OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Sunday afternoon, be on the lookout for horses on the beach, as participants of Oceanwood Camp and Conference Center’s Splash and Dash explore sandy shores.

Splash and Dash is kicking off the camp’s new yearround equestrian program. The event Sunday, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., will include a barbecue and a chance to explore the 130- acre camp at 17 Royal St. in Ocean Park. Horse owners can ride the camps trails and riding rings, and those who have acquired town permits can join in on a ride on the beach at 1:30 p.m.

“We’re taking advantage of our location three blocks from the beach,” said Director of Programming & Operations Kate Smith.

Camp Oceanwood and Conference Center, run through The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts, has provided camp experiences for 100 years. During the summer, the camp offers family and youth programs for campers of all ability levels. Camp Oceanwood is also one of the 14 locations of Nature’s Classroom, offering residential environmental education programs, and is also the site for Seminar by the Sea, a gender studies seminar through Eastern University, veterans programs and custom retreats. There is also a group of salsa dancers who come to Camp Oceanwood for their annual retreat.

“We have a large variety,” said Director of Conferencing and Financing Kasandra Kane.

Horses are part of the draw of the camp. The horseback-riding ministry, as the camp refers to its horseback riding program, was for many years a seasonal offering, but this year, camp officials decided to offer horseback programs year-round.

The camp has a halfdozen horses – some donated – but all are given the stamp of approval from Horse Program Director Jen Hayes, who was hired earlier this year and has many years of experience as an instructor. Now that summer camp is over, the facility is offering lessons for both adults and children, with some volunteer opportunities to help offset the cost of lessons.

“I want to get people aware and excited about what these creatures can do,” said Hayes.

Riding a horse can help with relationship-building and boost confidence levels, said Hayes, and for those with disabilities, a sense of independence.

Some people who might be socially awkward or shy around people open up when they’re around horses, said Smith.

“It takes some of the pressure off,” said Hayes. “They’re not going to judge you.”

Registration for the Sunday program closed on Oct. 17. For more information, go to www.oceanwood.org.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].