Equestrian Programs

Heels Down (Ages 9 - 15)

Heels Down is a unique, full-day program of equine pursuits. This program is geared to individuals with not only a true love of horses, but the energy and commitment to sustain a full day of horse activities and lessons, both mounted an un-mounted. This in-depth program is designed for campers with previous experience who are looking to take their riding to the next level. Enrollment is per 2-week session to allow for more individualized training and to ensure accelerated progress. Campers in the Heels Down program should have a minimum of one year experience riding and a solid walk/trot proficiency.

Parents of children who have not attended PFDC are asked to phone the office for prescreening interview to assure suitability for this program.

Participants are asked to arrive daily with a small duffel bag of items which include:

  • an SEI/ASTM certified schooling helmet
  • lightweight long-sleeve tee shirt
  • cotton schooling pants
  • appropriate riding boots
  • sunscreen and bug spray
  • nutritious lunch and drink
  • a bathing suit and towel for water conditioning and/or afternoon Fun Club

Mounted Instruction

Mounted Instruction (Topics include but are not limited to) Dressage, Carriage Driving, Vaulting, Gymkhana Games, Show Jumping, Trail Riding, Intro. to Eventing and experiencing Cross-Country Jumping.

Un-Mounted Instruction

Un-Mounted Instruction is a unique feature of our Heels Down programming, we include but are not limited to such fascinating subjects as Saddle Fitting, Fitness for the Equestrian, Yoga, Water Conditioning and numerous horse management topics through each session.

Equitation

By reviewing your foundations of riding, our instructors will encourage you to increase your skills and confidence. Using their wide range of backgrounds and experience, they will teach a complete balance of horse and rider using natural and artificial aids. Heels Down instructors teach safe practices that promote direct and clear communication between horse and rider. This is the foundation needed for competitive riding, regardless of the discipline your child may pursue and is even beneficial for those interested in recreational riding. The Heels Down curriculum provides additional opportunities that are not frequently offered in regular lesson programs. These topics may consist of trail rides, gymkhanas, drill teams, games and most importantly the subject matter covered by our visiting professionals: Horse Health, Vet Science, Dentistry and Hoof Care.

What sets Heels Down apart from other basic programs, is that campers are treated to outside visiting professionals’ expertise, who teach them about the medical side of horse care. Heels Down participants have the exclusive opportunity to watch and help the vet with routine visits, and discuss with the dentist such topics as the necessity of filing horse’s teeth. Regular visits with our farriers, also teach campers the importance of correct shoeing for all different horses and environments.

Barn Management

This subject is certainly a necessity when stabling your own horse, but it is not a primary focus for the Heels Down program. The participants learn about feed, turn-out, and first-aid, by observing and discussing with staff who are assigned to these hands-on duties.

Visiting Professionals

The Heels Down program affords campers the unique opportunity to learn from true professionals in various horse related fields. Included in past summers have been instructions in vaulting, horse massage, dressage, eventing and carriage driving. We are honored to have Marc Johnson, a member of the American Driving Society and a participant in the 1993 World Championships.  Since 2008 Marc has shared his expertise with our Heels Down participants in the technical sport of combined driving.

Our Haflinger ponies have been an integral part of our growing driving team. PFDC uses these gentle ponies as well as minis to teach the campers how to drive a cart and introduces them to the world of combined driving, including dressage, hazards, and cones. Pacific, Bennington and Tidholm carriages, driven by the Heels Down campers, are of the highest quality construction.

Yoga & Water Conditioning For The Equestrian

Often when we think of riding, instructors place their emphasis on the conditioning of the horse, forgetting the key element, the rider. With the inception of Heels Down, this factor was included as an integral building block to the program. Our specialized yoga program demonstrates to riders how to stretch and manipulate their own muscles to improve their flexibility and balance on the horse. Additionally, our inventive water conditioning element, taught by a certified instructor, is held in the pool, allowing riders to cross-train their riding muscles in a fun and refreshing way. Not only are our riders strengthening and aerobically conditioning themselves, but it is a wonderful opportunity to be rejuvenated from the heat of the day.

Instructors

The Heels Down instructors are hired specifically for their vast personal experience and thorough knowledge of horses, riding, training and teaching skills. Although we have approximately an 80% return rate for our Day Camp riding instructors, Heels Down is far more specialized. We are constantly in quest of the best instructors we can find from area professionals, competitive colleges and recommendations within the riding community. Working closely with international agencies, who provide highly qualified instructors, Heels Down is able to choose from the elite of the riding world on a global basis. For more details about this program, contact the office to speak with the Director.

Short Stirrup (Ages 8-12)

This is an entry-level program for youth seeking the full day experience with horses. The goal of each session is to have your child independently riding at the walk and trot and be able to leave Pompositticut after a 2 week session and join a group lesson at any local equestrian facility. Established in 1980, this nationally accredited camp program, provide a highly specialized session under the supervision of qualified licensed instructors who furnish individualized attention, second to none. Pompositticut is a well respected summer camp experience, providing the initial foundation for future riders, with an intimate enrollment of 8 participants, 8-12 years old. No previous riding knowledge is required for this program. However, riders 6-7 years old may be eligible for enrollment provided they complete 10 weeks of spring lessons and have attended the day camp for at least 2 sessions.

While the Short Stirrup program will be geared to producing an independent walk/trot rider, it is also geared for young riders who are already walking and trotting. Our instructors will continue to progress these skills and advance their knowledge of riding and horsemanship, ultimately guiding them to be eligible for our most noted equestrian program, Heels Down.

Short Stirrup Topics & Curriculum
Understanding tacking up | Fitting tack and proper placement | Leading and mounting | Stirrup adjustments | Reins and contact | Riding position | Lungeing and balance | Ring etiquette | Ring terms | Use of natural aids | Understanding riding in a group | Dismounting and untacking | Care & management

Junior Wrangler

Created for 13 – 16 yr. olds, our specialized program, “Jr. Wranglers” is offered for 8 weeks during the summer months. This mentoring program is recommended for teens who are looking to expand their proficiency with horses, though no prior experience is necessary. With hands-on experience, each participant will be taught the basic, yet vital information involved in caring for and perhaps one day owning a horse. The knowledge gained from this experience will allow the participant to become qualified to continue with interests or lessons at any area barn or equestrian center. Included in this tutelage the following will be emphasized:

Safety of participants as well as horses,
Types of feed, grain, hay,
Stall & stable organization, ,
Daily barn operations
Brushing and care of all horses,
Saddling up and untacking.
Schedule of feeding and watering,
Leading in and out of stalls,
Pasture maintenance,
Maintenance of tack,
Hoof maintenance,
Daily routines of horses and how they behave,
Assisting with our licensed instructors camp riding program