FOCUS CAMPS > Horses!

Horses!  Ages 11-15

This is the horse lover's dream... Riders spend at least half day every day on horseback. The other half of each day fills with other horse experiences and learning more about horses, building relationships with the animals, caring for them and working with them from the ground up. Days round out with ropes course challenges, swimming, and choices from all the other activities.

The Horses... The Colorado Mountain Ranch horses are well-trained, have good dispositions and like people. The local mountain country is wide open for exploring the pine and aspen forests and wildflower meadows in "Old West" style. At The Colorado Mountain Ranch, folks can still just "get out and ride."

Gentle Approach... Mike Walker has directed the Western Riding programs at The Colorado Mountain Ranch for over 35 years. His gentle, natural approach emphasizes communication, respect, balance and enjoyment. Riding time includes coaching on individual skill development, games on horses, obstacle courses, trail rides and supervised "free-riding" off trails.

Ground work... includes animal training, routine health care, grooming and daily maintenance of riding horses, draft horses, miniature horses, goats, burros and mules. Become competent in bridling, saddling, catching and leading horses.

"Equus"... (Means "Horse" in Latin) Sit around at the barn and share interesting facts about horses. Learn about breeds, colors and conformation of horses.

Ride Like the Wind!... Riders gain confidence with riding each gate progressively, starting with the walk, then the trot, then the cantor. Each rider cantors his or her horse on a designated stretch of trail or road one at a time, for safety and to receive individualized pointers.

Longer Rides ... For Horse Focus campers, horse back ride time extends from the very beginning of the camp day for those with the morning ride to the very end of the day for those with the afternoon ride. When rides are scheduled for a ride group, those campers do not participate in the morning or afternoon gathering.

Prerequisites ... Previous experience with some independent riding is necessary to participate in the Horses! Focus Program. Campers must feel ready to walk, trot and cantor.