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UBC Vancouver | Horse Riding Specialty

Horse Riding Summer Camp at UBC Vancouver

Learn English at UBC. Ride with Local Students. Live the Canadian Outdoors.

A 2- or 4-week summer experience for international students ages 10-17, combining the Camp International UBC ESL program with a dedicated horse-riding specialty week.
June 27 – August 7, 2027  |  Ages 10-17  |  2 or 4 Weeks
Horse Riding specialty begins in Week 2 – July 4, 2027
REGISTER FOR SUMMER 2027
VIEW DATES & PRICING
Request Information
View Sample Schedule

Ages 10-17

Years old

2 or 4 Weeks

UBC ESL + Horse Riding week

50%+ Local Campers

During the Horse Riding week

3-4 Small Groups

Rotating riding sessions

Program Overview

HORSE RIDING SUMMER CAMP AT UBC VANCOUVER

Camp International’s Horse Riding Summer Camp combines two complementary experiences in one program: the UBC ESL Summer Camp in Vancouver and a dedicated residential Horse Riding specialty week. Students build practical English skills, experience life on the UBC Vancouver campus, explore Canadian education and culture, and then transition into a hands-on outdoor environment focused on horses, riding, animal care, recreation and authentic camp life.
During the UBC ESL portion, students follow the same core Camp International experience as the English program, including English instruction taught by UBC teachers, daily activities, evening social programming, Canadian education exposure and scheduled full-day excursions. During the Horse Riding week, the standard UBC schedule is replaced by the specialty program and students move into a dedicated horse-camp experience.
The Horse Riding week goes beyond time in the saddle. Students can learn riding basics, grooming, saddling and safe horse handling through small-group rotations, while also taking part in animal care, swimming, arts & crafts, sports, games and outdoor recreation. A major advantage of this specialty is the local community: more than 50% of students during the Horse Riding week are local campers. This gives international students a stronger opportunity to build friendships with local peers, use English naturally throughout the day and experience Canadian summer camp life from the inside.
Families can currently choose a 2-week or 4-week experience. The standard 2-week structure is 1 week of ESL at UBC + 1 week of Horse Riding. The standard 4-week structure is 3 weeks of ESL at UBC + 1 week of Horse Riding; a 2-week ESL + 2-week Horse Riding configuration can be requested.

English at UBC.

Horses & Outdoors.

More Local Connections.

One Canadian Summer Experience.

HOW THE HORSE RIDING SPECIALIZATION WORKS

The Horse Riding option is a specialty pathway within the Camp International UBC summer program. Students do not spend their entire stay at the riding camp; the experience intentionally combines UBC ESL programming with a focused Horse Riding week.
2 WEEKS

1 week ESL at UBC + 1 week Horse Riding

ESL at UBCHorse Riding

Standard package
4 WEEKS

3 weeks ESL at UBC + 1 week Horse Riding

ESLESLESLHorse
Standard package
4 WEEKS – UPON REQUEST

2 weeks ESL at UBC + 2 weeks Horse Riding

ESLHorseESLHorse
Subject to request / availability
Program logic: the Horse Riding specialty operates on a 2-week cycle, beginning with Week 2 on Sunday, July 4, 2027. Based on the current cycle, the specialty week falls in Weeks 2, 4 and 6.

THE TWO EXPERIENCES

One program, two very different ways to experience Canada.
UBC ESL EXPERIENCE
  • English instruction taught by UBC teachers
  • Practical English through camp life and Conversation Club
  • Canadian education exposure / local school experience
  • Daily on-campus activities and evening social programming
  • Two scheduled full-day excursion days within a standard ESL week
  • International friendships and UBC campus life
HORSE RIDING EXPERIENCE
  • Ride & Learn with Local Students
  • More than 50% of students during Horse Riding week are local campers
  • Natural English practice and friendships with local peers
  • Students divided into 3-4 small groups
  • Rotating scheduled horseback-riding sessions
  • Riding basics, grooming, saddling and horse handling
  • Animal care
  • Swimming, arts & crafts, sports and outdoor recreation
  • Camp orientation, specialty-week community and graduation experience

HORSE RIDING SKILLS & CAMP LIFE

What students experience during the Horse Riding specialty week.

