Face it. Camp is just better with horses.
RIDING CAMPS
Horseback riding day camps are offered during the summer months and over the winter school break. Campers ages 6 and up spend their day learning the basics of horseback riding and horse care. They are taught about safety around the horses, grooming, tacking, after-riding care, equine terminology, basic feeding and much more. Each child receives a riding lesson daily and sometimes can be found enjoying an afternoon ride before the end of the day, weather dependent.
Often, the children are treated to guest speakers such as the veterinarian or blacksmith. When not with the horses, the balance of their day is PURE KID FUN! Games, arts and crafts, swimming, contests and much more make up the balance of their time. Safety: There are at least two riding instructors present during riding lessons and adult supervision is constantly provided. Camp is held rain or shine. Riders should bring their own snacks, water and lunch.
Success in Saddles with Ellen Beard
Are you ready to supercharge your 2026 show season? Join us for a fabulous weekend of learning as we welcome Ellen Beard back to Vantage Point Farm.
Ellen is an internationally respected riding coach whose career has been built on developing confident riders, thoughtful horsemen, and successful professionals. With more than four decades of eXperience in the saddle and alongside it. Ellen is known for her ability to meet riders where they are — and then guide them toward clarity, confidence, and measurable progress.
As the owner and operator of Success in Saddles LLC, Ellen works closely with riders, trainers and equestrian businesses to refine skills, strengthen communication and create sustainable paths to achievement. A licensed USEF Large R Judge since 1985, international clinician and coach, she brings a deep understanding of both performance standards and the human side of riding. Her coaching blends technical precision with encouragement, helping riders to not only improve their effectiveness in the ring, but also to trust their own decision-making.
Ellen’s background includes serving as Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies at Stephens College, where she combined academic leadership with hands-on rider development. With many years of experience developing riders at every level, she has coached and judged at the highest levels of the sport while remaining deeply committed to education, inclusion, and lifelong learning. Known for her clear eye, practical instruction and encouraging progress that lasts beyond the lesson. Her contributions to the equine industry have earned national recognition, including the United Professional Horsemen’s Association Lillian Shively Distinguished Service Award (2025) and the National Horseman magazine’s Icon Award (2022). Despite these honors, Ellen remains most fulfilled by the quiet breakthroughs — the moment a rider understands a concept, gains confidence, or realizes they are capable of more than they believed. At her core, Ellen is a coach who believes riding should be both challenging and rewarding. She is passionate about helping riders grow — not just in results, but in confidence, responsibility and joy in the process.
Are you interested in developing better mechanics in the saddle, better use of your aids, improving your understanding of how a bridle works, and how? Are you ready to increase your show ring success? If your answer is yes and you are ready to work hard, then this is the clinic for you.
Read on below for pertinent details of this exciting weekend and get your registration in soon, as space is very limited.
Details:
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Vantage Point Farm
Tomball, TX
Clinic registration includes three (3) lessons: one (1) private lesson and two (2) group lessons, as well as auditing of the entire weekend. There will be thought-provoking rider challenges, group discussions, demonstrations and much more. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be served on Saturday, as well as a continental breakfast on Sunday. Private sessions will take place all day on Friday and Saturday morning. Group sessions will occur on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, with the Sunday morning sessions to be “show ring practice,” followed by feedback.
We offer Saddle Seat Clinics featuring some of the nation's best trainers and instructors. These clinics are open to Saddle Seat riders of all breeds and offer riders the opportunity to improve skills and gain valuable knowledge — thinking outside the box! Watch for more information about upcoming clinics on the VPF Happenings page.
