What Happens When a Child Gets to "Own" a Horse for a Week?

Imagine arriving at camp and discovering that, for the next three days, you get to care for, learn about, and ride your very own horse.

That is exactly what happens at our Own a Horse Camp at Justin's Place.

While campers know they aren't taking a horse home, they quickly discover something even better—they get to build a genuine relationship with one special horse while learning what it truly takes to care for one.

Each camper is paired with a horse and spends the week getting to know their unique personality, markings, breed, and quirks. They help groom, tack up, complete daily chores, and learn that owning a horse is about much more than riding. It's about responsibility, consistency, and putting another living being's needs before your own.

Throughout the week, campers become horse detectives. They learn to identify colors and markings, recognize different breeds, understand herd dynamics, interpret equine body language, and even calculate what it costs to care for a horse. They discover how horses communicate with one another and with us, building skills that help them become safer, more thoughtful horse handlers.

Of course, there is plenty of time in the saddle too. Riding lessons focus on developing balance, body awareness, confidence, and communication with their horse. As campers grow more comfortable, many have the opportunity to practice guiding their horse with greater independence, celebrating milestones that once felt impossible.

Learning doesn't stop with horses. Campers work together to solve scavenger hunts, play hands-on games about horse care and markings, and tackle daily chores that teach teamwork and stewardship. Every activity is designed to make learning active, memorable, and fun.

This year's superhero theme reminded campers that real superheroes don't need capes. Superpowers like kindness, responsibility, courage, patience, and perseverance are what make both great horse owners and great people. As campers cared for their horses each day, they discovered that these qualities grow stronger through practice.

By the end of camp, something remarkable happens. Children who arrived shy are confidently leading their horses. Campers who had never groomed before proudly explain the purpose of each brush. New friendships have formed—not only between campers but also between children and the horses who patiently taught them throughout the week.

At Justin's Place, Own a Horse Camp is about so much more than horses. It's about building confidence through responsibility, discovering the joy of caring for another living being, and creating memories that last long after camp ends.

We are incredibly proud of each camper for embracing the adventure, asking great questions, working hard, and showing our horses the kindness and respect they deserve. We can't wait to welcome the next group of young horse enthusiasts back to the farm!