Denver Equestrians Riding School Youth Riding Programs

Denver Equestrians Riding School Youth Riding Programs includes Horse Camp Programs and Youth Riding Programs for riders ages 5 to 16. The offerings include hands-on grooming, tacking, riding lessons, unmounted equine education, and the Li’l Equestrians Club for ages 5 to 7 with riding and care activities. The program also lists Halter Club, Saddle Club, and Bridle Club activities that work on riding skills, walk, trot, canter, jumping, and CHA certification levels, along with DERS Horse Shows.

Programs

• Horse Camp Programs — riders ages 5-16yrs · all year round; full day or week · Hands on grooming, tacking, riding lessons, and unmounted equine education.
• Youth Riding Programs — young riders; Li’l Equestrians Club ages 5-7 · Signature, progressive Youth Riding Clubs designed to develop skills and confidence.
• Li’l Equestrians Club — ages 5-7 · Engage young horse lovers ages 5-7 with fun, hands-on riding and care activities.
• Halter Club — Develop essential riding skills and work towards Level 1 CHA certification.
• Saddle Club — Advance riding skills at the walk, trot and canter, preparing for Level 2 CHA certification.
• Bridle Club — Master the walk, trot, and canter while working towards learning to jump and Level 3 CHA certification.
• DERS Horse Shows — quarterly · Earn certificates, dress up, show your skills and have fun with friends.
• Private Lessons — 5yrs – Adults · One-on-one riding instruction after completion of the DERS Introductory Lesson.
• Semi-Private Lessons — For siblings or up to 2 horse-loving friends or family members.
• Group Lessons — Group lessons consist of 4 or more riders of the same ability riding together.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–16 years old
• General schedule: Year-round horse camps are offered; summer horse camp hours are M-F 9:00am - 2:00pm, with Fridays as Horse Show Day.

About the provider

The program has been offered since 2009. The leadership team includes Hanna Powers, Allison Palmer, Kaylee Doeding, Lucy Ambrose, and Sarah T., the DERS Director of Operations. The mission statement says the program provides a premium facility with a family-friendly environment where horse lovers of all ages learn, thrive and grow, and delivers equestrian education on healthy, happy school horses. Kaylee has BHS PATH certifications to teach riding lessons and therapeutic riding, and Lucy won the sportsmanship award with ETHJA.

Li’l Equestrians level (ages 5-7yrs) and the Beginner level do not require an assessment lesson to enroll. If a child does not currently ride with the program and wants placement in a more advanced group, a 60-min private assessment lesson is required ($159). Scholarships are available for families in need.

What families say

“Our daughter has participated in private lessons, and is signed up for a week long camp this summer. She just had her first horse show last weekend, and was on cloud nine! The trainers are knowledgable and friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. The horses are happy and well-taken care of, and the children seem calm and confident. We are very happy with our experience!” — Claire DParent

“Having just had our granddaughter finish a week at her first of three summer horse camps at DERS we felt comfortable with the way things are being conducted. Thank you everyone at DERS for a great place to send a 'horseaholic'! she just can't get enough. Great programs.” — Melanie DeWittParent

“Our son had a wonderful experience at pony camp this summer. He learned how to ride and how to take care of the horses. He loved the camp so much, and all of the counselors. The week ended in a horse show that gave him something to work towards and celebrate his accomplishments. It was such a wonderful week, that we signed up for another one.” — Ali ChungParent

Last updated September 5, 2026.