Horse and Ponies Make Kids Happy Campers

Labeled as the "Best Week of Summer," the Eastern Iowa Horse and Pony Camp is currently underway for youths from the midwest and around the country. 

Located at the Jones County Equestrian Center in Monticello, Iowa, the camp hosts 3rd to 12th-grade youth interested in horses. The overnight camp runs from June 19 to 25. 

More than 100 campers come from all over Eastern Iowa, including Dubuque, the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Des Moines, and some from as far away as Colorado.

Interview with Ben Urbain - E. Iowa Horse and Pony Camp Board Member

The kids participate in small group riding lessons with experienced equine instructors. They are also immersed in interactive learning sessions to teach them how to care for their animal correctly and safely.

The camp relies heavily on volunteers to keep the costs low, with some parent or guardian of each camper giving some time as an overnight chaperon or kitchen help. The camp's mentor program also assists instructors during riding lessons to ensure campers excel and advance their skills during the week.

Although the camp charges a fee and campers must supply their own horse or pony, every effort is made to keep it affordable and accessible.

Camp Fee

The 2022 camp fee was $425 and includes the following:

• box stall for the camper's horse
• camp T-shirt
• room and board
• all camp activities
• daily meals

Campers must bring their own horse, pony, or mule to camp. These animals should be experienced and well broke. Campers typically do better and learn more with a seasoned animal.

Established in 1971 in Galena, Illinois, the camp subsequently moved to Dubuque before settling at the current location. The Eastern Iowa Horse & Pony Camp, Inc. (EIHPC) is a non-profit overseen by an eight-person board of area professionals and seasoned equestrians. 

Camp Fee

The 2022 camp fee was $425 and includes the following:

• box stall for the camper's horse
• camp T-shirt
• room and board
• all camp activities
• daily meals

Learn more by visiting the Easter Iowa Horse and Pony Camp website eihpc.com