Riding Skills

Students are introduced to practical horse-riding skills and safe interaction with horses. Program content can include the basics of riding, grooming, saddling and horse handling.

Small-Group Learning

The specialty schedule uses small-group riding rotations so students can participate in scheduled riding sessions and receive a more structured, hands-on experience.

Horse Care

The experience extends beyond riding. Horse grooming and animal-care activities help students understand the daily responsibilities involved in caring for horses.

Camp Activities

Outside scheduled riding sessions, the specialty week can include swimming, arts & crafts, sports, games and outdoor recreation.

Evening Camp Life

Evening programming may include team games, scavenger hunts, skits or performances, campfire-style activities and a final social event, depending on the operating schedule.

Local Community Immersion

More than 50% of students during the Horse Riding week are local campers. For international students, this creates a natural opportunity to make local friends, practice English beyond the classroom and experience everyday Canadian camp culture.

English Beyond the Classroom

English becomes part of daily life during the specialty week. Students communicate with local peers while riding, caring for horses, joining activities and spending time together at camp.

Outdoor Canadian Experience

The specialty week is built around active outdoor experiences. Horseback riding, horse care, sports, games and outdoor recreation give students a refreshing change from traditional classroom learning.

LOCAL IMMERSION & OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE

From the UBC classroom to the saddle

From the UBC classroom to the saddle, this program gives students two very different ways to experience Canada. During the Horse Riding week, more than 50% of campers are local students, creating a natural environment for international participants to make local friends, use English in everyday situations and become part of a real Canadian summer-camp community. Days are active and hands-on, with horseback riding, horse care, sports, swimming, games and outdoor recreation. For families who want their child to connect with local students and spend more time learning outdoors, this is one of Camp International’s most immersive specialty options.
  • 50%+ local campers during the Horse Riding week
  • Real interaction with local students - not just sightseeing
  • Natural English practice through friendships and shared activities
  • Horseback riding + horse care + outdoor learning
  • Swimming, sports, games and active camp life
  • A strong choice for families seeking deeper Canadian immersion

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Why families choose the Horse Riding Summer Camp.

Two Experiences in One

Students combine the UBC ESL summer camp with a dedicated Horse Riding specialty week.

UBC Teachers

English language instruction during ESL weeks is taught by UBC teachers.

Ride & Learn with Local Students

The specialty week includes riding in an environment designed to include interaction with local students.

Small-Group Riding Rotations

Students are divided into approximately 3-4 small groups and rotate through scheduled horseback-riding sessions.

More Than Riding

The current horse-week program also includes animal care, swimming, arts & crafts and sports.

Canadian Education Exposure

During ESL weeks, the program can include local school experiences that expose students to Canadian high schools, colleges or universities depending on the schedule and availability.

Vancouver & BC Adventures

ESL weeks retain Camp International activities and scheduled full-day excursions.

Flexible Specialty Path

Families can choose a 2-week program or a longer 4-week option, with a second horse-riding week available upon request.

International Community

Students build friendships and use English across the UBC camp and specialty experience.

Riding + Horse Care

The specialty experience can introduce students to riding basics, grooming, saddling, safe horse handling and animal care - not only riding time.

Full Camp Experience

Swimming, arts & crafts, sports, games, outdoor recreation and evening camp activities create a broader residential camp experience around the riding program.

50%+ Local Campers

More than half of the students during the Horse Riding week are local campers, creating a stronger local-immersion environment for international students.

Authentic Local Connections

Students do more than visit Canada: they share activities, riding sessions and camp life with local peers, helping friendships and everyday English develop naturally.

English Beyond the Classroom

The specialty week gives students meaningful reasons to communicate in English while riding, caring for horses, participating in sports and enjoying camp activities.

