Pony Club, But Better
Summer Camps
Choose from five week-long sessions where your child or tween will experience a blend of horsemanship, outdoor fun, and social-emotional learning.
Each camp runs Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Only 5 spots left! Secure your child’s place now before camp fills up.
My 12 year old daughter's confidence has soared since working with Laura and the horses!
Melissa B., a mom from Cranberry
My 12 year old daughter's confidence has soared since working with Laura and the horses!
Melissa B., a mom from Cranberry
My 12 year old daughter's confidence has soared since working with Laura and the horses!
Melissa B., a mom from Cranberry
As a parent, you want a summer camp that’s more than just a time-filler.
You want a place where your child is safe, engaged, learning new skills, making friends, and spending less time glued to screens — while you enjoy a well-deserved break. That's what our Pony Club, But Better summer camp delivers (and much more).
Today’s children need more than just a traditional summer camp.
The modern child is increasingly lost in screens. They struggle with making, keeping, or even recognizing healthy friendships. They measure their self-worth in likes and follows.
Modern society lacks the opportunities kids need for healthy social interactions. It's one of many reasons why children struggle to empathize with themselves and others.
Being grounded and content is rooted in the ability to be present, not dwelling on past mistakes, or worrying about future what if scenarios.

Our modern world is constantly distracting us and forcing us into hating the past or fearing the future.
Working with horses gets us outside, away from screens, and we naturally become present, living in the moment.
Our camps give your child the opportunity and skills they need to live in the present moment, make friends, and emotionally regulate themselves in a world that profits from their unregulated emotions.
Is your child:
- Spending more time with screens than friends?
- Struggling to build real, lasting friendships?
- Measuring their self-worth through social media?
- Having trouble with their emotions?
Our
Pony Club, But Better summer camps were designed for them. While other kids are just riding horses at a regular Pony Club, yours will be building the emotional skills they need to live a healthy, happy life at Pony Club, But Better.
Our 2025 Summer Camps for Ages 7-11
Choose any week that works for your schedule. All camps run Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Payment plans available. Send us an email if you'd like to pay in installments.
Week 1
Ages 7 -11
Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20
$650
Filling Up Fast
Week 2
Ages 7-11
Monday, June 23 to Friday, June 27
$650
Full
Week 3
Ages 7-11
Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11
$650
Full
FOR AGES 12-14
NEW CAMP
In our Wild at Heart summer camp, tweens will engage in more advanced horsemanship lessons, leadership workshops, and team-building activities, all while building deeper connections with horses and peers. This camp will empower your tween with essential life skills like problem-solving, empathy, and effective communication.
Pony Club, But Better for Tweens
Wild at Heart Summer Camps
Week 4
Ages 12-14
Monday July 14 - Friday July 18
$650
Almost Full
Week 5
Ages 12-14
Monday July 21 - Friday July 25
$650
Full
Week you want full?
Send us a message and we can put you on the waiting list! We'll let you know if a spot for the week you want opens up.
Safe & Trustworthy
Certified, experienced instructors ensure a secure environment for your child.
Active Outdoor Fun
Horses, teamwork games, and fresh air —your child trades screen time for real-life adventures with friends, both two and four-legged.
Real-World Skills
From building confidence and resilience to improving communication and problem-solving, every activity fosters personal growth and helps kids learn how to emotionally regulate.
Healthy Socializing
Surrounded by peers who share their interests, kids form genuine friendships and learn to collaborate and support one another.
Parent-Friendly Solution
While your child learns and thrives, you get some well-deserved time to relax, run errands, or focus on your own projects.
Types of Activities
From grooming and groundwork to creative crafts and equine-assisted learning games, each day at camp is packed with hands-on fun that builds confidence, sparks curiosity, and nurtures empathy. Watch the video below to see our campers in action.
Camp Schedule
Our schedule is flexible and adjusts to the needs of the campers, taking advantage of teachable moments rather than adhering to a rigid timetable. We also will make changes as needed due to severe weather conditions.
Drop-Off
Drop off is from 8:30 am to 9:00 am. Then we'll start the day with a fun getting to know you activity.
Horsemanship
Your child will learn how to safely catch and handle a horse and tend to his basic care needs. Beyond the practical horsemanship and safety skills, this activity helps kids build trust, patience, and empathy — all qualities that will help them grow into responsible, caring adults.
Time to get moving!
From ground-based exercises to guided arena sessions, the kids will work with the horses and refine their horsemanship skills, boost their physical coordination, and learn the art of clear communication with animals and people. These equine-assisted activities help the children develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence.
Around 11:30 am, we'll break for lunch for the next hour. Children will have time for unstructured play with their new friends. Refrigeration for packed lunches provided on-site. If your child needs a lunch provided for them, let us know!
Lunch Break
Time to beat the heat!
As the day warms up, we move into cooler areas — inside the barn or in the shady woods. The kids will dive into crafts, play team-building games, engage in free play, and explore nature.
Pick up
Pick up is at 2:30 pm.
FAQs
Learn more about the camp. Don't see the answer you need? Please get in touch with us. We'll be happy to help!
What happens after purchasing a spot at camp?
You'll receive a Welcome Email from HeartSong EAC that includes several forms you'll need to complete prior to the camp start date. You can submit these forms online.
What is the age range for campers?
Our summer camps are designed for children ages 7-11 and ages 12-14. We do make exceptions for summer birthdays.
Does my child need prior experience with horses to attend?
No prior horse experience is necessary! Our program is suitable for beginners and those with some experience. We provide all the instruction and guidance your child needs to feel comfortable and confident around horses.
What safety measures are in place during camp activities?
All activities are supervised by trauma-informed, certified professionals with years of experience working with children and horses. We maintain low camper-to-instructor ratios, use well-trained horses, and follow strict safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for your child.
What will my child learn at the camp?
Your child will gain all the foundational horsemanship skills you'd expect from a traditional pony club experience — like safely catching, grooming, and handling horses, and even basic riding — plus so much more.
Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance?
We do offer payment plans. Please email us first if you'd like to pay in installments:
How much does Pony Club, But Better cost?
The camp is $650 per child, per week. We do offer scholarships provided by our generous sponsors. CLICK HERE if you'd like to apply for a scholarship.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least two weeks before the camp start date: Full refund minus a small processing fee of $25.
Ready for Pony Club, But Better 2025?
We can't wait to see you at camp! Sign up today before spots run out.
Laura Nickel
Certified Coach, Founder & Owner of HeartSong EAC