Strides Riding Academy Camps

Strides Riding Academy Camps offers horseback riding with daily riding lessons, hands-on horse experience, and horsemanship activities. Campers take part in grooming, tack care, mounted games, outdoor crafts, ranch activities, outdoor adventures, and equine-related games in both riding camp and ranch camp formats.

• Ages: 6–12 years old
• Schedule: Camp hours 9am–2pm
• Price: $675 per week.

Expert instructors and certified trainers provide small-group, personalized instruction for beginners and intermediate riders, with campers grouped by age and skill level. Well-trained horses are carefully matched to riders based on size and experience, and programs immerse students in high-quality horsemanship. Strides Riding Academy offers both summer and winter camps, including riding camp and ranch camp, and notes that summer camps sell out every year with fewer weeks available so spots go fast. The program is led by owner and trainer Maggie Clancy, with a mission that focuses on excellence in training, a commitment to students, and a community that supports riders of all levels. Strides Riding Academy has two locations in Petaluma and Santa Rosa, serving riders across Sonoma County and Marin County.

Parents and students describe the staff as friendly, accommodating, helpful, and knowledgeable, and mention that safety and good horsemanship are prioritized. Testimonials highlight the focus on the whole horsemanship experience, including picking feet properly and understanding how to clean each part of the horse’s body, as well as positive experiences with the atmosphere, trainers, and riding community. Some parents and students report long-term participation in lessons and camps and describe strong appreciation for the programs, staff, and overall experience.

For camp days, children are asked to bring a packed lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and closed-toed shoes suitable for outdoor activities. Riding campers are asked to bring a riding helmet and paddock boots if they have them, with helmets available to borrow if needed, along with riding-appropriate clothing such as leggings or riding breeches (no shorts), extra snacks, an extra change of clothes, and shorts to change into for hot afternoons.

Last updated June 26, 2026.