Program Information
SUMMER CAMP 2013
NCMT Summer Camp 2013 priority registration is open to members now through March 14th. On March 15th, summer camp general registration will be open to the general public. Please contact Lynne Schulthess with questions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (203) 966-0634. Click here to download the registration documents.
NCMT offers 2 one –week and 3 two-week summer riding camp sessions for children ages 7 through 17. Through expert instruction and fun activities in a closely supervised environment, your child will learn about the equestrian world and gain a great appreciation of horses. The camp week runs from Monday through Thursday with special exceptions indicated in the documents. Camp activities include a one hour group riding lesson, arts and crafts, fun activities, barn chores, and veterinary care lectures, all within a closely supervised environment. Spaces are limited so don't wait to the last minute!
FULL CADET RIDING AND EQUINE CARE PROGRAM
The Full Cadet Riding and Equine Care Program runs from September to June. To view the current program documents for the 2012-13 program year, click here.
To view a tentative timetable for our Trooper calendar, click here.
Overview of NCMT's Programs: NCMT takes pride in its unique approach to teaching horsemanship through hands-on experience. All programs are designed to encourage children’s personal growth by promoting fundamental values such as leadership, responsibility, confidence, work ethic and teamwork in a safe, fun, family atmosphere. These are not only important around the barn but are also valuable through life: they can help each child excel in his or her future.
Horsemanship and Riding Program: Available to students between 7 and 18 years old, the program combines weekly group riding lessons and participation in the Equine Care Program. Students are required to attend both riding lessons and a designated “Barn Day.” Riding groups consist of four to six riders, depending upon riding level, and each class is one hour long. All horses and ponies are owned by NCMT, and students learn to ride a variety of horses appropriate for their level. Full and part time professional instructors teach hunt seat equitation, on the flat and over fences, from a comprehensive curriculum that ensures consistency across riding levels. Although riders can hone their competitive skills at our (8) on-site horse shows, our focus is not on competition, but rather on developing kids that can ride!
Equine Care Program: This program does not include riding but consists of a weekly “Equine Care Day” where students acquire complete knowledge of the horse through lectures and the practice of learned skills in horse care and stable management. The Equine Care program is a great way to ease a child into the barn environment and allow them to get acclimated to being around the horses prior to committing to the full horsemanship and riding program. It is also a chance to make friends and be part of the social component of the program, such as attending Trooper Night and the Halloween Parade and Carnival. Prizes are awarded to the best Barn Day as well as the Equine Care High Point Horsemanship winner at our semi-annual Review Ceremonies.
Overview Of The NCMT Ranking System: NCMT is the last remaining unit of the Junior Cavalry of America. Cadets are therefore ranked based on evidence of leadership, commitment, participation, spirit, and general horsemanship skills. All new members are Inductees, and they are promoted through the ranks of Cadet, Corporal, Sergeant, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and Captain. The Cadet Major is the highest-ranking Cadet elected to lead the entire Troop for the program year. Troopers can expect to serve a minimum of one year at each ranking level before earning the right to be promoted at the Review Ceremonies. These are held in December and June. Cadets are honored with awards and individual achievements are recognized at each ceremony, which is followed by a horse show. This is an important NCMT tradition that all Cadets should attend.
Officers’ Council: Students who achieve upper level ranks are invited to join the Officers’ Council. Officers’ Council participants work along side the Cadet Major to organize regular meetings held for all Cadets, host Trooper Nights, manage the Officers Fund, help plan special events and fundraisers, and run the community service task force. They are also eligible to participate in the Show Team, Drill Team, Special Field Trips, and Assistant Teaching.
Trooper Nights are scheduled each semester and present an opportunity to get to know fellow Troopers, share their thoughts about the horses and the program, and discuss upcoming clinics and special events. Cadets also participate in games and activities. Special guest speakers may also be invited. Pizza, snacks and refreshments are served!
