beginner camp is designed for those riders with little or no riding experience. All riders will ride one hour per day, as well as having lessons on horse handling techniques. Riders will learn basic control of the horse in the saddle of their choice; exercises in moving the horse forward and stopping, turning and circling, and riding the sitting and posting trot will be discussed. Participants will develop correct riding positions through guided explanations, exercise techniques and demonstrations. Riders will also learn horse management skills such as bandaging, clipping, basic first aid, and stable management. Riders will participate in a show on last day of camp.

  • Cost:  $400.00 per rider per week .
  • Weeks available:  June 13-16, June 20-23, June 27-30,  July 25-28, 2022
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Riding Booster available for this camp:  $125.00 extra for extra hour of riding, Tuesday through Thursday.  Must register for this at registration
  • Bring a lunch daily,

Advanced Beginner Camp:  The advanced beginner camp is for those riders with some riding experience such as trail rides, or a small amount of lessons. This camp will enable riders to focus riding in the English saddle with a posting trot and an introduction to the working canter. This camp will continue to build on the skills of the skills learned in previous camps.

  • Cost:  $400.00 per rider per week.
  • Weeks available:  June 13-16, June 20-23, June 27-30, and July 25-28, 2022
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Riding Booster available for this camp:  $125.00 extra for extra hour of riding, Tuesday through Thursday.  Must be added at registration.
  • Bring a lunch daily.

Intermediate Camp: The intermediate camp is for those riders who have had prior group riding experience in the form of lessons, and must know how to walk, posting trot, and canter. All riders will continue to expand their knowledge and practice riding the gaits of the horse. Riders will also gain knowledge of the natural aids and their applications, as well as learning how to execute individual workouts. Lectures and demonstrations will be given in the areas of horse show presentation, driving, horse science, and advanced equine management.   NEW:  the dates in * are only for those riders who are current students of NTRA only.  Riders in Intermediate camp are expected to have proper riding attire, such as riding pants, boots, a whip or crop and riding gloves.

  • Cost:  $400.00 per rider per week.
  • Weeks available:  July 11-14 and August 1-4*, 2022
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Monday thru Thursday
  • Riding Booster available for this camp:  $125.00 extra for extra hour of riding, Tuesday through Thursday.  Must be added on at registration.
  • Bring a lunch daily

Advanced Camp:  The advanced camp is for those riders who want to fully explore the world of horsemanship. All riders will be able to ride in the saddle of their choice, but all riders will be exposed to the techniques of dressage, western, huntseat and saddleseat styles of riding. All riders will ride 2 hours per day. Trail rides will be explored as well. Further emphasis will be placed on horse show techniques and proper show ring presentation.  Riders are expected to wear proper riding attire, which includes riding pants, boots, gloves and a whip or crop.  This camp is not available through park district programs.  This camp is only open to those who are currently riding consistently at academy program throughout the year.
  • Cost:  $500.00  per rider for week.
  • July 11-14 (Advanced and Masters' and July 18-21, 2022 (Masters' and Advanced)--this is also the Mid-America Signature Show Weekend, so a show package will also be offered.
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Bring a lunch daily.

Master Camp:   The master camp is for those riders who truly want to elevate their riding beyond the level of advanced and explore the many aspects of horsemanship.  Riders will ride 2 hours per day, with the first class being a class of riding techniques and horsemanship, and the second class on equitation and individual pattern riding skills.  Emphasis will be placed on horse show technique and horse show presentation.  Riders in this week will have the opportunity of showing at the Mid-America Signature Show at an additional expense.  Information will be given out later for this show.  Riders for this camp must wear jodphurs, jod boots, gloves and have their own whip.  This camp is not available through park district programs.  All riders must be pre-approved by Ms. Martha prior to signing up

  • Cost:  $500.00 per rider.
  • July 11-14 and July 18-20, 2022--this is also the Mid-America Signature Show Weekend, so a show package will also be offered.
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Bring a lunch daily.

Pony Camp:    If you have a little one from the ages of 4-8, come and join us for our pony camp!  This is one of our pride and joy camps of our riding school.  This is an excellent way for our short stirrup riders to have a wonderful experience on ponies and small horses.  Riders will have pony rides for the first hour of camp, then to the barn for grooming, pony handling (there may be some donkey handling as well).  The last hour of camp is lunch time and a special art project. 
  • Cost:  $245.00 per rider per week. (Boosters not available for this week)
  • July 11-14, and August 1-4, 2022
  • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday thru Thursday
  • Bring a lunch daily.

More Camp Details.

Make sure to pack a lunch everyday with plenty of fluids. We do have a soda machine on premise, but bring as much water as you want. Please bring weather appropriate attire. Bring an approved equestrian helmet; if you do not own one, you may rent one for $8.00 per week. Riding Booster packages available for an additional $100.00 per week for an extra hour of riding per day (not including pony camps).   Our camp registration form is located on the RELEASE section of the website on the bottom of the release.  Please fill out the release and fax the release to (708)598-0018, scan to NTRidingacademy@aol.com or mail to New Traditions Riding Academy at 10100 So. Kean Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465.  As of this year, there are NO REFUNDS--a credit will be issued that you may use for group or private lessons.  Cancellations for camp to be eligible for the refund are ONE week prior to the start of camp.