Experience the Joy of Horses at the Y

Have a Passion for Horses? So Do We!

A connection with any animal is special, but learning to trust and work with a horse as a partnership is extra special. The Y’s equestrian programs allow riders the opportunity to advance horseback riding skills, expand knowledge, and enjoy riding with friends.

Ride, Learn, Grow

At YMCA Camp Carter, horseback riding isn’t just time in the saddle, it’s a chance for kids to build confidence, learn new skills, and make memories they’ll talk about long after camp. With safe horses, caring staff, and a welcoming barn, every ride feels like an adventure. Discover all the ways your child can connect with horses at Camp Carter:

Private Riding Lessons

Our goal is to teach participants the fundamentals of riding while developing skills, coordination, confidence, and self-esteem.

Pony Express

This class teaches riders, ages 4-8, horse safety, grooming tools and how to lead a horse.

Birthday Parties

This hands-on horse experience allows participants to brush, pet, paint or ride a horse around the arena. Learn more.

Group Horse Experiences

From volunteer projects, team outings and more, and we can customize a program to fit your needs.

Summer Camp

Get ready to saddle up, make new friends, and create amazing memories with our incredible horses. Check out our summer camp curriculum.

Best of 2026

We’re proud to be selected as Fort Worth Magazine’s 2026 Best of Fort Worth Editor’s Pick Winner for Horseback Riding.

Summer Wrangler Camps

Camp runs from 8am – 11am each day and takes place at the YMCA Camp Carter Equestrian Center. Pricing for each session: Members $200 and Non-Members $250

Horse Camp Dates Ages
June 1-2 7-9
June 3-4 10-12
June 8-9 7-9
June 10-11 10-12
June 15-16 7-9
June 17-18 10-12
June 22-23 7-9
June 24-25 10-12
July 6-7 7-9
July 8-9 10-12
July 13-14 7-9
July 15-16 10-12
July 27-28 7-9
July 29-30 10-12
August 3-4 7-9
August 5-6 10-12

Programs Directory

Not all of our equestrian programs are listed below. If you don’t see the option you’re looking for, please complete our Interest Form and a staff member will connect with you to share more details.

0 programs meet your criteria

Support the Equestrian Center

The Equestrian Center at YMCA Camp Carter provides life-changing opportunities for youth and families to build confidence, responsibility, and a love for horses. Your support helps us care for our animals, expand programs, and make horseback riding accessible to more kids in our community.

Financial Assistance & Military Camperships

The Y is here for ALL. Financial assistance and income-based scholarships are available to help make camp programs possible for every family. We encourage families to apply early, as assistance is limited.

YMCA Camp Carter proudly offers Military Camperships to families currently serving as active duty, deployed, reserve, and veteran service members. Camperships are available for both Day Camp and Overnight Camp and are awarded using a tiered system based on rank and status. We are honored to serve military families and help ensure camp is accessible to those who serve our country.

Learn More

Ready to ride?

YMCA Camp Carter hosts year-round equestrian programs for the entire family. Contact us today to book your riding lesson, birthday party or to learn more about our programs.

Let’s Go to the Equestrian Center!

The YMCA Equestrian Center is located on Meandering Rd, just behind the River Oaks baseball fields. Separate from YMCA Camp Carter, our center offers a dedicated space for riders of all ages and skill levels to learn, grow, and connect with horses. With lessons, camps, and year-round programming, the Equestrian Center is your place for every season in the saddle.

Address

5800 Meandering Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76114
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Contact Information

817-738-9241
horses@ymcafw.org

Our team is frequently out on the property. Please leave a voicemail, and we’ll return your call ASAP. Do not call this number to change or cancel sessions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Long pants and boots with a slight heel are recommended for safety and comfort. Flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and shorts are not permitted while riding.

We provide helmets and tack for all riders but you’re welcome to bring your own approved riding helmet.

Riding apparel can be purchased locally at Teskey’s Western Store in Weatherford, Atwoods, or Tractor Supply. Many online retailers also offer riding attire and equipment, listed below are just a few:

  • kerrits.com
  • smartpakequine.com
  • chickssaddlery.com
  • marystack.com
  • ridingwarhouse.com

Lessons are 60 minutes long and include much more than riding. Students learn to catch their horse, groom, tack up, ride, untack, and provide basic care before returning the horse to its pasture or stall.

Please arrive approximately 5 minutes before your scheduled lesson time. Lessons begin promptly and cannot be extended for late arrivals.

Our horses vary in breed, size, and temperament, allowing us to pair each rider with a horse that best fits their skill level and goals.

Not at all—beginners are welcome.

Every new rider receives an assessment so our trainers can understand their experience level, discuss goals, and create an individualized training plan.

Learning to ride is a journey that takes time and practice. Most riders begin at the walk, where they develop balance, posture, steering, stopping, and communication skills before progressing to faster gaits. If it’s been years since you’ve ridden, we also offer refresher lessons to help you regain confidence and skills.

Trotting, cantering, and loping require additional balance, strength, and riding skills. Your trainer will help you build a strong foundation before progressing to faster gaits.

Every rider advances at their own pace, and safety always comes first.

