Tiger’s Rein Camp
Tiger's Rein is an intensive three-day riding camp specifically for western riders that introduces high school equestrians to the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) collegiate riding format. Campers ride Clemson Equestrian Team horses under the instruction of our equestrian team coach. Outside of the ring, campers will attend educational workshops and participate in fun activities while forming new friendships.
Date: June 7th-9th
Location
Clemson University Equine Center, 815 W Queen St, Pendleton SC.
Cost
Camp tuition is $400, due at time of registration.
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What's Included
Camp fees include a welcome dinner the first night, lunch on Saturday, and breakfast Sunday before the final riding session. Campers receive a total of four (4), 60-90 minute sessions of riding instruction with our equestrian team coach. All riding sessions take place in a small group of 3-4 riders so each rider gets the benefit of individualized coaching as well as the chance to learn from others in a group setting. Campers will also enjoy unmounted educational and recreational activities.
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Camper Eligibility
Riders must be 13-18 years old and be preparing to enter
9th-12th grades in the fall, or have just graduated high school and be preparing to start college. Prior riding experience is required, although riders are not required to have competed previously.
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Registration
Registration opens annually on February 15th at 9:00 a.m.
Registration is first come, first served.
Campers are encouraged to register early, as spots are limited and fill quickly.
Once registered, campers have until June 1 to complete and submit all required forms in the registration portal.
How to Register
On the login page, choose "Community login" on the left side. (Do not choose Clemson login unless you are a current Clemson faculty or staff member.)
On the next page, click on "create new account."
Once you have created an account, you will be able to register for camp.
For any questions about camp registration, contact us at cuec@clemson.edu.
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Horses
Campers do not bring their own horses. All participants ride Clemson Equestrian Team horses. Riders will be assigned an appropriate mount prior to each riding session, which gives each individual the opportunity to ride a variety of horses. This variety helps riders grow their horsemanship skills and prepare for participation in a collegiate riding program or team.
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Equipment
Clemson University Equine Center will provide all necessary tack and equipment. Riders are responsible for bringing appropriate riding attire, including riding jeans or pants, an ASTM/SEI-certified helmet, and western riding boots with a heel. Although it is not required, campers may bring a personally owned saddle.
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Registration
On the login page, choose "Community login" on the left side. (Do not choose Clemson login unless you are a current Clemson faculty or staff member.)
On the next page, click on "create new account."
Once you have created an account, you will be able to register for camp.
For any questions about camp registration, contact us at cuec@clemson.edu.
Registration Opens Feb 15
About our Coach
Vicki Merck began her riding career at a young age on a family horse farm in Oklahoma. When she moved to South Carolina shortly after, she began showing in both western pleasure and hunt seat events at local 4H and open shows. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Vicki went to work for an AQHA all-around training farm, where she achieved significant success including a 4th place in the Western Riding at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Vicki went on to become the head trainer for Storey Quarter Horses in Alabama, where she managed their breeding, showing, and training programs, which focused on the AQHA and NRHA circuits and eventually, reining horses. During her time with the Storeys, Vicki qualified many horses for the AQHA World Show and coached several amateurs to world titles.
Making the decision to slow down from the busy world of horse showing, Vicki moved back to Seneca, SC with her husband and son. She began assisting Susan White in the coaching of the western team in the fall of 2019, and took over as coach the following year.
Tentative Itinerary
Friday
1:30-2:00 PM Arrive and Welcome
2:00-3:00 PM Farm tour & Orientation; *Parents are welcome to join!
3:00 PM Parents depart; First group prepares to ride3:30-5:00 PM Group A riding session; Group B audit session
5:00-6:00 PM Group B riding session; Group A audit session
6:00-6:30 PM Untack and put away horses
6:30-7:30 PM Dinner & S'mores Bonfire
7:30 PM Campers picked up by parents
Saturday
7:30-8:00 AM Campers arrive
8:00 AM Prepare to ride
8:30-9:30 AM Group B riding session; Group A audit session
10:30 AM Untack and put horses away
11:00-12:30 PM Educational Talk & Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM Lunch served
1:00-3:30 PM Afternoon activities
3:30-4:00 PM Prepare to ride
4:00-5:00 PM Group B riding session; Group A audit
5:00-6:00 PM Group A riding session; Group B audit
6:00-6:30 PM Untack & put away horses
6:30 PM Campers picked up by parents
Sunday
7:00-7:30 AM Campers dropped off by parents
7:30-8:30 AM Breakfast & Educational Talk
8:30 AM Prepare to ride
9:00-10:30 AM Group A riding session; Group B audit
10:30-12:00 PM Group B riding session; Group A audit
12:00-12:30 Untack & put away horses
12:30 PM Campers picked up by parents; End of camp certificates presented
What to Bring to Camp
Important Items to Remember:
- Riding clothes (see below)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
Riding Apparel: All campers should ride in neat and professional-looking apparel. Fitted shirts, polo shirts, or other fitted riding tops are preferred (sleeveless polos are fine, but no tank tops). Shirts should be worn tucked into jeans. Riders must wear appropriate riding boots with a heel and provide a properly fitting personally owned helmet that meets ASTM/SEI standards.
General Apparel: If desired, riders may bring tennis shoes to change into for unmounted activities. No sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed at the farm. Riders should bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for cool mornings or evenings, as well rain jacket in case of inclement weather. Riders may wish to bring a ball cap or other sun hat for unmounted activities.
Please do not wear large or excessive jewelry. Clothes with holes, shorts, wide-leg pants, halter tops or tank tops and other unsuitable clothes are not permitted.
Food and Snacks: Campers will be served dinner on Friday, lunch on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Snacks and drinks will also be provided between meals. Campers may bring snacks from home if desired, as long as these don't require refrigeration.
Campers with food allergies or special dietary needs should let camp personnel know by May 1 so arrangements can be made.
Transportation and Lodging
Transportation
Tiger's Rein follows a day camp format. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from the Equine Center each day unless campers are old enough and have permission to drive themselves. Riders will be given a copy of the itinerary ahead of time and are requested to arrive promptly at the assigned times each morning.
Where to Stay in Clemson
If you are coming from out of town, we are located about 10 minutes from the main
Clemson campus. Our address is:
Clemson University Equine Center
815 W Queen Street
Pendleton, SC 29670
Hotels: There are a number of hotels located just minutes from the Equine Center. Some options include:
- Courtyard Marriott Clemson, 201 Canoy Lane
- The Inn at Clemson, 1303 Tiger Blvd
- Comfort Inn & Suites, 1301 Tiger Blvd
- Hampton Inn Clemson, 851 Tiger Blvd
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1381 Tiger Blvd
- James Martin Inn, 240 Madren Center Dr
There are also dozens of Airbnb listings within a short drive!
Dining
Quick Bites for Breakfast - Located on Tiger Boulevard, just minutes from hotels and our facility:
- Starbucks
- Chik-Fil-A
- McDonald's
- Waffle House
Favorite Local Eats - New to Clemson and want to get the full experience?
- The Smokin' Pig, 6630 Clemson Blvd, Pendleton - Delicious local BBQ joint
- The Esso Club, 129 Old Greenville Hwy #1, Clemson - Classic Clemson casual dining
- Sunnyside Cafe, 101 Market St, Clemson - Traditional southern fare meets fresh local ingredients. Breakfast & lunch.
To See and Do - Fun activities to round out your weekend
- South Carolina Botanical Gardens, 150 Discovery Lane, Clemson
- Fort Hill Plantation, 520 Fort Hill St, Clemson
- Memorial Stadium ("Death Valley"), 1 Avenue of Champions, Clemson