Regular events include:
- The Halloween Costume Parade and Carnival held in the fall, where all cadets are invited to dress up their favorite horse for the Parade. Prizes and refreshments are available. It is a fun event for the entire family.
- Horseless Horse Shows and Gymkhanas also take place at NCMT.
- Finally, Cadets participate in the Memorial Day Parade of New Canaan, dressed in NCMT’s traditional Junior Cavalry uniforms.
Adult Riding Program: Adult riding lessons are offered in the mornings during the weekdays, as well as Sunday mornings. To inquire about adult riding lessons, please contact Lynne Schulthess at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 203-966-0634. All levels welcome! Download the rate sheet here.
Summer Riding: NCMT operates year-around and offers summer riding programs from mid-June until the end of August. Related information is available in the spring.
Fundraisers: NCMT holds two primary fundraisers each year to fund the cost of the essential needs of our equine friends, youth scholarships, and ongoing capital projects. The spring event has traditionally been a Barn Dance with a DJ and barbecue, and a raffle. The Holiday Party is held in November at the Waveny House, with dancing and a silent auction. Great times for everyone!
Horse Shows And Clinics: NCMT hosts a variety of schooling and USEF-rated shows throughout the year. All Troopers are encouraged to ride and participate. In addition, NCMT staff invites outside professional trainers, riders and clinicians to host riding and horsemanship clinics at our facility. Priority is given to NCMT members, but outside barns and trainers are welcome to participate.
In 2012, NCMT's guest trainers include:
- Leslie Howard, Olympic Show Jumping Rider
- Walter “Tim” Kees, Trainer of multiple ASPCA and USEF Medal Finals Winners
NEW! THERAPEUTIC RIDING AND GROUND PROGRAMS
New Canaan Mounted Troop is pleased to offer therapeutic riding and ground programs to people of special physical, cognitive, and emotional needs within the local community. Recognizing the powerful and positive impact that horses can make in a person’s life, NCMT’s TRP programs are designed to promote physical and emotional wellness through equine therapy and horsemanship. Equine Therapy programs have been very successful in helping students improve not only their body awareness, but their cognitive and emotional skills as well.
NCMT is no stranger to therapeutic riding, having been host to therapeutic riding for over 30 years. The facility boasts a 72’ x 160’ indoor ring with rubber footing, a 140’ by 200’ outdoor ring, a temperature controlled viewing room for the indoor ring, a temperature controlled Learning Center, and heated grooming stalls, to provide the most comfortable experience as possible, regardless of weather.
Riding Programs: Therapeutic riding helps students achieve physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and communication goals. Our instructors take great care in assigning the appropriate horse or pony to match the needs of each student. The lesson plan is designed to address each student’s particular need. For example, a lesson plan may incorporate number or color recognition, balance exercises, or other games that have a therapeutic benefit. We have volunteers who not only help prepare the horses for program, but also serve as side walkers and horse leaders. Each student has two side walkers (people who walk alongside them for comfort, safety and security) one of whom is their IA, and a horse leader. Volunteers lead all horses; no student has complete control of their animal. The classes are 45 minutes each, and each ride is approximately 30-35 minutes long, allowing time for mounting and dismounting.
Ground Programs: Our ground program allows the students to develop a real bond with the horses as they work with and around them. Students will participate in fundamental equine care such as brushing, picking hooves, cleaning tack, and adorning blankets or other horse apparel. These skills help enhance physical, cognitive skills and emotional skills while interacting with their equine partners. Weather permitting, a lot of time is spent in the wash stalls, bathing and rinsing the horses. Students experience what it means to be the caretaker of an animal, and the pride that goes with that.
Full or partial scholarships may be available. Please contact with Jenny Schwartz, Development Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or (203) 966-2722 to inquire about the programs. NCMT is also seeking volunteers to be leaders and sidewalkers. To download the program documents, please click on the links below.
One Week Summer Super Troopers
Participant Application and Health History Form
