Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Horse Riding Camp Experience in Ontario
Saddlewood Riding Camp has been a dream-come-true for girls who love horses since its founding in 1968. Originally established with just ten horses and a handful of riders, we have grown into a premier equestrian destination with over 100 well-schooled horses and ponies. Our family-owned operation is led by Kim and Heather, both experienced educators, who continue the legacy of our founder Janis Smith. We pride ourselves on maintaining a vibrant, fun environment where campers develop riding skills while building lifelong connections with horses and peers. Our dedicated staff, many of whom are former campers, deliver expert instruction across riding, archery, arts & crafts, and sports programs.Our facilities include three barns with 97 stalls, a 70x200 foot indoor arena, multiple outdoor rings, cross-country courses, and 400 acres of groomed trails. We emphasize proper riding technique, safety, and horsemanship while fostering confidence and passion for equestrian sports. Our home-cooked meals accommodate special dietary needs, and our cabins provide comfortable lodging for campers aged 7-17. With over 50 years of experience, we welcome campers from Canada, the United States, and around the world to experience our unique blend of horsemanship and summer camp traditions.
Services
Horse Riding Lessons
Cross-Country Courses
Archery Program
Arts & Crafts
Sports Activities
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 50+ years of equestrian experience
- Over 100 well-schooled horses for all skill levels
- Comprehensive riding program with multiple disciplines
- Experienced staff including former campers and certified instructors
- State-of-the-art facilities including 70x200 foot indoor arena
What people say
Excellent riding instruction
Well-maintained facilities
Dedicated staff
Comprehensive programs
Beautiful location
Services
Horse Riding Lessons
Daily riding instruction for all skill levels from beginner to advanced riders. Lessons focus on proper position, horse control, and safety while developing horsemanship skills. Sessions take place in multiple arenas, cross-country courses, and scenic trails.
Cross-Country Courses
Three dedicated cross-country courses ranging from 2'6" to 3'3" obstacles. Designed for riders to develop confidence and skills in natural terrain environments. Includes specialized instruction for first-time cross-country riders.
Archery Program
Certified archery instruction following Ontario Association of Archers guidelines. Color-coded progression system teaches safety protocols and technical skills. Equipment provided for campers to develop precision and focus.
Arts & Crafts
Hands-on creative workshops including bracelet making, tie-dyeing, and woodworking projects. Designed to develop fine motor skills and artistic expression through various mediums and techniques.
Sports Activities
Comprehensive sports program featuring soccer, volleyball, tennis, golf, and basketball. Includes structured games and skill development sessions on dedicated courts and fields to maintain physical fitness.
People
Kim Smith
Co-Owner/Director
Co-owner and director with science teaching background. Oversees camp operations and riding programs while maintaining educational standards.
Heather Smith
Co-Owner/Director
Co-owner and director with elementary education experience. Manages camper development and staff training while continuing family legacy.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve girls aged 7-17 with age-appropriate programs and cabin groupings.
Do you offer riding lessons year-round?
Our primary programs run summer camp sessions, with Saturday riding programs available during fall.
What riding skill levels do you accommodate?
We offer 14 riding groups from total beginners (white level) to advanced riders (black level).
Are there non-riding activities available?
Yes, we offer archery, arts & crafts, sports, swimming, drama, and music programs.
Do you accommodate special dietary needs?
Our kitchen staff prepares meals accommodating special dietary requirements.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain two-horse length distancing, provide safety equipment, and follow Ontario Camps Association protocols.
Reviews (5)
Luka Hessing-Fusco
May 23, 2021
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I have never been to this camp but... its my dream to go. Im begging my mom every single day to go to this camo i wonder if it is still open this year 2021 I WILL be going
Hooman Katirai
Jan 31, 2021
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Great staff with an obvious passion for horses and teaching. Very clean stables. Large number of horses. Classes at all levels.
Chantel Grant
Sep 15, 2020
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This is the best camp I have ever been too I have been going for 7 years and have loved all my time there highly recommend they have horses and ponies for EVERYONE.
Little Bits
Feb 03, 2020
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Rode at Saddlewood many, many years ago and still remember it as one of the best experiences growing up. Twilight was the best horse ever.
Kaileigh Fyfe
Dec 06, 2019
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Saddlewood is the best camp ever they have they best food all the girl are so nice and so caring you ride twice a day on a horse you get assigned and they have all different colours groups based on every ones abilities from horse group to pony group and for beginners they go just like trotting to cantering and doing small jump in two week there is also a bunch of activities like archery, sport games ,drama ,arts and craft and swimming and there have night activitys to its is so much fun I have being to a few sleepover camps and a another horse camp and not is Better then Saddlewood for sure