Local Youths Learn Horsemanship at GU Summer Camps

Published: July 25, 2025

Author: Dave Bell

Overcoming Fears, Gaining Confidence are the Results

“I’ve always been scared of horses,” confessed Senior Girl Scout Kylie Marti.

But while attending a horse camp this summer at the Greenville University Equine Center, she learned techniques that helped her confidently control a horse. And rein in her fears.

“This experience has given me the confidence to do challenging things that I’ve never done before,” Marti added. “I know those lessons will apply to many other areas of my life.”

That transformation is precisely what Liz Bays, Director of GU’s Equestrian Program, envisions when she hosts community groups at the center. This summer, visiting groups have included the Girl Scouts and young people from The Simple Room, a Greenville-based youth development center.

“When these groups visit us, we try to give them more than a basic trail ride, where they just get on the horse and ride in a line,” Bays said. “We want to give them a broad introduction to working with a horse. That includes safety, grooming, tack, and, finally, riding.

“By taking that comprehensive approach, we build their confidence in handling the horse,” Bays continued. “And when the rider feels confident, the horse can sense it and will cooperate. I love watching that bond form between the horse and rider.”

Kara Wolf-Berg, Director of Program Engagement for the local Girl Scouts, said that although this is the first year for the GU horse camp, it has already become one of the most popular activities of the year.

“There’s something magical about horses,” she said. “Our girls learn many new skills during the three-day camp, and that helps build confidence. Although riding a big horse can be scary, the GU students do a great job supporting our girls as they get comfortable.”

Similarly, students from The Simple Room gave high marks to their experience at the Equine Center.

“Since many of our students hadn’t ridden a horse before, it was an amazing and empowering experience for them,” said Executive Director Laura Stine. “They learned new skills and overcame their fears. Our students were so proud of themselves when they were done.”

During four days in July, about 35 students from The Simple Room – from kindergartners to sophomores – participated in the program.

Visits by the Girl Scouts and Simple Room students exemplify the University’s commitment to engaging with the community.

“We are providing an experience that many young people in the community might not otherwise get," Bays said. “We believe it’s important for them to have this contact with horses – to become comfortable around them and to learn how to care for them.”

The students at Greenville University who provide experiences for local teens also benefit.

“Hosting these groups is a great chance for our students to connect with and mentor young people,” Bays said. “Through that mentoring, they develop new skills that will benefit them in their careers, whether they pursue a job in a horse-related field or something else.”