Thorncroft’s Summer Counselor in Training program is for experienced riders who want to take their learning to the next level. CiTs build on the excitement and challenges that a camper might, but now from a leadership role where they can provide empathy and peer support to help the campers grow.
As of 2026, the CiT program now has an application process with a certificate of completion at the end of 2 or more weeks. It is not required that a CiT participates in 2 or more weeks, however those that do gain an exceptional amount of competency that is worth noting. This is not an easy program, but proves to be incredibly rewarding for those who love to help others and work with horses.
Orientation:
Sunday, May 31st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in the North Arena
Lesson themes:
- Obstacle courses
- Fix a test (Dressage Tests)
- Nutrition, pasture, and herd management
- Horsemanship (mounted and unmounted)
- Herd behavior/communication
- Drill team patterns
- Freestyle dressage/musical synchronizing
- Green horses/training
- Show prep
- And more!
For all questions, please contact Emma Yanowksy at emma@thorncroft.org
2026 Dates
A spot on the waitlist will be offered if your desired week is full. The waitlist is first-come, first serve. | |
Rates
Weekly Outline (example)
In addition to assisting the Lead Instructor and Camp Counselor with camp activities, CITs will have the opportunity to learn teamwork, leadership, horsemanship, and riding skills. This is a ground-to-saddle program where emphasis on well-rounded horsemanship is highly valued.
Monday – Groundwork
Introduction to basic groundwork, horsemanship skills, and nonverbal communication
Tuesday – Riding Fundamentals
Going over the basics of W/T/C, transitions, and working towards understanding these variables with increased complexity as the group advances
Wednesday – Unmounted Horsemanship
Advancing groundwork with the horses
Herd behavior/dynamics
Thursday – Riding and Horsemanship
How groundwork translates to work under saddle
Friday – Riding as a Team/Drill Team Style
Quick Notes:
- You must submit registration paperwork prior to submitting payment AND receive confirmation of registration prior to payment. Once you have received confirmation, you may proceed with paying the deposit. An invoice will be sent directly to you, but the payment button on the website can also be utilized for convenience.
- CIT spots are paid in full at the time of booking. Before June 1st, 50% of this is non-refundable once paid. After June 1st, fees are non-refundable.
- Spots are not held without payment, even after a spot is confirmed for registration.
- A completed enrollment includes submitted registration, confirmed openings, and a completed payment
- Sessions are filled on a first-come basis. If the week of your choice is full, you may ask to be placed on a waitlist.
Register Your CIT!
Step 1: email emma@thorncroft.org to submit your Letter of Agreement
Step 2: Complete Registration Paperwork
A fillable .pdf is available to complete our Registration Packet. Email correspondence is preferred to ensure accurate updates on session availability.
Please complete the entirety of the packet! Many changes have been made since the 2025 season.
Step 3:
Please do not pay until you have completed Step 1 and received email confirmation of your registration. An invoice will be sent to you directly once your registration packet is processed.
- Without payment, your spot will not be secured
F.A.Q.S.
1. What time is drop-off for CITS?
- CITS arrive at 7:30 a.m. and get ready to lesson by 8 am.
2. What time is pick-up?
- Pick-up is 2:00 p.m. for both campers and CITS.
3. Where do I drop off and pick-up?
- CITs will arrive for check-in at our North Arena lobby and will sign themselves in.
4. What do I need to send with my CIT?
- Riding attire: long pants, riding-type boot with small heel, shirt with short or long sleeves. (For protective reasons, tank tops are not advised.)
- Thorncroft will provide a riding helmet and requires all campers and CITs to wear a riding helmet when mounted. If bringing a helmet, it must be ASTM/SEI certified, purchased within the past five years, and with no direct impact to it.
- Extras to consider but not necessary to purchase: riding gloves and breeches.
- Recommended Tack Stores: Rick’s Heritage Saddlery (West Chester), Malvern Saddlery (Malvern), and Equine Exchange (Pottstown)
- Please also bring: Change of clothes for after riding. Lunch and plenty of water. Sun-protective items including sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
5. Can I sign up for lessons after summer camp?
- We love to welcome summer CITS to our lesson program. Thorncroft currently has a waiting list. To be placed on the waiting list for lessons, please email admissions@thorncroft.org
- Our volunteer program is open to those 13 years of ag and older. This is a wonderful track for those who want to gain more horse experience in an environment where friendships were built over the summer. Please contact volunteer@thorncroft.org
6. What activities will my rider will be doing during their lesson?
- Thorncroft’s summer programs are designed to be ground-to-saddle, meaning the education starts off the horse. Unmounted lessons are part of the weekly curriculum in addition to riding.
- All Summer Camp lessons are conducted at the flat, including walk, trotting, cantering, trotting poles, and other dressage-based lessons. We do not offer jumping lessons at summer camp. Lessons will take place in our covered arenas or outside in our outdoor arena or pastures.
7. Is jumping a part of the lesson?
- We do not offer jumping as part of our summer camp lessons.
8. How can I see pictures of my rider at camp?
- Thorncroft will post photos of riders with permitted photography releases on our Instagram @thorncroftsummercamp. We do our best to post a weekly summary of the riders’ adventures at camp.
- At the end of camp, a “Summer in Review” email will be sent with a Google drive of photos that were taken. This is only sent to primary contacts of campers.
9. Is Thorncroft a non-profit?
- Yes! Thorncroft is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (tax ID 23-2218431) specializing in equine-assisted activities (EAA) for riders of all abilities. To learn more about how you can support Thorncroft, visit us online at thorncroft.org
10. My child has a disability. Can they apply for the CiT program?
- In line with our goal of inclusivity, diagnosed disability or medical need is not always a stopping point. We would love to talk to you more about what accomodations we are able to make in this program or what alternatives their might be. Please reach out to our Summer Camp Contact, Emma, prior to registration to see if our program would be a best fit.
Support the Farm!
Since 1969 Thorncroft has provided a safe haven for children and adults with and without disabilities. The Farm now includes 70 acres of open space, a conference center, office space and two beautiful indoor arenas… but the work does not stop there.
Learn more about the many ways you can support Thorncroft.
