Betty and John Bennett found a beautiful, old 250 acre farm near Mazomanie in 1961. It was a perfect place for their eleven children, friends and assorted pets. Before long, the "friends" outnumbered the Bennett family and a camp seemed to be the logical answer. So, Hoofbeat Camp grew, becoming accredited by the American Camping Association in 1964.
The animals grew in number too. Fifty to seventy horses, goats, dogs, rabbits, and cats share Hoofbeat with campers and guests.
In 1979 Betty and John asked their daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Ted, to become directors of Hoofbeat. Ted had been directing YMCA day and resident camps since 1971. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Recreation, and in 1981 received his Masters Degree in Environmental Education Administration. He is also a Certified Camp Director (CCD) through the American Camping Association.
In the fall of 1984, Ted and Mary Bennett-Marthe became the owners of Hoofbeat. They and their five children (Amy, Jason, David, Joshua and Jacob) carry on the family operations, which have made Hoofbeat Camp a special place in the hearts of many children.
Ted and Mary work and live at Hoofbeat all year. Year-round programs include riding school, group retreats, youth, adult, and family activities and an Outdoor Education Center.