Outdoor Adventure

Horseback riding, animal care, swimming, sports, games and outdoor recreation create an active Canadian summer experience with less time behind a desk and more time learning by doing.

SAMPLE 2-WEEK PROGRAM FLOW

The program first introduces Camp International at UBC, then moves into the Horse Riding specialty week.
WEEK 1 – ESL AT UBC
English classes, UBC campus life, daily activities, social programming, local Canadian education exposure and scheduled excursions. The exact activity mix changes by week.
WEEK 2 – HORSE RIDING
Dedicated riding-camp week with Ride & Learn with Local Students, small-group riding rotations, animal care, swimming, arts & crafts, sports, orientation and graduation programming.

SAMPLE ESL WEEK - UBC (WEEK 1)

SUNDAY
June 27		MONDAY
June 28		TUESDAY
June 29		WEDNESDAY
June 30		THURSDAY
July 1		FRIDAY
July 2		SATURDAY
July 3
8:00 - 8:45Breakfast
8:45 - 12:45Camper Arrivals / Intake
Settle in & Unpack		Language ClassesLanguage ClassesFull Day Excursion:
Whistler Day Trip + Shannon Falls		Language ClassesLanguage ClassesFull Day Excursion:
Granville Island
Canadians Baseball Game
Pacific Centre
Pizza Party
12:45 - 1:30LunchLunchLunchLunch
1:45 - 3:30Group Team-building ActivityCamp International Mystery ChallengeBattle of the Batter PrepCamps News Live!
3:30 - 5:30Campus AdventureDon't Say ItGroup Strategy & Planning + @ SupermarketScavenger Hunt
5:30 - 7:00Flex Time / DinnerFlex Time / Dinner
7:00 - 9:00Weekly KickoffWelcome SocialStranger SnapshotsGroup DinnerBattle of the BatterDisco Night
9:00 - 9:30Conversation ClubConversation Club
9:30 - 10:30Dorm TimeDorm Time
10:30Sleep Time
Sample only. Activities and excursions may be adjusted due to weather, availability or safety. Sunday is designated as arrival and departure day for weekly campers. Please review our device-free day policy in the Welcome Guide.

SAMPLE HORSE RIDING WEEK (WEEK 2)

The dedicated Horse Riding week replaces the standard UBC ESL daily schedule.
SUNDAY
July 4 (Day 8)		MONDAY
July 5 (Day 9)		TUESDAY
July 6 (Day 10)		WEDNESDAY
July 7 (Day 11)		THURSDAY
July 8 (Day 12)		FRIDAY
July 9 (Day 13)		SATURDAY
July 10 (Day 14)
Morning
8:00 - 12:00		Going to the CampRide & Learn with Local Students
Riding basics • Grooming • Saddling • Horse handling
Students are divided into 3-4 small groups, rotating through scheduled horseback-riding sessions.		Specialty week wrap-upFlight / Departure
Departure day
Afternoon
12:00 - 5:00		Camp OrientationStudents rotate through scheduled horseback-riding sessions in small groups. Depending on the daily plan, campers may also take part in horse care and other ranch activities.Graduation Ceremony (UBC)
Evening
5:00 - 9:00		Ice BreakingBeyond riding, additional experiences can include Swimming • Arts & Crafts • Sports • Games • Outdoor activities • Evening camp programmingGraduation Party
Activities and excursions may be adjusted due to weather, availability or safety. Sunday is designated as arrival and departure day for weekly campers. Please review our device-free day policy in the Welcome Guide.
Download the Horse Riding Week Schedule

2027 PROGRAM CALENDAR & HORSE RIDING CYCLES

The base UBC camp runs for six weeks. The Horse Riding specialty begins in Week 2 and follows the current 2-week cycle.
WEEK 1

