Elevate Your Ride, Elevate Your Experience
Our Story
Saddlewood has been a haven for horse-loving girls since 1968. Nestled in the breathtaking Bethany Hills of Ontario, Saddlewood Riding Camp was established by the late Janis Smith and her family on their 400-acre property. Beginning with a modest herd of ten horses and a small group of campers, Saddlewood has grown into a thriving community of over 100 well-schooled horses and ponies, welcoming campers from all over Canada, the United States, and beyond.
As the second-generation owners and operators of Saddlewood, we, Kim and Heather, continue our mother's legacy. As current school teachers, we are dedicated to providing campers with a nurturing and enriching environment. Our exceptional staff, many of whom are former Saddlewood campers, share our commitment to ensuring that every camper has a memorable and fulfilling summer experience.
Our Riding
At the heart of Saddlewood's programming is our exceptional riding program. Upon arrival, each camper participates in a riding evaluation to assess their abilities and interests accurately. Based on the evaluation and a pre-camp questionnaire, campers are placed in one of fourteen riding groups, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for riders at all levels. Our herd of over 100 horses and ponies represents a diverse range of breeds, temperaments, and skill levels. Our facilities include two large indoor riding arenas, three outdoor rings, and numerous trails for campers to explore.
Our Activities
Beyond riding, Saddlewood offers a wide variety of activities to inspire and challenge campers. Designed to develop new skills, build confidence, and foster friendships, our activities cater to campers of all ages and interests.
- Archery: Led by certified instructors, the Saddlewood archery program follows the Ontario Association of Archers' progressive levels system. Safety and skill development are integral components of this popular activity.
- Arts and Crafts: Campers have the opportunity to express their creativity through various arts and crafts projects, ranging from bracelet making and tie-dyeing to plaster of paris and woodworking.
- Afternoon Sports: Saddlewood's afternoon sports program offers a diverse selection of activities to keep campers engaged and active. These sports include soccer, beach volleyball, tennis, golf, basketball, and field sports, among others.
Facilities
Saddlewood's facilities have been thoughtfully designed to provide a safe and comfortable camp experience for all campers. Our buildings include:
- Cabins: Our cabins accommodate 6-10 campers, equipped with electricity and modern washrooms. Each cabin is assigned a dedicated counsellor, who fosters a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Dining Hall: At Saddlewood, we pride ourselves on serving delicious homemade meals and accommodating campers with special dietary requirements. Our kitchen staff serve camp favorites, including our renowned homemade cookies.
- Recreational Buildings: Our recreational buildings house our arts and crafts, archery, and music activities.
At Saddlewood, we are committed to creating a welcoming and memorable summer experience for campers of all ages and abilities. For over 50 years, we have taken pride in offering exceptional riding and activities, fostering friendships, and empowering campers to develop new skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
Summary of Reviews for Saddlewood Riding Camp
General Feedback
The majority of reviews for Saddlewood Riding Camp are overwhelmingly positive, with many campers expressing their love for the camp and their eagerness to return. Several reviewers praised the camp's great staff, clean stables, large number of horses, and classes at all levels. Many also highlighted the enjoyable activities offered, such as archery, sports games, drama, arts and crafts, and swimming, as well as the fun night activities.
Positive Feedback
The campers and staff at Saddlewood Riding Camp were frequently commended for their passion for horses and teaching. The camp's ability to cater to all skill levels and provide an enjoyable experience for campers of all ages was also highly praised. The camp's friendly and caring environment was noted by several reviewers, who appreciated the sense of camaraderie and support among the campers and staff.
Negative Feedback
However, not all reviews were positive. One reviewer had a poor experience with the afternoon activities, finding them to be subpar and the equipment to be in disrepair. Additionally, this reviewer experienced food poisoning twice and found the cabins to be unclean and extremely hot. The behaviour of one counsellor, Sarah, was also criticized for being rude and favouring certain campers over others.
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