Looking for horseback riding lessons and camps in Southwest Florida? Families in Collier and Lee Counties can find beginner-friendly lessons, themed summer camps, trail rides, and even equine vaulting—often with hands-on horsemanship kids love (grooming, tacking, barn chores, and more). Below are local stables where kids can learn to ride, build confidence, and spend time with these gentle, powerful animals.
Before you book, check age minimums, safety requirements, and summer heat policies.
Where can we do family-friendly trail rides in Naples?
If your child dreams of riding beyond the arena, Naples has options for guided trail experiences.
Rusty Daisy Ranch (Naples)
Rusty Daisy Ranch is the only place where guests can ride trails through the Picayune State Forest. Owner Michelle Bock describes it as “a nice beginner friendly trail ride,” adding, “We cover about two miles of trails. They see all kinds of wildlife.”
One mom, Carrie Christopher, loves trail riding with her daughter Ava, 11: “It is an unbelievable experience… There is nothing like riding a horse in the wild, open and free. It is an unbelievable thing to do as a family.” Ava agrees: “It’s quiet and peaceful and the horses love nature.”
Rusty Daisy’s summer camps are especially immersive: kids ride in the ring and on trails (English, western, and bareback), groom horses, learn horsemanship and barn management, meet the farrier, try obstacle courses, and build new riding skills. “It is very immersive,” Bock said.
West Coast Blessed Ranch (Naples)
West Coast Blessed Ranch offers a two-hour trail ride experience that begins with an introduction and time with the horses, followed by an hour of riding through woods near the farm. “We have really calm horses,” owner Antonio Medina said. The ranch also has a bunny pen where guests can pet and feed rabbits. (Lessons are available; no summer camps.)
Which Naples programs are best for confidence-building and inclusive riding?
For families seeking an inclusive environment—especially when your child benefits from extra support—Naples has a standout option.
Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (Naples)
During most of the year, Naples Therapeutic Riding Center provides lessons for children and adults with special needs. In the summer, camps are open to everyone, giving kids the chance to learn alongside children of all abilities. “It is inclusive,” said Christian Vanorsdale, the center’s director of programs, marketing, and outreach. “It is a great time for them to step into their world.”
Campers ride, do crafts, enjoy guest speakers, cool off on a water day, and show off new skills on a final show day. For more inclusive camp ideas across the region, see Local Summer Camps for Children with Special Needs.
Where can kids find “extras” like pool time, western riding, or parent-and-child programs?
Some equestrian camps add special experiences that can be a big win for younger riders or kids new to horses.
Reddawn’s Ranch of SWFL (Naples)
Summer riding is hot—so Reddawn’s Ranch of SWFL adds a swimming pool break. Campers brush horses, clean hooves, bond with the animals, ride, make crafts, play games, swim, and cool down with snow cones.
Owner Cheyenne Bechtol says her specialty is western riding: “We do barrel racing and [pole bending]. We teach anyone from beginners to those that want to go to shows and compete.”
Cornerstone Farm South (Naples)
Cornerstone Farm South offers a “Mom and Me” program for ages 4–6, designed for kids who want to experience horses with a parent. “There are a lot of parents that want to be hands-on and involved,” owner Leslie Terry said.
Cornerstone also has a volunteer and mentoring pathway. Riders who show strong work ethic can begin volunteering as young as age 10. “We want to build responsibility and encourage those who want to learn more horsemanship,” Terry said. Four high school students per year are chosen for paid internships paired with industry professionals.
Summer camp groups are divided by skill level, with curriculum tailored to interests and ability. “We are not cookie cutter,” Terry stressed.
Whistling Dixie Farms (Naples)
Whistling Dixie Farms offers lessons and summer camp. Owner Julie McFalls says, “A typical day consists of crafts, horse care, horse training, and riding.” (Camp details are typically announced in spring.)
Weather Watch Performance Horses (Naples)
Andy and Christina Wilson, owners of Weather Watch Performance Horses, teach lessons to children ages 10 and up. (No summer camps.)
What’s available in Bonita Springs for lessons, camps, and pony programs?
Bonita Springs has two kid-focused options—one known for a pony-centered Saturday program and one featuring equine vaulting.
Providence Equestrian Center (Bonita Springs)
Providence Equestrian Center offers Pony Pals, a Saturday program where children groom and tack, ride, learn horsemanship, and enjoy crafts and games. Dana Marino, 11, says, “Riding is good because you get to bond with the horses.” Her mother, Amanda, adds, “It’s great for her confidence… it teaches responsibility.”
In summer, children in grades K–8 can attend themed weekly camps (examples include Christmas in July and carnival). Providence has an air-conditioned building for breaks and a covered arena for riding in the shade. Camp may include a water day, bareback riding, and time with farm animals like chickens, goats, pigs, and cows.
Faith Garcia, 10, a long-time camper, says, “There is a lot of stuff to do here… You learn about tack and the horses’ emotions and how to tell how the horses are feeling.” Owner Heather Cassese adds that hard-working students may have opportunities to volunteer and work for riding credits.
Florida Everglades Equestrian Center (Bonita Springs)
Florida Everglades Equestrian Center highlights equine vaulting—gymnastic-style movement on a horse—as a signature offering. “The equine vaulting sets us apart,” owner Joanna Sime said. Vaulting is available during lessons, camps, and birthday parties.
