Our horseback riding camp provides horseback riding instruction and skill building for beginner to advanced riders, with a camp available for riders who also want to show on the show circuit and seek higher levels of competition. Our camp features instructors and trainers with up to 35 years of teaching experience, as well as experience in the show arena to bring our riders the top tecniques needed to ride, as well as providing skills for those riders who would also prefer to ride for pleasure only. We also provide demonstrations and discussions in horse care, stable management, driving and equitation skills on all levels to keep riders entertained throughout the week. Our horses are lovely, the facility is clean and the staff is top notch and very professional. Our 51 years in the field of horseback riding will please all who come through our gates. We also have a couple of weeks of pony camp for our wee riders!

GIRLS HORSE CAMP!!
Hey Girls! Here we go again!  Another season will soon be here and it'll be time to saddle up and ride!
     This year we're going to be hosting some very special guests.  "Dr. Erica", a veterinarian, will be here to explain what it takes to be a horse doctor.  "Jen", the farrier, will take us through the process of trimming and shoeing a horse.  And of course Kayla and Kaylee will be here once again giving hands on lessons on training and showing your horse.
All that and still get 3 hours of riding every day!
     Your day will start with a very special "alarm clock"!  After breakfast you will get your own horse to love and learn on.  Each day before you head out for your first ride you will be grooming, saddling, and bridling your horse.  After riding, your day will be filled with horse craft time, riding, games, secret pasture picnics, more riding, hayrides and of course an evening campfire to share your stories from the day.  
     As you can see, we're all about the horses here, that's why Wild West is the best!
 
The horses are here! Will you be?
Sign up soon, I expect this will be a very busy summer for
Wild West Girls Horse Camp!

Camp Carew is located approximately 9 miles south of Carbondale, Illinois. We are located on a 60 acre site sitting on a 900 acre lake. We are surrounded by the natural settings of a wildlife refuge, national forest and a state park. This setting provides ample opportunities for a variety of activities.

We have something for everyone at Hastings Lake YMCA.

Illusion Farm offers an equestrian day camp experience of a lifetime! Make lasting friends, learn about horse care, ride in daily lessons on our experienced horses and ponies, and join us on our camp trips to tour and attend different Illinois horse venues, including Tempel Farm Lipizzans, Arlington Park Racetrack, & Medieval Times! Beginner camp sessions are designed for students with no riding experience as well as novice riders who have skills that may include walking, trotting, cantering, and jumping small cross rails or fences. Intermediate/Advanced camp sessions are designed for students who are able to walk, trot, and canter with confidence and able to jump courses. Students are divided into groups within each session based on their experience and riding ability.

All students are taught horse safety and care and learn the proper methods for grooming, tacking, leading, and mounting. Students also learn the gaits important to English riding, proper position and balance, the correct use of posting diagonals, and how to ride in the two-point position. Emphasis is placed on establishing a balanced and secure seat, instilling confidence, and laying a foundation for further development. Other activities include lectures, instructional videos, games, and arts and crafts. All instruction is tailored to each camper’s existing skills and knowledge.

Week long day camps introduce kids to the everyday workings of a stable. They'll experience horse handling, stable chores, anatomy, english and western riding, driving, crafts, games and more. T-shirt included. A mini show will be held the last day of each session to give campers a chance to show parents, grandparents etc. what they have learned. Everyone receives a ribbon.