Learn the tradition of Western riding
Spend your summer learning to ride, care for, and connect with horses while bonding with "your own" steed! Experience the daily routine of cowboys and cowgirls as you learn elements of horsemanship: riding, pack trips, polocrosse, and gymkhana events.
What is a gymkhana?
Our end-of-session gymkhanas give riders of all ability levels the opportunity to put their skills to the test through three events: barrels, poles, and keyhole. Whether you are new to riding or have some experience under your belt, you’ll have plenty of skills to show off!
Horsemanship Programs
Sky Valley Horsemanship Rising 3rd- to 8th-graders
Whether you’re a beginner or already a seasoned rider, Sky Valley Horsemanship is a blast as you learn from our talented corral counselors. This program is designed for all riding levels, with campers divided into ability-based patrols after they arrive, so your session can be filled with intentionally planned lessons and opportunities – all atop a horse specially chosen for you.
Throughout each session, riders grow their skills through arena work, trail rides, gymkhana events, cattle working, and polocrosse. The session rounds out with a three-day trip in the Rocky Mountains (also tailored to each patrol’s riding level and including some on-property trips) and the end-of-session gymkhana.
Round-Up Horsemanship Rising 9th- to 12th-graders
Riders of all abilities in Round-Up Horsemanship are excited to dig into equestrian fundamentals as they learn reining skills, train for gymkhana events, work in the arena, and establish a strong and joyful relationship with their horses. You also learn to play polocrosse, work cattle, and camp out with your horse on a three-day pack trip. The session culminates in the end-of-session gymkhana.
Polocrosse Rising 9th- to 12th-graders
**Now available all sessions!**
Our polocrosse program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to experience the “king of the one-horse sports.” A combination of polo and lacrosse, polocrosse helps riders develop a balanced seat under competitive conditions as they learn the racquet skills and strategy necessary to play the game. As a culmination of the polocrosse experience, players and their horses travel to compete in a polocrosse tournament and participate in the traditional end-of-session gymkhana. Campers registering for this program should have at least two years of camp riding experience or one year of regular riding lessons. Contact us if you are new to camp and wondering if polocrosse is a good fit for you!