Be a Pony Wrangler for a Bit.

(Ages 3 to 14 and under 130 pounds)

Want your kids to learn what it's like to take care of a pony? From preschool age to more advanced equine learners, have them join us for pony camp to find out. It's a great way for kids to get close to the Zoo's pony herd with a wrangler at their side. Kids will learn important equine skills and how to groom, feed and ride ponies during this fun two-hour long camp, year-round, rain or shine!

Regular Pony Camp

For ages 5-14. Pick any day individually, or any combination of days. Activities run on a daily rotating schedule below, with campers able to ride at the end of each day.
Times: Fridays - Tuesdays, 8am -10am (Pony Camps are not offered Wednesdays and Thursdays during the winter months except for Thanksgiving week 11/21-11/27).
Cost:  $25.25 - per day Members or non-members
           $101.25 - all 5-days, Monday - Friday, Members or non-members (a $5 per day discount!)

Regular Pony Camp Daily Activities Schedule:

Fridays- Feeding and cleaning - Campers learn how to properly check ponies for injuries, administer meds, feed and clean up after them. Possibly make homemade, easy to make treats for ponies.

Saturdays- Anatomy and grooming - Campers learn to identify basic parts of a pony, terms used and how to properly groom their pony.

Sundays- Tack and saddling - Campers learn how to identify all tack used in riding and working/caring for equine. Learn how about saddles: proper fit, saddling, care and storing.

Mondays - Colors/breeds and Game Day - Campers learn about different breeds of horses, ponies and colors. Play games based on subjects learned throughout the week. Games could include: saddle races on real hay bales, bobbing for apples, steeple chases, drawing contests and pin the correct body part on the pony.

Tuesdays- Intro to riding - Campers are introduced to the elements of riding, reinforced in the skills of tacking/untacking, mounting/dismounting, along with the basic utilities and etiquette of being in the saddle.

Weekend Pony Camps

Preschool Pony Camp

For ages 3-6 years. A great introduction to Ponies with fun games, crafts, as well as time spent up-close with our sweet tempered ponies here at the Zoo’s own corral. 
Time: Saturdays, 8am -10am
Cost:  $25.25 - per day Members or non-members

Advanced Equine Skills Camp

For ages 7-14 years and under 130 pounds. Been to pony camp and still want more?  Come to our Sunday class for advanced riders. Recommended to have already attended weeklong camps offered with certificate.
Time: Sundays, 8am -10am
Cost:  $25.25 - per day Members or non-members

To Register

Please register for pony camps at least 3 days in advance of the camp to ensure space avaibility.

For questions or to register by phone, call 719-633-9925, ext. 127, or e-mail edprograms@cmzoo.org.