ESL at UBC

June 27 – July 3
2-week Cycle 1 begins
WEEK 2

HORSE RIDING WEEK

July 4 – July 10
First specialty week
WEEK 3

ESL at UBC

July 11 – July 17
2-week Cycle 2 begins
WEEK 4

HORSE RIDING WEEK

July 18 – July 24
Second specialty week
WEEK 5

ESL at UBC

July 25 – July 31
2-week Cycle 3 begins
WEEK 6

HORSE RIDING WEEK

August 1 – August 7
Third specialty week

2-Week Package Start Dates

  • June 27, 2027 → Week 1 ESL + Week 2 Horse Riding
  • July 11, 2027 → Week 3 ESL + Week 4 Horse Riding
  • July 25, 2027 → Week 5 ESL + Week 6 Horse Riding

Horse Riding Specialty Week Start Dates

  • July 4, 2027
  • July 18, 2027
  • August 1, 2027

4-Week Package Examples

  • June 27 - July 24: standard 3 ESL weeks + 1 Horse Riding week. Upon request, Weeks 2 and 4 can both be Horse Riding weeks, creating a 2 ESL + 2 Horse configuration.
  • July 11 - August 7: standard 3 ESL weeks + 1 Horse Riding week. Upon request, Weeks 4 and 6 can both be Horse Riding weeks, creating a 2 ESL + 2 Horse configuration.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Program Detail Current Website Content
Program name Camp International – Horse Riding Summer Camp / Horse Riding Specialization
Base location UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Horse Riding week Dedicated horse-riding camp / specialty location – exact location to be confirmed
Age range 10-17 years old
2027 camp season Sunday, June 27, 2027 to Saturday, August 7, 2027
Program length 2 weeks or 4 weeks
2-week structure 1 week ESL at UBC + 1 week Horse Riding
4-week structure 3 weeks ESL at UBC + 1 week Horse Riding
4-week alternate 2 weeks ESL + 2 weeks Horse Riding upon request
First Horse Riding week Sunday, July 4, 2027 (Week 2)
English teachers English language instruction taught by UBC teachers during ESL weeks
Horse Riding format Ride & Learn with Local Students; small-group rotating riding sessions
Accommodation Same UBC Residence / Self-Arranged framework as the ESL program, subject to final horse-week logistics
Certificate Certificate of Completion / graduation component included according to current program structure
Visa support Visa application support available through a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Horse Riding uses the same pricing as the equivalent ESL program duration. The specialty experience is part of the package, not a separate surcharge.
UBC RESIDENCE PROGRAM INCLUDES
  • Registration fee
  • English language instruction taught by UBC teachers during ESL weeks
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Horse Riding specialty programming during the designated week
  • Scheduled small-group riding sessions
  • Riding basics, grooming, saddling and horse-handling instruction / activities
  • Horse care and supporting specialty-week activities
  • All applicable activity entry fees
  • Full-day excursions during ESL weeks
  • Daily activities
  • Transportation between residence and scheduled activities
  • Camp International T-shirt
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Free Wi-Fi on campus
  • Full board: 3 meals per day during the UBC Residence program
  • UBC residence accommodation, subject to availability
  • 24-hour on-campus support
  • Medical insurance
  • Laundry service at UBC
SELF-ARRANGED ACCOMMODATION INCLUDES
  • Registration fee
  • English language instruction taught by UBC teachers during ESL weeks
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Horse Riding specialty programming during the designated week
  • Scheduled small-group riding sessions
  • Riding basics, grooming, saddling and horse-handling instruction / activities
  • Horse care and supporting specialty-week activities
  • Daily camp activities
  • Full-day excursions during ESL weeks
  • Lunch Monday-Friday during the UBC ESL portion
  • Applicable activity entry fees
  • Transportation between scheduled activities
  • Medical insurance
  • Camp International T-shirt
  • Family arranges accommodation and daily transportation to / from the UBC program location

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Choose the option that fits your family.
OPTION 1

UBC Residence

The same core residential framework as the ESL program: UBC residence, full board, 24-hour on-campus support, medical insurance, laundry, airport pickup/drop-off, activities and scheduled transportation. Accommodation arrangements during the Horse Riding specialty week are confirmed with registered families.
OPTION 2

Self-Arranged Accommodation

For the UBC ESL portion, families arrange accommodation and daily transportation to/from UBC. Lunch Monday-Friday and transportation between scheduled camp activities are included; breakfast and dinner are not included. Specialty-week transportation and meal logistics are confirmed separately.

