Dan's Papers - June 13, 2008 - Parents Pony Up to Send Kids to Camp

"Mommy, Daddy, I want a pony." Uh-oh, you're in trouble now! However, if you're not ready to take that leap, you need not fear. Pony camp is an excellent option for your child. Luckily for parents on the East End, there are plenty of pony camps and each offers unique opportunities for your horse-crazy child.

Ocean's Edge Farm - Bridgehampton. Camp is offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for a half-day (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) or a whole day (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Beginners without their own pony are encouraged to do the half-day at $500 per week (or $350 with your own pony), while more experienced riders with their own ponies are encouraged to do the full day at $400 per week. The camp runs from 6/24 to 8/15. Children that like the beach will find this camp particularly enjoyable, as it's ocean front location will include rides along the shore. Call (631) 537-4445 for more information.

Paard Hill - Shelter Island. Three camps are offered: Pony Pre-School, Residential Camp, and Day Camp. Pony Pre-School is offered every Saturday of July and August for beginners age four to seven at $400 per month (or $700 for both months). The Residential Camp is offered from 7/14 to 7/18 and 8/11 to 8/15 for intermediate riders ages nine and up. Campers are immersed in a horsemanship and riding program ($1,950 per session). The Day Camp is offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of July and August from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. The cost per week is $500 (discounted if you sign up for multiple weeks). This camp offers both show jumping and dressage training. Call (631) 749-9462 for more information.

Quogue Horse and Pony Farm - Quogue. Camp is offered Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at $475 per week from 6/23 to 9/5. This camp is great for beginners and caters to all different levels. Arts and crafts are an added plus. Visit ponyfarm.net for more information.

Rose Hill Farm - Bridgehampton. Camp is offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The camp is $700 per week and runs from 7/7 to 8/15 (15% off if you sign up for all six weeks). Call (631) 537-1919 for more information.

Rita's Montauk Stable - Montauk. Camp is offered Monday - Friday, and is separated into three age groups - four to six-year-olds, seven to nine-year-olds, and 8 to 12-year-olds. This camp is great for children who are not sure how much they want to commit to horseback riding, or for those with other commitments, because parents can pay for camp by the day, at $60 per day, with discounts available if you sign up by the week or the month. Children who are animal lovers will adore this camp - there's plenty of rabbits, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, peacocks and cows. Campers will enjoy trail riding through the woods and on the beach. Call (631) 668-5453 for more information.

Stony Hill Stables - Amagansett. Camp is offered three days a week at $450 per week, or five days a week at $600 per week, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pony Camp, Horse Camp (for older or taller children) and Short Stirrup Camp (for children who already know how to jump) are available. Camp runs weekly all summer from 6/9 to 8/29. Visit stonyhillstables.net for more information.

Two Trees Stables - Bridgehampton. Camp is offered mornings and afternoons on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for ages 6 and up. Beginners and intermediates are welcome! Two sessions of camp are offered, from 6/23 to 7/18 and from 7/21 to 8/15. Morning camp is $2,400 per session if you don't have your own pony, or $1,200 if you do. Afternoon camp is $1,800 per session without your own pony, and $900 with. Several trainers at Two Trees have horse show experience, so this camp is great for kids who may want to enter the competitive side of riding. Call (631) 537-1922 for more information.

Wölffer Estate Stables - Sagaponack. Offered mornings (for ages nine and up) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and afternoons (for ages six through eight) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Weekly sessions are available from 7/1 to 8/22. Morning camp is $570 per week and afternoon camp is $545 per week (price reduced on a graduated scale if you sign up for multiple weeks). Campers learn about working on a horse farm, as well as the opportunity to watch Olympian Federico Sztyrle train and ride at the barn. Call (631) 537-2879.