Riders can begin lessons as young as age 6. Children ages 6–9 participate in 30-minute lead-line lessons designed to build confidence and basic horsemanship skills.

We also welcome adult riders of all experience levels. It’s never too late to learn to ride.

Yes. Riders should be physically able to mount, dismount, and ride comfortably.

If you have a medical condition, including back or neck injuries, heart conditions, or pregnancy, please consult your healthcare provider before scheduling lessons.

For the safety of our horses and riders, the rider weight limit is 200 pounds (including tack).

We offer instruction in both English and Western riding disciplines.

Our program focuses on teaching strong horsemanship fundamentals that prepare riders for a variety of future goals, including trail riding, ranch riding, jumping, dressage, barrel racing, and more.

Most lessons are private and conducted one-on-one with a trainer.

At the trainer’s discretion, riders may occasionally participate in small group lessons or trail rides when appropriate for their skill level and training goals.

Yes. We believe groundwork is the foundation of great riding and horsemanship.

Groundwork lessons help riders develop communication, handling, and leadership skills while building confidence both on and off the horse.

Our focus is on providing quality horsemanship and riding education rather than competition.

We do not currently offer horse leases or public trail rides, and our program does not actively participate in or prepare riders for horse shows.

We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for lesson cancellations. Lessons canceled with less notice may be charged.

Safety is always our top priority. Lessons may be rescheduled or modified due to weather conditions, including excessive heat, lightning, severe storms, high winds, or extreme cold. When riding conditions are unsafe, trainers may offer alternative horsemanship or groundwork activities when appropriate.

Lessons canceled by the YMCA Camp Carter Equestrian Center due to weather are not charged.

  • Horse Heat Index: The horse heat index is followed to ensure the safety of our horses, riders, and trainers. The heat index is determined by adding the air temperature to the relative humidity. The sum = the heat index. The heat index serves as a guideline and we will factor in other variables, such as the age of a horse, when determining if it is safe to ride.
  • Rain / Storms /Lightning: Lesson and programs can proceed if the rain or storms are not severe and there is no lightning. If a lesson or program is in progress and lightning is detected, riders will be asked to dismount. Alternative activities (such as ground work) may continue at the discretion of the trainer or wrangler in charge.
  • Wind: Lessons may be rescheduled or lesson content shifted due to wind gusts over 30 MPH.
  • Cold Weather: When the weather turns cold, we still conduct lessons. However, when temperatures and/or the windchill starts to get close to or below freezing, riding isn’t as much fun. Trainers will work with riders to reschedule their lesson when it is too cold to ride.

Yes. All new visitors, riders, and program participants must complete a liability waiver before participating in any equestrian activities.

  • For the safety of our horses, riders, and guests:
  • All visitors must have a signed liability waiver on file.
  • Follow all posted signs and staff instructions.
  • No running, yelling, or horseplay around the barn or arenas.
  • Do not feed horses without staff permission.
  • Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children.
  • Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, firearms, and other weapons are prohibited.
  • Please respect the animals, facilities, staff, and fellow guests at all times.

Yes. Our popular Jr. Wrangler Horse Camps provide hands-on horse experiences in a fun and supportive environment rooted in Fort Worth’s equestrian heritage.

Campers learn horse care, riding skills, and horsemanship while enjoying a memorable summer experience.

Yes! We offer Buckaroo Birthday Parties, school field trips, homeschool visits, scout programs, and customized group experiences.

Guests can enjoy horse grooming, horsemanship activities, educational experiences, and wrangler-led rides. Contact horses@ymcafw.org for availability and details.

Not at this time. We hope to expand our offerings in the future as we pursue the specialized training and certifications required to safely provide these programs.

There are many ways to support the Camp Carter Equestrian Center, including volunteering, making donations, purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist, or helping care for the horses through community partnerships. Contact horses@ymcafw.org to learn how you can get involved.

The YMCA Camp Carter Equestrian Center is located at: 5800 Meandering Road  Fort Worth, TX 76114

The barn is open by appointment. Follow us on social media for upcoming programs, events, and special opportunities.

As you enter Camp Carter, follow signs for the Equestrian Center. Continue past the Castleberry ISD baseball fields and follow the gravel road to the barn.

If a staff member is not waiting in the parking area, please walk into the barn and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

We know our horses are hard to resist. For everyone’s safety, horses should only be approached with staff guidance and permission. Please ask a wrangler before petting or interacting with any horse.

Our facility features one of the few full-size covered riding arenas in Fort Worth, measuring 100′ x 200′.

We also have:

  • An outdoor arena
  • A round pen
  • Riding trails throughout Camp Carter’s beautiful property

Yes. We offer a limited number of full-care boarding spaces.

Boarding includes daily care provided by our staff. We do not offer self-care boarding.

Please contact horses@ymcafw.org for current availability and pricing.

Yes. Our horses, barn, arenas, and natural setting provide a unique backdrop for photography sessions.

Facility use fees apply, and additional fees may apply if one of our horses is included in the session.

Contact us for pricing and availability.

Questions? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at horses@ymcafw.org for program information, scheduling, or general inquiries. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @ymcacampcarterequestrian for updates, horse stories, and upcoming events.