Thank you for interest in registering your child(ren) for Saddle Up Academy's 2024 Summer Camp.
Camp hours:
10am-4pm, drop off between 10-10:30am, pick up between 3:30-4pm
Each week of Summer camp session will be split into two groups:
Beginner/Intermediate group:
Activities include a mix of equestrian basics, starting with safety, learning basic terminology of tack, horse behavior and anatomy. All age appropriate and hands on. The ultimate goal is to kickstart the path to becoming a confident equestrian and to become comfortable on the ground and in the saddle. The kids will get a bunch of ride time to practice new skills. We teach both western and english styles of riding. The majority of this camp will be taught western. We have a herd of 9 horses, 7 used for camp, aka The Saddle Up Seven, two of them ponies, who are camp veterans and ready for fun. We play horse-themed games in and out the saddle, make new friends, and get crafty with a variety of art activities. We even decorate the horses! Be prepared to pick up your kiddo with paint on their clothes. Camp is for children ages 6 to 16 years old.
Advanced group: Activities include a refresher course in equestrian basics, safety, terminology, tack, horse behavior and anatomy. All age appropriate and hands on. The goal of the advanced group is to polish current skills and learn some new techniques. This group will ride english and western, and has the choice of preference. This group will have the opportunity to ride our more advanced horses, even some of our show horses. We will play horse themed games, make new friends and create some cool art. We decorate horses too. Camp is for children ages 6-16 years old.
Students must bring a bagged lunch each day and a water bottle. Two nut-free snacks will be provided. Please bring a helmet, if you do not have one, we have plenty.
Please dress in layers. It tends to be cooler in the canyon in the mornings, but really warm during summer days. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are mandatory. Sunscreen and a hat is recommended.
The total cost of camp is $750. The deposit is $300 to hold your child's spot, due at the time of registration, and is non-refundable. The balance due of $450, is due the first day of camp, in the morning at drop off and is non-refundable. Please remember that your child cannot be left at camp, unless camp has been paid in full.
There are 3 options for payment:
Zelle preferred, Venmo or Check (only at drop-off for balance due)
Zelle: saddleupacademy@gmail.com
Venmo: @saddleupacademy510
Check: Saddle Up Academy
Please note that we have no cell service at the barn. If paying via Zelle or Venmo, it is best to pay your balance due before you head out the in morning to ensure delivery. Please put your child's name in the memo.
Previous campers receive 10% off ($75.00 OFF savings) loyalty discount:
Total cost of camp, in this case, is $675.00.
The deposit is still $300, non-refundable.
The balance due the first day of camp is $350.00, non-refundable.
Please put your child's name in the memo at payment.
Remember there is no cell service. You are likely to lose connection as you come through the canyon. Take note of the address as you may have to find it the old school way, without an app, and look for house numbers. We are on the right side of the road, about 10-15 minutes up from the freeway exit, Crow Canyon off 580. Our barn is Rancho De Los Amigos at 12350 Cull Canyon Rd, Castro Valley. Keep an eye out for random crosswalks on the road. We are located at the 2nd crosswalk on Cull Canyon. The property is gated but will be open. Do not drive onto the property please. See below for parking instructions.
Due to camp being full this year, we ask that you do not drive onto the property. This barn is private property and houses 70 horses. We do not have enough parking to accommodate everyone. Instead, we have provided a parking lot for you all. It will be on the left hand side, right before the 2nd crosswalk. It will be directly across from the entrance of the property. Look out for a sign posted, directing you where to park. You will then cross the street, and walk onto the property. As you pass through the gate, you will see our large, covered arena. Please be mindful of horses and riders. Please do not pet horses and do not run.
- Office/drop-off location:
As you continue walking up the driveway, our office is a small building with a wood porch. Look for the carousel horse in front. There you will find us and the sign in/out sheet. The office is directly across from the original white and green farmhouse on the property. There are several shipping container buildings on the property. Ours is on the left side. If you get lost, feel free to ask anyone for help.
Yes, once again we have no cell service at the barn. We are up a rural road, in a canyon and unfortunately that is just what it is. However, we do have wifi, so if you happen to have an iPhone, you are able to reach either Coach Tayler or Coach Mariah via iMessage, Facetime audio or video call. In addition we have a landline to use in case of emergencies. If you need to reach us during the day, you can send a message with an iPhone or you can send an email as emails are checked often throughout the day.
Please feel free to email us or call Coach Mariah at (510)610-7817 should you have any questions. Thank you for your support!
We reach out with reminders, updates, and any extras via email, about one week before your child's first day of camp.
-Coach Mariah
Program Director
Coach Mariah: (510)610-7817
Coach Tayler: (510)205-8759
Please note, at this time, we are not certified to work with kids with special needs. Although we would love to include everyone, we ask that if your child has special needs that you get in touch with us so we can discuss if Saddle Up Academy is a right fit for your child.
