A pony camp is one of the best ways for children to spend time outdoors, learn practical riding skills and build confidence around horses. For many young riders, it is also the highlight of the school holidays. They get to ride, groom ponies, learn how to look after them and meet other children who share the same interest.
The Irish weather, though, can make packing a little tricky. A bright morning can turn into a wet afternoon surprisingly quickly. Children may also spend part of the day riding and another part helping around the yard, so the clothing that works for one activity may not suit the next.
Packing the right items makes the whole experience easier. Your child stays more comfortable, the instructors can focus on the activities, and there is less chance of a soggy jumper or unsuitable shoes spoiling the day.
Here is a practical guide to what children should bring to pony camp in Ireland.
Comfortable Clothes Suitable For Riding
Clothing should allow your child to move freely while remaining close-fitting enough to be safe around horses and riding equipment.
Loose scarves, long jewellery, oversized coats and very baggy trousers are best left at home. They can catch on gates, tack or stable fittings. Comfortable layers are usually a much better choice.
Riding breeches or jodhpurs are ideal, but they are not always essential for a beginner attending their first pony camp. Leggings or fitted jogging bottoms can work for some activities, provided the pony camp allows them.
Jeans are often less comfortable for riding. Thick seams can rub against the saddle, especially during a longer lesson. They can also become heavy and stiff when wet.
A simple outfit might include:
- A breathable T-shirt
- A fitted jumper or fleece
- Jodhpurs, breeches or comfortable fitted trousers
- A waterproof jacket
- Suitable riding boots
Parents should check the specific clothing rules with the pony camp before buying anything new. Some camps are happy for beginners to attend in practical everyday clothing, while others may have stricter riding requirements.
A Properly Fitted Riding Hat
A riding hat is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment used at pony camp.
Many riding schools provide approved riding hats for children who do not own one. This is often the best option for a complete beginner because the instructor can check the fit and make sure the helmet meets the required safety standard.
Children who already own a riding hat should bring it along, provided it is in good condition and still fits correctly. A hat that is too large can move during a fall. One that is too tight may cause discomfort and headaches.
A riding hat should also be replaced after a significant impact, even when there is no visible crack or damage. The protective material inside may have been weakened.
Cycling helmets are not suitable substitutes for riding hats. Horse riding helmets are designed and tested for different types of impact.
Label the hat clearly with your child’s name, particularly during busy holiday camps where several children may have similar equipment.
Riding Boots Or Safe Footwear
Footwear matters because the rider’s foot sits inside a stirrup. A smooth-soled shoe with no heel can slide too far through it, which creates a safety risk.
Traditional jodhpur boots are a practical choice for pony camp. They have a small heel, support the foot and are usually comfortable enough for walking around the yard.
Long riding boots can also be worn, although younger children may find short boots easier to manage.
For beginners who do not own riding boots, the camp may accept sturdy boots with:
- A low, defined heel
- A closed toe
- A reasonably smooth sole
- A secure fit
Trainers, sandals, Crocs and open-toed shoes are generally unsuitable for riding. Trainers normally have no heel, while sandals leave the foot exposed around hooves, gates and stable equipment.
Wellies can be useful for muddy yard activities, but not every type is suitable for riding. Large, loose wellington boots may become stuck in a stirrup. Check with the riding school before using them during lessons.
A spare pair of shoes can be handy too. Children may want to change out of muddy boots before travelling home.
A Waterproof Jacket
Anyone familiar with Irish weather will understand why a waterproof jacket belongs near the top of the list.
Pony camp activities often continue through light rain. Children may be outside leading ponies, filling water buckets, grooming or learning about stable care. A warm coat that absorbs water will soon become heavy and uncomfortable.
Choose a lightweight waterproof jacket that allows good movement. It should fit neatly rather than hanging loosely around the saddle.
A hood is useful during non-riding activities, but it should not interfere with the riding hat. Some yards may ask children to tuck the hood away while mounted.
During colder camps, a waterproof outer layer can be worn over a fleece. This is usually more practical than one very thick coat because layers can be removed as children warm up.
Spare Clothes
A spare set of clothing is worth packing, even for a half-day pony camp.
Children can get wet from rain, muddy from the yard or dusty while grooming. Water buckets also have a mysterious habit of spilling over boots and trousers.
Pack spare items in a separate waterproof bag:
- Socks
- Trousers or leggings
- T-shirt
- Jumper
- Underwear
- Lightweight coat, where possible
Fresh socks can make a big difference after a wet morning. Damp feet become cold quickly, particularly during the autumn or winter holidays.
A plastic carrier bag or reusable waterproof laundry bag is useful for muddy clothes. It keeps the clean items separate and saves the inside of the school bag from becoming covered in stable dirt.
Gloves For Riding And Yard Activities
Riding gloves are useful, although they may not be compulsory.
They can improve grip on the reins and help prevent rubbing on the hands. Thin riding gloves are usually more suitable than bulky winter gloves because children still need to feel and control the reins.
During colder camps, warm gloves can be packed for yard activities too. A child may remove them during riding and put them back on while watching a demonstration or helping outdoors.
Very loose gloves can make handling equipment difficult, so a fitted pair is best.
Lunch, Snacks And Plenty Of Water
Full-day pony camps commonly require children to bring a packed lunch. Even during shorter camps, a snack and water may be recommended.
