Irish Teens to Attend World Class Horse Camp at SUNY Cobleskill

SUNY Cobleskill has been hosting summer horse camps for a number of years, attracting teens from all over the United States. This summer though, two sisters will travel from Ireland to attend a horse camp at the college’s Foundation Equestrian Center beginning June 30.

Niamh (N-eeve), 14, and Aoife (Ee-fa), 10, Higgins from Dublin, Ireland are making SUNY Cobleskill’s horse camp the highlight of their summer vacation. The sisters will be spending three weeks in the United States with their parents Peter and Sindy Higgins. The family has made several trips to the U.S., but hasn’t had a chance to explore New York to its fullest.
“We have landed twice before at JFK [airport] en route to Florida, but never got a chance to see New York state,” said Niamh. “This will be mine and Aiofe’s first stay in New York.”

The sisters have been building their equestrian repertoire for three years with weekly English riding lessons in Dublin where they learn how to exercise the horses, tacking and grooming, cleaning the stables. They also participate in show jumping competitions. In the past Niamh and Aiofe travelled to Canada where they studied Western style riding.

 “We found out about the SUNY Cobleskill horse camps on your Web site and were impressed with your facilities and camp programs,” said Niamh.

“We feel that your type of camp is in a safe and structured learning environment with professional instructors and they will learn as well as have fun,” said Peter. “For me the main thing is that they enjoy the experience as well as meeting new friends and learn about a different part of the world, see the cultural differences and to help them become rounded people.”

During their three week holiday in the states the family will travel to Connecticut, Massachusetts, Cobleskill and Manhattan. The family will stay locally while the girls attend the week long camp. Peter and Sindy plan on travelling to the Catskill Mountains and Adirondack Park and other local sites while the girls are at camp.

 “By doing this camp Aoife and I hope to improve our riding skills and make friends, have fun and of course get to be around as many horses as possible,” said Niamh.

SUNY Cobleskill horse camps provide both boys and girls the opportunity to learn about horses and how to properly care for them. Campers are given riding instruction at their individual level at the new indoor arena.  Campers are involved with daily care of the horses, as well as learning about horse care and riding theory. At the end of each session, participants showcase their riding skills with an afternoon horse show for family and friends.  For more information contact SUNY Cobleskill’s Office of Community Outreach at (518) 255-5528.