A 50-by-120-foot roof now shades the horseback riding arena at YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview, covering lessons for the camp's 10 horses and student riders. The addition follows three decades of equestrian programming on the 65-acre campus and replaces lessons that had previously taken place in the open air, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
YMCA Camp Cristina and AdventHealth Riverview partnered on the project, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. The project began after an AdventHealth Riverview volunteer group visited the camp and identified the arena's lack of shade.
Lessons had been taking place under the roof for three months when the organizations held a ribbon-cutting to mark its completion. Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Vice President of Membership and Programs Matt Lewis said the addition represents a new level for the program, as reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
Shade for Lessons
The roof gives young riders and horses shade during lessons and reduces their exposure to Florida heat, FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported. The added protection is intended to help riders remain comfortable and focused while they practice.
How Tampa Bay Heat Affects Outdoor Activities
According to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay Area, a heat advisory may be issued when heat-index values are expected to reach 108° to 112° Fahrenheit. The agency lists providing shade for outdoor work sites among measures for managing heat exposure, making shade a relevant consideration for outdoor youth activities.
The project also supports the camp's goal of providing a safe and supportive environment for children to learn riding skills and build confidence. The YMCA's program information describes lessons as emphasizing balance, coordination and confidence.
What the Program Offers Riders
According to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, Camp Cristina's horseback riding classes teach beginners and reinforce intermediate riders with the fundamentals of Western-style riding in a safe and supportive environment, with an emphasis on balance, coordination and confidence. The program offers small-group, semi-private and private lessons for riders and horse enthusiasts starting at age 7, and lessons run seasonally.
Pricing varies by lesson format: private lessons cost $48 for members and $60 for non-members, semi-private lessons run $80 for members and $100 for non-members, and small-group lessons cost $120 per person for members and $180 per person for non-members. Families can find schedule information and registration updates for the horseback riding program on the official Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA website.
