Orlando Kids' Directory

Featured Articles :: CHILDREN SADDLE UP FOR A SUMMER OF FUN AND

(Painted Oaks Academy)

CHILDREN SADDLE UP FOR A SUMMER OF FUN AND
EDUCATION WHILE HORSEBACK
Summer Camp Offers Basics of Horse Care, Safety, Games and Riding

ORLANDO – Located off of Lake Pickett Road and beside the Little Econ River, sits Painted Oaks Academy, a privately owned 10-acre equestrian center in East Orlando. Painted Oaks Academy provides children and adults with the opportunity to discover the wonders of horsemanship in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The ranch features a large lighted clay arena, bunk house and family oriented playground. Painted Oaks Academy offers several horse camps, special events, playgroups and many more entertaining occasions for kids to learn and enjoy. Additionally, the academy has boarding and training sessions, separate riding lessons year-round and even leasing options available.

Horse enthusiasts, Lisa Hall and David Ottersen, who have been married for eight years, purchased the property with great appreciation for the beauty of the land and the expectation to show others the beauty of horses. Hall’s love for horses grew through many horse-riding getaways with Ottersen during their courtship.

Hall uses her passion for horses every day to teach beginning riding lessons and to tend to the horses’ needs. With horse-riding trails scattered among the East Orlando area, Hall is easily able to extend her personal riding beyond the ranch.

Hall and Ottersen are extremely excited for the academy’s 2009 summer camp program for children. Starting in June and extending through August, the academy will educate children on horse grooming, feeding, the basics of horse care, and horse behaviors.

“I’m always excited for summer because it’s the time that I get to show children my true passion. It’s so much fun because I love just being around the kids,” says Hall.

The owners remain on premises at all times for the safety and security of the kids. Children are provided with the opportunity to learn about leadership and control of a horse by walking, trotting and cantering sessions, with supervised instructed training, games and riding. This camp is designed to inspire children to learn more about horses and develop a fondness for horse riding.

Painted Oaks Academy requires riders to arrive dressed to ride. Appropriate riding attire includes: long pants and hard-soled shoes with heels for a comfortable fit and ride. Students are also required to bring their own sack lunches. The ranch also offers an air conditioned bunk house with full bathroom to change. Campers are suggested to pack an extra pair of dry clothes, which is suggested for games, crafts and/or outdoor water activities.

The camp is open for children ages five and up, with Summer 2009 camp sessions starting June through August. Tuition for one week of camp is only $250 per child and starts 9 am to 5 pm weekdays.

In addition to the camp, Painted Oaks Academy is the perfect place for hosting daytime playgroups. For playgroups of 10 or more, the price is $10 per child which includes the opportunity to go on a hayride, pony ride, and access to the petting zoo. Advanced reservations required.

For additional information and to enroll for the summer 2009 camp (space is limited), please visit www.paintedoaksacademy.com or contact Lisa Hall at (407) 929-0970. Painted Oaks Academy is located at 15100 Lake Pickett Road, Orlando, FL 32820.