Summer horseback riding camp

No. Enrollment for the 2026 season is closed and all 2026 camp weeks are complete. Registration for 2027 summer horseback riding camp opens on November 1, 2026.

Registration for our 2027 summer horseback riding camp opens on November 1, 2026. The 2027 camp weeks and rates will be posted on this page when registration opens, so check back then.

Our camp weeks follow the Wake County Schools traditional calendar summer break, which generally runs from June through August. Exact weeks vary year to year and are published on this page when registration opens.

Yes. Camp weeks fill quickly, and popular weeks often sell out well before summer. Registering early on or soon after November 1 gives you the best choice of weeks.

Rates for the 2027 season will be posted on this page when registration opens on November 1, 2026. Pricing is set per week, with separate rates for full day and half day camp and reduced rates for the shortened July 4th week.

Yes. The first enrollment is full price, and the second and any additional enrollment receives a discount per full week. The sibling discount does not apply to the July 4th week mini-camp. Discount amounts for 2027 will be posted with our rates on November 1, 2026.

Our main summer horseback riding camp is for ages 6 to 14, and advanced camp is open to riders through high school. We recommend half day camp for campers ages 6 and 7, since a full day at the barn is a long day for the youngest riders.

No. Campers do not need any previous horse experience. Camp teaches the basics of horse care, including grooming, tacking, and post-ride care, along with beginning riding skills. Campers are sorted into riding groups based on ability, so more experienced riders are grouped together too.

Both options include a daily riding lesson and ground horsemanship. Full day camp adds lunch time, swimming, and afternoon activities, and runs until the 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM carpool. Half day campers are picked up at 1:00 PM. We recommend half day for ages 6 and 7 and for campers who are new to a full week away from home.

Campers ride once per day, every day of camp. Riding lessons include work in a fenced ring, indoor or outdoor as weather permits, as well as trail riding on our 220-acre farm.

Our main summer horseback riding camp is for ages 6 to 14. Advanced camp is open to riders through high school, since it is built for current MacNair's lesson students at the Top Barn who are jumping a full crossrails course. Email office@macnairscountryacres.com to ask about placement.

Teen riders also have a home here outside of camp, in our year-round horseback riding lesson program and our youth horse programs.

Yes. Our advanced horseback riding camp is designed for riders who are current MacNair's lesson students riding at our Country Acres location, known as the Top Barn, rather than our Legacy facility. It is open to riders through high school. Campers should be able to jump a crossrails course of six or more jumps independently.

Riders who are not yet jumping a full course are better served at our Legacy camp, where the riding instruction is built to develop exactly those skills. Riders who are not current MacNair's students are considered case by case.

Each week has a theme, and past themes have included IEA prep, different disciplines, fun in the sun, and lease a horse and show prep. Email office@macnairscountryacres.com to ask about advanced camp.

Campers experience a variety of riding instruction, including riding in a fenced ring, indoor or outdoor as weather permits, as well as on our trails. Campers who are new to riding have a horse handler assigned to stay with them as they learn to safely walk, trot, and steer. Intermediate and advanced riders receive instruction tailored to their ability.

Between riding lessons, campers have ground horsemanship lessons, crafts, games, and snack and lunch breaks. Full day campers also swim in our on-site pool under the supervision of a certified lifeguard.

During down time, and on very hot or rainy afternoons, campers relax indoors with horse themed movies and TV shows. It is a favorite way to cool off, and it keeps the horse learning going even when everyone is out of the sun.

Our counselors choose family friendly, horse themed movies and series that suit the age range at camp, along the lines of Spirit Riding Free and Black Beauty. Screen time is a small part of the day, used during rest periods and when heat or weather keeps campers indoors, never as a substitute for riding or horsemanship.

Yes. Full day campers swim in our on-site pool during afternoon activities, and campers always swim under the supervision of a certified lifeguard.

Camp runs rain or shine. We have indoor and covered riding areas, so riding lessons usually continue in wet weather. In extreme heat or unsafe conditions we adjust the schedule, move activities indoors, and add rest and water breaks. The daily and weekly schedules are always subject to change based on weather.

Campers spend the day with our camp counselors and riding instructors, and work in small groups throughout. New riders have a horse handler assigned to stay with them during riding lessons, and a certified lifeguard supervises all swimming.

Campers must wear:

• Long pants such as riding tights or leggings
• A lightweight, breathable top such as a riding top, athletic top, or light T-shirt. No tank tops.
• A horseback riding helmet and riding boots

Riders may bring their own ASTM-certified helmet and riding boots. If a camper does not have these items, we provide them. Boots must have a rubber heel of at least one inch, should zip on the outside or tie with laces, and should not be steel-toe.

All campers need a water bottle, a snack, sunscreen, and any needed medications.

Full day campers additionally need lunch, an extra snack, a swimsuit, and a towel.

No. Campers bring their own lunch and snacks from home, along with a water bottle. There is no food service at camp.

Campers may bring electronic devices and can check them during lunch, snack, and carpool times. The rest of the day devices stay in the camper's day bag and are the sole responsibility of the camper.

We ask about allergies, medical conditions, and other special needs on our registration form, and we do our best to provide the accommodations your child requires. If we have concerns that we may not be able to meet your child's needs at camp, we will contact you to talk it through.

We are not a nut-free or otherwise allergen-free facility, and we cannot guarantee that your child will not come into contact with allergens during camp.

Posted signs guide parents through our carpool lines. Drop off is from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM. Half day pick up is at 1:00 PM and full day pick up is from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM. We ask that parents follow the posted signs and any verbal instructions from camp staff to keep our campers and horses safe.

We encourage parents to visit on the last day of camp, when each riding group gives a riding demonstration to show what they have learned. Camp counselors send home the timing of the demonstration during Wednesday afternoon carpool.

Seating in our riding areas is limited, so parents are welcome to bring camp-style chairs to the demonstration.

Camp is held at MacNair's Country Acres, 2721 Dover Farm Road, Raleigh, NC 27606, in the southwest part of town near Cary. Campers come to us from Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and across the greater Triangle.

Yes, and many do. Campers who want to keep riding can join our year-round horseback riding lesson program. Fill out the Rider Interest Form to tell us about your rider and we will help find a weekly lesson group.

Yes. We hire camp counselors and staff each summer. Our application for the 2027 camp season will open in early 2027 on the summer camp staff application page.