THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Three days of saddle time, river swims with ponies, mounted games and campfire nights in Shotover Country. This age-focused sleepaway is built for riders 10–18 who want rapid skill gains plus proper camp fun.
Three days of saddle time, river swims with ponies, mounted games and campfire nights in Shotover Country. This age-focused sleepaway is built for riders 10–18 who want rapid skill gains plus proper camp fun.
Book with A M Equestrian
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by A M Equestrian · Queenstown, Otago
Perched on the grassy terraces of Shotover Country, a short ride from Queenstown in Otago, New Zealand, the Summer Sleepaway Camp delivers three days of focused horsemanship, outdoor skills and unstructured kid-led fun. The program runs 9am Monday 12th - 4pm Wednesday 14th January and meets at 13 Headley drive, Shotover Country; it’s aimed at riders aged 10–18 looking for an immersive equestrian getaway.
Each day is a blend of instruction and adventure. Mornings begin with specialty lessons that sharpen flatwork, controls and safe trail technique; afternoons move out onto trail rides that explore Tuckers Beach and Macetown Road, taking riders along waterline flats and historic routes. The Shotover region’s braided waterways and nearby lake provide the showpiece: supervised swimming for ponies and riders, a rare activity that turns standard trail work into a wet, laughing highlight. Evenings are camp-style, with girl scout-style cooking, mounted games, including Chase Me Charlie, and a talent show to close the second night.
What the listings don’t hide are the practical details that matter: "Helmet and riding boot hire, horse hire" are included, riders must wear long pants and tops that cover shoulders, and the camp accepts participants who bring their own horses provided those animals arrive fit, freshly shod or trimmed, and stocked with feed, hay and appropriate rugs. The program balances structured lessons and safety briefings with free time for horsemanship conversations, grooming and low-key camp games.
Organizers bill this as the first ever fully sleepaway camp at Shotover, a focused program that requires a minimum age of 10 and admits participants up to 18. Bookings are non refundable and, as part of registration, families agree to follow facility policies and accept the risks associated with livestock and equine activities, including indemnifying A M Equestrian. Check the booking page for essential packing lists and arrival instructions now.
This camp’s strength is how it stitches riding skill development into an authentic rural setting: the tracks to Macetown Road hint at Otago’s gold-rush past, river swims reflect the working relationship between horse and handler, and mounted games sharpen agility and reaction under pressure. Leaders emphasize safe handling around livestock and the inherent risks of equine activities, so expect clear safety routines and experienced supervision and instruction throughout.
Families will appreciate the straightforward timetable and the focused age group: it’s designed for older kids who want to progress quickly and make riding friends. Logistics are simple: arrive at 13 Headley drive at 9am on Monday and plan to pick up by 4pm Wednesday. For riders seeking concentrated saddle time, social camp moments and a chance to ride familiar trails by water and dust, the Summer Sleepaway Camp at Shotover is a concentrated, memorable equestrian jump-start.
moderate.
2–3 days.
Moderate fitness; riders should be comfortable spending several hours a day on foot and in the saddle and able to follow safety briefings.
Yes. If bringing your own horse, bring feed and hay to last the full three days, multiple rug options, tack, spare saddle blanket, hay net and a large water bucket; ensure horses are fit, healthy, freshly shod/trimmed, up to date on worming, and that tack fits correctly and comfortably.
Yes, day attendance is possible, but pricing will not be adjusted for non-overnight participation.
Helmet and riding boot hire, horse hire are included as listed in the trip details.
Minimum age is 10 and the program admits participants up to age 18.
Bookings are non refundable; please review the booking terms before purchase.
Bring long pants and a top that covers the shoulders for riding, warm and waterproof layers, a water bottle, closed-toed sturdy footwear, swimming togs and two towels, sleeping bag, pillow and toiletries.
Macetown Road leads toward historic Macetown and the Otago goldfields, a reminder of the region’s 19th-century gold-rush history.
Follow leave-no-trace practices, pack out all rubbish and avoid riding wet, braided riverbanks to reduce erosion and protect riparian habitats.
A M Equestrian is a Queenstown, Otago equestrian centre offering a range of riding experiences, coaching clinics and facility hire designed for riders of all ages and abilities. Located minutes from central Queenstown with views of the Remarkable mountain range and access to the Shotover River trails, A M Equestrian runs tailored rides, small-group lessons and family-friendly pony sessions. Offerings include 1 Hour Riding Lessons with expert coaches, Groom & Ride sessions, Junior Groom & Ride for children aged 2–8, and specialty events such as Horse Hire for Recycled Ribbon Day and the Recycled Ribbon Showjump Series on July 19, August 16 and September 27. The venue operates a fully fenced arena surfaced with premium rubber chip and equipped with Jump 4 Joy show jumps and an equine obstacle course available through Arena Hire. Coaching programs include the Russell Higgins Success Series — three consecutive clinics focused on progressive horsemanship skills across multiple two-day sessions. Guided Shotover River Trails rides showcase local scenery while accommodating a range of skill levels with well-trained horses and enthusiastic guides. Sessions emphasize horse welfare and rider education; guests learn grooming, saddling and ground skills before riding. A M Equestrian prioritizes safety and a positive learning environment through small group sizes, experienced coaching staff and well-maintained horses and equipment. Clear booking information, scheduled series dates and dedicated facility hire options make A M Equestrian a practical choice for families, beginners and competitive riders seeking quality riding experiences near Queenstown. Accessible booking and clear safety procedures.
Book with A M Equestrian