PACKING & SAFETY

Pre-arrival preparation for the Horse Riding week.

Packing List

A dedicated Horse Riding Week packing list and “What Not to Bring” guide is provided to registered families before arrival. The final 2027-approved list is published once confirmed.

Safety Waiver

A horse-riding safety / liability waiver is required as part of pre-arrival preparation.

Rider Weight Guideline

Current 2026 horse-camp information states a maximum rider weight of 190 lb for the health and safety of the horses. The applicable 2027 limit is confirmed before the program.

Riding Level

Public camp information describes instruction in the basics of riding. The exact 2027 riding-level requirements for the Camp International group are being confirmed.

Equipment

Riding equipment details are confirmed together with the final packing list.

REGISTRATION OPEN

CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Duration & pricing
Program Duration2 weeks or 4 weeks
2027 SeasonJune 27 – August 7, 2027
2-Week Package StartsJune 27 • July 11 • July 25, 2027
Horse Riding Weeks BeginJuly 4 • July 18 • August 1, 2027
4-Week Package StartsJune 27 • July 11, 2027
Age Requirement10-17 years old
2027 PRICING – SAME AS ESL
DURATION UBC RESIDENCE SELF-ARRANGED
2 Weeks CAD $5,415 CAD $3,420
4 Weeks CAD $9,790 CAD $5,960
The Horse Riding specialty week is part of the package – no separate specialty surcharge.
REGISTER FOR SUMMER 2027

Additional Fees

Additional Day FeeCAD $400 per day (maximum 3 extra days)
Unaccompanied Minor Pick-UpCAD $50 per way
Notarized Custodianship LetterCAD $150 per letter, if required

WHO IS THE HORSE RIDING PROGRAM FOR?

Is the UBC Horse Riding Summer Camp right for your child?

  • Students ages 10-17 years old
  • International students who want to combine English learning with a focused riding experience
  • Students interested in horses, animal care and outdoor learning
  • Students who want to experience UBC campus life and Vancouver before or after the riding week
  • Students who enjoy small-group activities, teamwork and meeting local / international students
  • Families who specifically want their child to spend more time with local students and build Canadian friendships
  • Students who prefer active, outdoor learning through horses, sports, recreation and hands-on camp experiences
  • Families looking for a structured 2-week or 4-week specialty pathway rather than a standalone riding-only camp
Riding level note: Current public horse-camp information describes instruction in the basics of riding, grooming, saddling and horse handling. The exact 2027 riding-level requirements for the Camp International group are being confirmed.

FAMILY INFORMATION

Visa, arrival and what families should know.

Visa, Arrival & Family Support

  • Visa application support is available through a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC).
  • Airport pickup and drop-off are included in the UBC Residence program according to the current ESL inclusions.
  • The program package begins with the UBC ESL week in the standard 2-week sequence, followed by the Horse Riding specialty week.
  • Families should receive the Registration Form, Health / Medical Information Form, Payment / Refund & Cancellation Policy, Terms & Conditions and Welcome Guide.

