Horseback RidingTrail rides, barrel racing and packtrips

 

Ride into a Summer of Thrills!

At Elk Creek Ranch, western horseback riding is the heart of our summer camp experience. Our approach to teaching western horsemanship goes beyond the typical dude ranch operation. Each teenager is paired with their very own horse and riding gear for the entire summer camp journey. Our goal is to provide a challenging yet safe riding experience, so we match horses based on riding backgrounds. It's important to note that nearly half of our new Ranchers are novice or beginner riders.

Once our teenagers get introduced to horse care essentials, they take on the responsibility of grooming and saddling their horses. Riders quickly progress to more advanced tasks, including morning wrangling and assisting with the training of young horses.

Once horse and rider become familiar, we embark on journeys along the rugged mountain trails surrounding the ranch. Our rides span over 100 square miles of this pristine wilderness, offering our riders an authentic experience of the Rocky Mountains at their best. We also dedicate several days to barrel riding to hone riding skills in preparation for our gymkhana, a lively day of agility competitions for horse and rider.

The pinnacle of our riding program unfolds at the end of each camp session with a four-day pack-trip. This expedition epitomizes western horsemanship. We venture into the remote corners of the Northern Absaroka Wilderness Area, leaving all traces of civilization miles behind. The bond between horse and rider takes on a new dimension as both become reliant on each other. In surroundings and essence, this brief journey transports us back over a century into the heart of the western experience.

Our horse riding program at Elk Creek Ranch offers teenagers numerous benefits, including:

  • Physical fitness: Riding horses in nature requires balance, coordination, and core strength, contributing to improved physical fitness.
  • Mental well-being: Spending time outdoors and horseback riding can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting overall mental well-being.
  • Connection with animals: Interacting with horses in their natural environment fosters companionship and empathy, promoting emotional growth.
  • Improved focus and concentration: Riding horses demands focus and attention, helping teenagers improve their concentration skills.
  • Responsibility and discipline: Caring for horses in a natural setting instills a sense of responsibility and discipline.
  • Building confidence: Developing horse riding skills and navigating nature boosts self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • