Inside Uki Sporting Horse Camp: A Weekend of Horses, Friends, and Lessons

Last weekend, we packed up the ute and headed off to Uki Sporting Horse Camp, a place where kids and families gather to learn, ride, and grow together around horses. From the moment we drove in, with the floats lined up and ponies whinnying in the cold morning air, it was clear this wasn’t just another horse camp. It was a place where friendships, confidence, and horsemanship could truly grow.

Arrival at Uki Sporting Horse Camp

We arrived with Paige loaded in the float, saddles and boots piled in the back, and that mix of excitement and nerves buzzing in the air. My friend Indy and her family were already there, and we set up our tent beside Zoe the horse trainer and George the saddle man. It felt like a little horse village, with the smell of hay in the air and kids laughing as they brushed ponies, getting ready to ride.

Learning, Riding, and Growing

Uki Sporting Horse Camp was two days of practice followed by a fun mini gymkhana, but without the heavy pressure that can come with competitions. We did everything: barrel racing, bending, scatter ho, patterns, utility challenges, and mechanical cow work in soft sand that made Paige work hard and listen carefully.

During one ride, Zoe looked at me and said, “You’ve found your seat.” It was a big deal for me because I knew it meant all the quiet lessons with Leah, who has been so patient and encouraging, were paying off. It felt like a moment where I could see how far I’d come with Paige, learning to trust each other and work as a team.

The Big Moo

On Saturday morning at exactly 7:30, I heard a huge MOOOO echo across the camp. Two local dads, Scotty and Rob, had donated 35 cows for us to learn with, and I didn’t realise how important that was until I saw them unloaded, wide-eyed and ready to run. Without these donations, kids like us wouldn’t get to learn how to work cattle, and it’s what keeps campdrafting alive. A huge thank you to those dads and the families who make weekends like this possible.

Chasing cows with Paige was one of the best parts. Her ears locked forward, eyes on the cow, working with me as we moved together, felt like we were part of something bigger.

Friendships and Community

One of the best things about Uki Sporting Horse Camp was how relaxed and welcoming it felt. Parents were supportive, not competitive. Kids joined in when they were ready, and everyone helped each other out. At night, when it got cold, we bundled up in our sleeping bags, looking at the photos Dad took during the day while the tents glowed softly in the paddock.

The Surprise

On the final day, there was a fun mini gymkhana. My friend Daisy was super fast and won all the blue ribbons, and I managed to get a 2nd and a 3rd, which felt awesome. But what I didn’t know was that everything we’d been learning counted, not just the races.

When they called my name as the Under 11’s overall winner, I stood there frozen, shocked, and a bit unsure. Later, Mum and Dad explained that showing up, trying your best, and learning was what truly mattered, and that’s why I won. It wasn’t just about speed. It was about being part of every moment.

A Note from Dad

We’ve been to pony club camps before, and I remember seeing kids so overwhelmed by the pressure of the final gymkhana that they couldn’t compete. It felt like everything built up to one big event, and it was just too much for some.

Not at Uki.

Here, the atmosphere was easy, welcoming, and warm. Everyone was giving of their time—from instructors to the families who helped organise and cook, to the dads bringing cattle. Kids joined in where they wanted, but most jumped into everything with smiles. Parents cheered for each other’s kids, and the whole weekend felt like what horse riding should be: fun, inclusive, and about learning, not just ribbons.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who created such an atmosphere, making newbie families feel welcome and supported.

What We Learned

This weekend at Uki Sporting Horse Camp showed us that horse riding isn’t just about going fast or winning ribbons. It’s about showing up, learning, helping others, and growing quietly, one ride at a time.

And we can’t wait to go back.

Want Your Child to Learn Through Horses?

If you’d like your child to build confidence, connection, and life skills while learning horsemanship in a fun, supportive environment, check out our Golden Glade Ranch Kids Horsemanship Lessons and Clinics. Join up Uki Sporting Horse Association