At The South Mountain YMCA Camps, The Duberstein Equestrian Center offers a wide variety of Riding Programs and chances to get on horseback. Most of our programs require enrollment in our summer camps programs but we also offer a chance for the public to participate in equestrian programs. All of our horse program offerings are listed below.
Cancelation Policy for All Equestrian Programs:
At The Duberstein Equestrian Center, safety is our top priority. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather conditions such as thunderstorms or extreme heat, we are unable to offer refunds for lessons canceled due to weather-related concerns. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the well-being of our campers and staff.
Bynden Wood Day Camp Riding Lessons :
Campers enrolled in PM Horseback lessons are not eligible to sign up for Extended Wednesdays. The timing of these sessions often conflicts with dinner and group transitions, making it difficult to ensure proper supervision and check-out procedures. We encourage families to plan accordingly and appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth and safe camp experience for all.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our team. Thank you for your support and understanding!
Community Riding Lessons
6 Week Group Lessons – $150
6 Week Private Lessons – $240
Experience the Joy of Horseback Riding at Duberstein Equestrian Center
Heather McCarty, with over 35 years of equestrian experience, offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced riding lessons for all ages. Whether you’re a first-time rider, a returning equestrian, or looking to advance your skills, we provide a whole-horse experience that includes:
- Horse handling and groundwork
- Grooming, saddling, and bridling
- Walk/trot basics for beginners
- Advanced techniques, including cantering, jumping, and show preparation
Our carefully selected calm and steady horses are patient and experienced teachers, making them perfect partners for riders of all levels.
Why Ride With Us?
- Boost Confidence & Coordination – Horseback riding enhances balance, strength, and self-assurance.
- Enjoy the Outdoors – Step away from screens and experience the beauty of nature on our 550-acre property, complete with woods, trails, a cross-country jump course, a 200 x 100 show arena, and a smaller 80 x 100 riding ring.
- Private & Group Lessons – Choose individual instruction for focused learning or enjoy the camaraderie of group lessons, where multiple skill levels can progress together.
Lesson Levels – Assessed During Your First Session
- Beginner – Less than 10 hours of saddle time
- Novice – Can steer at a walk and posting trot
- Intermediate – Confident handling horses independently and working on cantering
- Advanced – Focus on jumping, dressage, or trail riding
Every lesson includes grooming, saddling, riding skills, and post-ride care, with safety and confidence-building as our top priorities.
Spring Session: April 8 – May 18
Group Riding Lessons:
- Monday – Thursday (4:30 – 7:00 PM)
- Saturday & Sunday (1:00 – 3:30 PM)
Private Lessons:
- Saturday (9:00 – 10:00 AM)
- Saturday & Sunday (10:30 – 11:30 AM)
Family group lessons are also available! Contact us for details.
Ready to ride?
Pony Rides – Must be registered for day or overnight camp program
Our youngest Campers in Bynden Wood Day camp and Camp Conrad Weiser will all have a pony ride. Once a week the youngest campers get to experience horse riding in the pony arena.
Horseback Riding Lessons – Must be registered for day or overnight camp program
All campers Grades 1 through 8, in Bynden Wood or grades 2 through 9 (traditional camp) for Camp Conrad Weiser, may sign up for English riding lessons. This add-on program allows campers to go to the barn five days a week for a 1 hour lesson. Lessons will included un-mounted and mounted time at the barn. After passing the rider test, each camper will ride on the trail. There is a maximum of 8 students per class.
Specialty Horse Riding Camp – Overnight Camp Conrad Weiser
Rates start at $1650
Grades 4 – 9
This Specialty Riding Camp is for the serious equestrian. In addition to horse care Campers will improve current riding skills and ride on miles of camp’s mountain-top trails. Campers will spend the whole day at the barn and will have one activity period of traditional camp activities. Campers should have an adequate skill level to control the horse at a posting trot to participate in this program. Campers will be evaluated on Sunday evening and placed in the appropriate lesson group for the week.
2025 Riding Overnight Camp dates:
Riding Camp Session A – June 15 – June 20 (One Week)
Riding Camp Session E – July 27 – August 1 (One Week)
*All participants in our Riding Programs must wear long pants, closed-toed shoes and an approved Riding Helmet (we provide helmets).
Specialty Horse Riding Camp – Day Camp
$475/ Week
No matter your experience level—whether you’re brand new to riding or have years in the saddle—our camp is designed to help you improve and have fun! Riders will be assessed at camp and grouped accordingly, ensuring everyone gets the right level of challenge and support.
Our week-long equine-focused day camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, packed with exciting horse and barn activities tailored to the interests of the group. Campers will enjoy:
- Grooming, bathing & horse care
- Hands-on farm animal experiences
- Horse crafts & training basics
- Trail riding, trick riding & jumping
- And so much more!
For returning students, this is the perfect opportunity to build on previous lessons and take riding skills to the next level. Weather permitting, campers will participate in five mounted lessons and cap off the week with a Friday horse show to showcase their progress.
Important Details:
- Campers must pack their own lunch.
- This program is not part of Bynden Wood Day Camp, and additional camp activities are not included.
- Campers will spend the entire week immersed in hands-on learning at the barn.
2025 Riding Day Camp dates:
Riding Camp Session C – July 7 – July 11 (One Week)
Join us for a fun-filled adventure where horse lovers of all levels can learn, grow, and make unforgettable memories!
