Five-day summer horse camps starting at Rex Ranch

When it’s 103 degrees outside, air conditioning and TV are a tempting way to beat the heat.

But summers in Arizona shouldn’t be spent avoiding the outdoors, says riding instructor Judy Oyler, who will be running several 5-day horse summer camps starting in June at Rex Ranch in Amado. This is the first summer she and Amy Bourke, head wrangler at the ranch, are partnering to run the camps, which run through Aug. 11.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids — and adults — to get out of the house and re-connect with nature,” said Oyler, Arivaca resident and instructor at the Amado Territory Ranch riding center.

Camp started this week, with kids taking riding lesson, playing games (such as hot-potato on horseback), embarking on trail rides, and later getting a chance to snack, relax and cool down in the swimming pool.

“The kids will learn everything from saddling a horse to the basics of riding, stopping, turning — everything from the ground up,” said Oyler, who along with Bourke welcomes all levels of riders, even those with little or no background in horsemanship.The two women have worked with riders of varying ages and levels of experience, some of whom began lessons with a fear of horses.

“It’s amazing to see the transformation in people,” Oyler said. “It builds confidence to be around these big animals.”

The first two weeks of the month are designated for kids aged 7-12; the third week, 13-20; the fourth week is camp for adults and seniors. Adults can bring their own horse, if they wish, and receive a discount on the price of the camp. Adult camp may also include moonlight trail rides once-per-month, said Oyler.

Safety is a priority at camp and all riders are required to wear helmets, she said.

The five-day horse summer camp is $200 per rider. Call Oyler at (520)-398 2392 to see what dates are available and to put down your deposit, which reserves a horse.

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726