Good to Know

  • Horse Riding is a specialty pathway within the Camp International UBC summer program, not a standalone 6-week riding camp.
  • More than 50% of students during the Horse Riding specialty week are local campers, supporting stronger local interaction and natural English practice.
  • Current public duration options are 2 weeks and 4 weeks.
  • The dedicated Horse Riding week replaces the standard UBC ESL daily schedule for that week.
  • During ESL weeks, students continue with English classes, camp activities, Canadian education exposure and scheduled excursions.
  • The current specialty cycle begins July 4, 2027 and is planned on a two-week rhythm.
  • For Self-Arranged Accommodation, breakfast and dinner are not included during the UBC ESL portion; horse-week meal and transport arrangements are confirmed separately.
  • Activities, excursions and schedules may change because of weather, availability, safety or operational requirements.
  • Horse Riding week can include riding basics, grooming, saddling, horse handling and animal care in addition to scheduled riding sessions.
  • A riding safety / liability waiver is completed as part of pre-arrival preparation.
  • A dedicated Horse Riding Week packing list and “What Not to Bring” guidance is sent to registered families once the 2027 list is approved.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Structure, dates, riding week, packing, safety, accommodation, pricing and visa support.
What ages can join?
The program is designed for students ages 10 to 17.
Families can currently choose a 2-week or 4-week program.
The standard structure is 1 week of ESL at UBC followed by 1 week of Horse Riding.
The standard structure is 3 weeks of ESL at UBC + 1 week of Horse Riding. A 2-week ESL + 2-week Horse Riding configuration can be requested.
The first Horse Riding specialty week begins Sunday, July 4, 2027 (Week 2).
Students take part in Ride & Learn with Local Students and rotate through scheduled riding sessions in small groups. The broader specialty-week experience can also include riding basics, grooming, saddling, horse handling, animal care, swimming, arts & crafts, sports / games and evening camp activities.
The dedicated Horse Riding week replaces the standard UBC ESL schedule. English instruction takes place during the ESL weeks of the package.
Current public camp information includes instruction in basic riding and horse handling. Camp International is confirming the exact 2027 riding-level requirements for its group.
Yes. During ESL weeks, students follow the standard UBC ESL camp structure, with English classes, activities, social programming, local Canadian education exposure and scheduled excursions.
The program follows the same UBC Residence / Self-Arranged framework as ESL, subject to final horse-week logistics.
No. The same 2-week and 4-week prices as the equivalent ESL package apply, with no separate specialty surcharge.
Yes. Visa application support is available through a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC).
Working program content includes riding basics, grooming, saddling, safe horse handling and horse-care activities, together with scheduled riding sessions.
A dedicated Horse Riding Week packing list and “What Not to Bring” guide will be provided before arrival. The final 2027 list is published once the current operating requirements are confirmed.
Current 2026 horse-camp safety information lists a maximum rider weight of 190 lb. The applicable 2027 limit will be confirmed before the program.
Yes. A horse-riding safety / liability waiver is part of the pre-arrival safety process, and the applicable 2027 form is included in the registration workflow.
Yes. More than 50% of students during the Horse Riding specialty week are local campers. This gives international students more opportunities to make local friends, communicate naturally in English and experience Canadian camp life alongside local peers.
A large part of the specialty experience is active and hands-on. In addition to scheduled riding and horse-care activities, the program can include swimming, sports, games and outdoor recreation. The exact activity mix may change because of weather, availability, safety or operating conditions.

RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS

Forms, policies and guides for families (add the file or page link to each card).

2027 UBC ESL weekly schedules

Horse Riding specialty week schedule

2027 dates and pricing

Registration Form

Health / Medical Information Form

Payment, Refund & Cancellation Policy

Terms & Conditions

Welcome Guide / Parent Guide

Airport / arrival information

Visa support information

Horse Riding Week Packing List / What Not to Bring guide

Horse Riding safety / liability waiver

Ready for a Summer of English + Horse Riding?

Give your child the opportunity to improve English at UBC, experience Vancouver and Canadian education, then step into an active Horse Riding week where more than 50% of campers are local students. It is a chance to ride, learn outdoors, care for horses, make local friends and use English naturally while becoming part of a Canadian summer-camp community.
Share your details and the Camp International team can help you choose the right 2-week or 4-week option, available dates, accommodation and Horse Riding configuration.
REQUEST INFORMATION
VIEW DATES & PRICING
REGISTER NOW
Activities and excursions may be adjusted due to weather, availability or safety.