Horsemanship Riding Camp is full of learning and fun

MADISON – For any horseman, young or old, experienced or novice, having the knowledge of knowing the correct riding position, and the skills needed to handle their horse is a must for proper care and safety.

This week, Oak Meadows Stables of nearby Toney is hosting its third summer Horsemanship Camp of 2026 and are led by stable owners Leah and Paul Imsand, who have offered similar camps for 35 years and since 2002 at their current 33 acres location just north of Highway 53.

“Many of our campers are young, insecure and shy, but we help them with self-confidence and to groom a horse and how to manage a horse from saddling to riding, all through following instructions and learning leadership,” said Leah Imsand.

Three of this week’s campers are Madison residents who are eager to learn the ways of proper horsemanship each with a riding experience level different than the rest.

The Wrinkle sisters, Alyssa, 12, and Aubrey, 11, both students of Liberty Middle School, have some moderate riding experience due to riding horses while visiting their grandmother’s home in Virginia. Aubrey said of riding a huge, powerful animal like a horse, “I feel like I’m connected to horses. While riding, I feel like I understand the pace the horse likes to go.” Alyssa added, “I love bareback riding the most as it’s different than riding with a saddle. I feel closer to the horse.” The sisters attended a similar camp last summer. “I learned about horses and used a feed mixture to feed the horses. It rained a lot, so we didn’t get to ride as much as we wanted,” said Aubrey.

Nine-year old Cassie Battle, who this summer attended the Madison Tennis Academy, has been thinking of riding more as she’s had riding experiences with six horses, but was looking to the camp to learn more.

“I’ve ridden some trails, but I’ve mostly been on horses while they walk,” said Cassie, whose mother, Elaine, attended a camp when she was a young girl and wanted Cassie to experience something she will remember for a lifetime.

Safety helmets are provided along with a horse that each camper works with throughout the week.

“We want a great personal experience for each student who will learn to build a partnership with their horse and be able to ride their horse with confidence. We even play games with the horses and include a trail ride on our acreage. Each student will learn how to communicate with their horse and how to recognize the horse’s communication back to that student,” said Leah Imsand.

Correct horsemanship relies on balanced rider posture and clear well-timed communication between horse and rider to build trust and how a horse responds.

“I always love being with animals. Riding a particular horse for the first time can be scary, but you quickly learn the horse,” said Alyssa, who also enjoys participating in Green Power as she enters the seventh grade. “We visited the camp location, saw all the horses and stables, as it all looked more professional than the last camp we attended. I want to someday become a veterinarian and take care of horses and dogs.”

The Wrinkle sisters have been mowing the family lawn as a way to earn money to pay for the camp, but each cut of grass has been well worth the effort.

“I want to learn how to take care of a horse,” said Aubrey, who has a level two black belt in Marshall arts and is now participating in gymnastics and wants to try cheer or volleyball once arriving as a sixth grader this fall.

“The first time I rode a horse who began to run I was scared little bit, but I just held on tight,” said Cassie, who has attended an Art Camp as well.