Step 1: Summer Horse Camp Info (before you register info.)
Dear Parents,
Please take 6 minutes and 42 seconds to read this page and the links provided. It's important because it outlines our business expectations and policies for the welfare of horses, riders, and parents.
We have extensive experience in the horse sport business and are committed to delivering our program and business practices precisely as stated on our website and communication materials.
We encourage you to read carefully before signing up, especially if you're new to the sport.
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Throughout your time at Clip Clop, we'll keep you informed through our Clip Clop Communicator Campaign, which provides horse and rider-related information.
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Thank you for choosing Clip Clop.
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Please note: This is NOT the same information page you will receive upon registration confirmation.
The Information Package that you will receive upon registration is a detailed package specifically designed to provide you all the information you require about preparing for camps, drop off/pick up times, etc.
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Ages
Clip Clop accepts riders aged 5 - 18 years old.
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Great Hands & Hooves
Rest assured that your child is in great hands and hooves with our excellent team of human and horse teachers, who are well trained, experienced, and dedicated to providing a safe and enriching experience for your child.
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Your Child is Safe
Ensuring your child's safety is our top priority, and we have taken rigorous measures to achieve this across all areas - physical, emotional, and social. Our staff is carefully selected, trained, and supervised to follow our safety protocols and standard operating practices.
Our detailed safety protocols cover all aspects of our activities, and our inclusive philosophy emphasizes respect for all. Any behavior violating our safety protocols is promptly corrected, and repeated violations result in expulsion from our organization. We are committed to keeping your child safe at all times.
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The safety protocols are expected to be adopted by everyone: attendees, staff, Parents, & horses.
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Bullying
No.
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Being Bullied
No.
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Equipment and Rider Dress
Parents will receive the Clip Clop Summer Camp Information Package two weeks before the camp start date which contains all the information needed to get their riders ready for Summer Camp.
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To get an idea of what items your rider will need:
Clip Clop supplies the horse, saddle, bridle, instructor and assistant, helmet (sterilized between riders).
The rider(s) supplies their helmet (personal choice), pants, footwear, jacket, water bottle, towel, snack/lunch (for Full Day Campers), mosquito/bug repellent, ball cap and sunglasses.
A full list will be provided to you upon registration
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Note: Riders are NOT permitted to ride in running shoes or shorts and will be prohibited from riding if doing so (we explain why in the information package).
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FIRST DAY – ORIENTATION
Camp Orientation occurs on the 1st day of Camp. This time is intended to help campers get to know one another, tour the farm and learn about farm safety, meet the horses, meet the instructors, learn about grooming, identifying and handling equipment, saddling, bridling, haltering, and mounting on Buddy Horses before they do these skills on live horses. This technique is highly effective because new riders become confident by learning more than 200 skills before they move on to a real horse.
Hands On Program
Clip Clop is a comprehensive horsemanship and gives equal value to on-horse (riding) and off-horse (horse husbandry and caring for horses) skills of horsemanship. Your rider will learn more than 300 skills in our riding camps. In addition to riding, your rider will leaning about feeding, watering, cleaning stables, veterinary care, grooming, and many more skills during their learning and loving horses adventure!
Summer Camp Questions
There is more information on the dedicated pages, but these are the ones we get asked during registration.
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Helmets: We provide helmets (you may also bring your own ASTM approved helmet).
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Boots: You provide the boots with a one-inch heel. The info page gives the details.
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Grouping: Siblings, cousins, and friends can be grouped together regardless of age and experience (there is so much to learn).
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Early drop-off or late pick-up? Yes! Let us know - we can help.
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Bussing: We do not provide bussing because the stables is within the Calgary city limits (Bearspaw).
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Our Horses - Your Champions
Our trained, child-friendly horse teachers are some of the best in the industry and you can rest assured that these horse champions will take care of your child. It's a Clip Clop Promise.
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Our team of horse teachers are made up of former show ring, work, ranch, and pleasure horses that have dedicated the remainder of their lives to teaching your child to ride in exchange for your child's love and care. It's a breathtaking arrangement.
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They know when to respond and when not to.
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They know when to move and when not to.
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They know how to soothe a trepid rider and they know how to encourage a curious rider.
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They know when to lean into an anxious rider and when to retreat from an anxious rider.
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They know when to resist a frustrated rider and when to reward a patient rider.
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Their ability to read a child is extraordinary and their desire to take care of child is a mystery.
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These horses are proud to continue their service to humans by teaching your children. Thank you for giving them a valued purpose as the highlight of their careers.
You and Your Child are Always Connected
We understand that parents want to feel comfortable and connected with their child during camp. That's why our Camp Manager is available throughout the camps to answer any questions you may have and to provide regular updates on your child's progress.
Additionally, we encourage your child to communicate with you whenever they need to, and they can do so through the Camp Manager. We want both you and your child to feel confident and connected during their time with us.
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Unless... you leave us specific instructions that you wish for your child not to be able to contact us at their request.
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Cancellations/Make Ups/Refunds
Please refer to our Policies Page.
Riders Who Require Extra TLC
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We receive many requests to accommodate children who require an extra touch.
Please note that we are unable to accept children whose conditions leave them prone to uncontrolled and unpredictable outbursts of anger, frustration, fear, violence, etc. whereby it puts them, horses, and others in a dangerous situation.And, we are unable to accept children whereby their conditions leave them unable to hear, see, cognitively process instructions, communicate clearly, and control their body movements that would jeopardize their safety and that of others. The metrics our company (and insurance company) uses to determine appropriateness for participation is: Is the child integrated into a standard classroom setting without the assistance of an aide?We encourage you to contact our office and we’d be happy to learn about your child and decide together the appropriateness of our program!We also have colleagues in the industry who run fantastic licensed, therapeutic riding programs, and we can guide you to them.
Give us a call! We can't wait to learn about your child!
587-894-2567