Horse riding is physical work. Children use their legs, core and balance, often without realising how much energy they are using. Grooming, walking around the yard and carrying light equipment can also make them hungry.
A practical packed lunch might include:
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Fruit
- Yoghurt
- Crackers
- A small treat
- A refillable bottle of water
Choose food your child is comfortable eating. Pony camp is not the day to experiment with an unusual lunch that may return home untouched.
Avoid packing food that needs to remain chilled unless an insulated lunch bag and ice pack are used. Parents should also tell the camp about allergies or dietary requirements before the child attends.
A clearly labelled water bottle is important. Children should drink regularly, even on cool or cloudy days. Riding hats and warm clothing can make them hotter than expected.
Sun Cream
Sun cream may not seem essential during an Irish pony camp, but children can still get sunburnt on bright or overcast days.
Much of the day may be spent outdoors, and UV rays can remain strong even when the air feels cool. Apply sun cream before arriving and pack a suitable bottle for reapplication.
Children who are old enough should know how to apply it safely. Younger children may need help, so parents should ask the camp about its policy.
A high-factor, water-resistant sun cream is the most practical choice. Remember commonly missed areas such as the ears, neck and back of the hands.
A Small Backpack
A compact backpack keeps everything together and is easier to carry than several loose bags.
Choose one that your child can recognise easily. Bright colours, a keyring or a visible name label can help prevent mix-ups.
The bag should be large enough for lunch, water, spare clothes and small personal items, but not so heavy that the child struggles to move it.
Valuable items should stay at home. Pony camps are active environments, and belongings may be placed in changing rooms, tack rooms or designated storage areas during the day.
Any Required Medication
Parents should tell the pony camp about medical conditions, allergies or medication before the first session.
Medication such as an inhaler or allergy treatment should be clearly labelled. It also needs to be stored and used according to the camp’s own policy.
Do not simply place medication at the bottom of a child’s bag without informing an instructor. Staff need to know where it is, when it may be required and who is authorised to administer it.
A short written note can be useful, especially when a child has a specific trigger or treatment plan.
Emergency contact details should also be up to date.
Hair Ties For Long Hair
Long hair should be tied back neatly.
A low ponytail or plait usually works well under a riding hat. High buns can affect the helmet fit, while loose hair may become tangled or blow across the child’s face during a lesson.
Pack a few spare hair ties. They are small, easy to lose and surprisingly useful.
Hair clips should sit comfortably beneath or away from the riding hat. Large hard clips may create pressure points and should generally be avoided.
Body Protector, When Required
A body protector helps reduce the risk of certain injuries during a fall. Some pony camps require one for jumping, trekking or particular mounted activities.
Many riding schools can provide body protectors, but availability and sizing may vary.
Children who own one should check that it still fits. Young riders grow quickly, and last year’s protector may now be too short or tight.
The instructor should confirm that it is correctly adjusted before riding. A poorly fitted protector can restrict movement and may not provide the intended level of protection.
Items That Are Better Left At Home
Children do not need to bring a large amount of equipment to enjoy pony camp.
Expensive jewellery should be removed. Necklaces, hoop earrings and bracelets can catch on clothing or stable fixtures. Small stud earrings may be accepted, but the camp’s rules should be checked.
Tablets, games consoles and other valuable electronics are unnecessary. Phones may be allowed for contact purposes, though they should remain safely stored during activities.
Treats for the ponies should not be brought unless the yard has given permission. Feeding horses without supervision can lead to nipping, arguments between ponies or dietary problems.
Umbrellas are also unsuitable around horses. The sudden movement and shape can frighten some animals.
Check The Camp’s Own Packing List
Every pony camp runs slightly differently.
Some provide riding hats and body protectors. Others ask children to bring their own. One camp may include lunch, while another expects every rider to arrive with a packed meal.
The best step is to read the booking information carefully or contact the riding school before the camp begins.
Ask about:
- Riding hat availability
- Suitable footwear
- Lunch arrangements
- Start and collection times
- Medication policies
- Clothing requirements
- Weather cancellations
- Required forms
This avoids last-minute confusion and gives the child a calmer start to the day.
Preparing For A First Pony Camp
Children often feel excited and slightly nervous before their first pony camp. That is completely normal.
Talk through the day with them in advance. Explain that they may ride different ponies, meet new instructors and learn tasks that feel unfamiliar at first. Nobody is expected to know everything on day one.
Arriving a little early can help. The child has time to find the correct area, put away their belongings and meet the staff without rushing.
Their name should be written on clothing, lunch boxes, bottles and riding equipment. Pony camps can be busy, and identical black jackets have a habit of becoming impossible to identify by collection time.
Most importantly, keep the packing sensible. A child does not need the most expensive riding wardrobe to enjoy pony camp. Safe footwear, comfortable clothes, weather protection and a positive attitude are the things that matter most.
Get Ready For Pony Camp In Ireland
A well-packed bag helps children settle into pony camp and enjoy every part of the experience, from their riding lesson to grooming and stable care.
Bring practical layers, a waterproof jacket, safe boots, spare clothes, lunch, water and any medication the camp needs to know about. Check which safety equipment is supplied before purchasing anything new.
Once those basics are covered, the child can focus on the enjoyable part: spending time with the ponies, learning new skills and making memories during the school holidays.