During summer camp, children ages 6–14 may enjoy lessons, horsemanship, crafts, equestrian games, scavenger hunts, swimming, and vaulting, ending with a horse show where they demonstrate new skills.
Where can kids ride in Lee County (Cape Coral and North Fort Myers)?
Lee County families can find robust lesson programs and camps, including certified instruction and scholarship support.
Saddlewood Horse Club (Cape Coral)
Saddlewood Horse Club offers one of the most extensive programs for kids, with certified instructors teaching both English and western riding. Lessons include riding, grooming, and horsemanship and are listed at $60 per hour. Every other month, Saddlewood hosts Horse Interaction Day—an entry-level way to introduce kids to riding at a lower cost. “It is just a fun day at the farm,” owner Christina Sdrenka said.
Saddlewood also offers birthday parties (with an air-conditioned house), a small petting zoo (bunnies, miniature goats, and mini horses), and summer camps with covered-arena riding, crafts, games, and skill lessons—including equestrian vaulting. Sdrenka says vaulting is “a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with the horse.”
Expect lots of horseback games during camp—egg-and-spoon races, obstacle courses, relay races, and more. “We have a humongous amount of games we play on horseback,” Sdrenka said. “Especially for young kids, it is a fun way to learn.”
Gregory Ranch (North Fort Myers)
Gregory Ranch is a small family-owned ranch offering lessons, homeschool classes, camps, and events. Owner Aslin Gregory also runs Hoofed Heroes, a nonprofit that provides summer camp scholarships. “We try to make it so all kids can go,” she said. “I come from a low-income family so this is very important to me.”
Campers ride in the ring and around the property, interact with chickens and goats, play indoor and outdoor games, make crafts, and swim in a pool. Gregory describes the camp structure: “We do stations: grooming, riding, all things horses, morning chores.” She adds an important reminder for new riders: “They are big majestic beautiful animals, but they are also a lot of hard work.”
The ranch also hosts seasonal events such as Rider Reindeer (a holiday fundraiser) and a fall Trot or Treat event, plus a Trailblazing Teens program focused on community service.
What should I ask before signing up for horseback riding lessons or camp?
Use this quick checklist when you call or email. A few minutes now can prevent surprises later—especially during summer.
- Age and skill level: What ages do you accept, and do you group riders by ability?
- Safety requirements: Do riders need their own helmet and boots, or are helmets provided?
- Heat plan: What’s the schedule for shade, water breaks, and indoor cool-down time?
- What’s included: Is grooming/tacking part of the session, or just riding time?
- Discipline options: Do you offer English, western, trail riding, or specialty programs like vaulting?
- Make-up policies: How do you handle weather cancellations and missed days?
Next step: If you’re comparing multiple camps, visit the SWFL Family Summer Camp Fair.
If you go: Southwest Florida stables and programs (by city)
Naples (Collier County)
- Cornerstone Farm South — 1761 Rock Rd., Naples — 239-595-7618 — cornerstonefarmsouth.com — cornerstonepony@gmail.com — Camps for ages 8+, June & July
- Naples Therapeutic Riding Center — 206 Ridge Dr., Naples — 239-596-2988 — naplestherapeuticridingcenter.org — Camps for ages 4–16, June & July
- Reddawn’s Ranch of SWFL — 3195 21st Ave. S.W., Naples — 239-285-6800 — Check Facebook — Camps for ages 4–12, June & July
- Rusty Daisy Ranch — 5450 Stable Way, Naples — therustydaisyranch.com — 239-289-4966 — therustydaisyranch@gmail.com — Camps for ages 6–16, June–August
- Weather Watch Performance Horses — 235 Center St., Naples — weatherwatchph.com — 239-823-6330 — Lessons for ages 10+
- West Coast Blessed Ranch — 3400 Smith Rd., Naples — wcbrnaples.com — 239-289-3837 — wcbrnaples@gmail.com — Trail rides, petting zoo
- Whistling Dixie Farms — 3880 16th Ave. N.E., Naples — whistlingdixiefarms.com — 239-571-9566 — Camp details typically announced in spring
Bonita Springs (Lee County)
- Florida Everglades Equestrian Center — 10811 Strike Lane, Bonita Springs — floridaevergladesequestrian.com — 239-287-1413 — floridaeveqcenter@gmail.com — Camps for ages 6–14, June & July
- Providence Equestrian Center — 13731 E. Terry St., Bonita Springs — providenceequestriancenter.com — 941-677-8606 — Camps for grades K–8, June–August
Cape Coral and North Fort Myers (Lee County)
- Saddlewood Horse Club — 16111 Saddlewood Lane, Cape Coral — capehorses.com — 239-738-9300 — Christina@CapeHorses.com — Camps for ages 5–15, June–August
- Gregory Ranch — 8401 Henderson Grade, North Fort Myers — gregoryranchnfm.net — 239-785-9454 — gregoryranchnfm@gmail.com — Camps in June & July (call for ages)
Ready to plan? Start with the barn that matches your child’s age and interests (trail rides, western events, vaulting, or a first pony experience). Then save dates and compare options using our camp directory and calendar.