What’s Camp All About?

The camp week is Monday-Friday (Mon: 8:30AM-4PM, T-Fri: 9AM-4PM)
Tuition: $575

Our camp is targeted to youth 6-12 years old, and introduces young riders to the fundamentals of riding, horse care and horse safety in a fun and informative way!

We strive to teach all of our campers the basics of horsemanship. Campers participate in a daily small group riding lesson and learn to safely work with horses on the ground, the most effective riding position, equine anatomy, horse and tack care, herd dynamics—and so much more! When riding we make sure that all campers learn how to control their own horse and not just follow in line.  We do this through fun games and exercises, with assistance where needed. Our campers are led by an adult supervisor who loves kids, horses and having fun!

When not around the horses, campers enjoy arts & crafts, swimming in our pool (summer only), and indoor & outdoor games.

Interacting with horses also teaches us about ourselves. Self-respect, respect for others, curiosity, clarity in communication—all are natural “ways of being” for these very special animals. Add in each horse’s unique personality, preferences, and willingness to partner with humans and you begin to see why they have so much to offer our young riders.

A young girl with dark hair in braids, wearing a pink dress, smiling and holding the reins of a light brown horse with a white face and dark mane, standing outdoors with greenery and purple flowers in the background.
A young girl wearing a helmet holding a lead rope attached to a white horse in a garden with green foliage.

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Camp Switch Willo!

  1. Voted “Best Equestrian Camp” by Austin Family Magazine - 2009-2021

  2. Austin’s only State-Certified Riding Camp

  3. Best Instructor to Student Ratio (no riding group larger than 4)

  4. Friday Horse Show & Ribbon Ceremony!

  5. Swimming in our pool (summer only)!

  6. Large Air-conditioned & Heated Camp House & Lots of Shade Trees!

  7. Conveniently Located - 15 Minutes North of Downtown Austin

  8. Morning & Afternoon Extended-Care Options Starting at 8AM & Ending at 5PM

  9. Each Group Supervised by an Adult & all Adult Employees Undergo Background Checks

  10. More Students from Switch Willo have obtained Full-ride Scholarships on NCAA Equestrian Teams than from any other Austin-area Stable. Many Started their Hunter/Jumper Journey at Camp Switch Willo!

Accolades

  • Logo for Austin Family Readers' Poll Favorites 2024 with a star design and the text 'Since 1992'
  • Austin Family Readers' Poll Favorite badge with a star design, the year 2023 prominently displayed, and the text 'Since 1992'.
  • A circular badge with a purple background, a yellow star in the center, and text stating "Austin Family Readers' Poll Favorite 2022, Since 1992."
  • Austin Family 30th anniversary readers' poll favorite badge from 2021.
  • A blue emblem celebrating 28 years of the Ashlin Family Scholarship, with a star in the center, the year 2020, and the text 'Celebrating 28 Years!' on a banner.
  • Cover of Austin Family magazine featuring a smiling girl with dark hair holding an American flag pin, a small dog, and text promoting local authors, parenting tips, and a chat with Tish Oxenreider.
  • Display of award certificates for Switch Willo Stables from 2010 to 2015, titled 'Favorite Place to Learn Equestrian' at the bottom.
  • A graphic celebrating the Austin Family 25th Anniversary in 2017, featuring a star with the year 2017, surrounded by the text 'Austin Family 25th Anniversary Reader's Poll Favorites'.
  • Expertise award badge for Best Horse Boarders in Austin, 2017, featuring a teal and navy geometric logo and laurel wreath design.
  • Certificate for the Best Camp Award 2017 from Nurture My Child, surrounded by colorful leaves.
  • Logo for Austin Family Reader's Poll Favorites 2016, featuring a yellow star with purple and red text.
  • Austin Family Readers' Poll Favorites 2015 logo with a gold star and blue and red text.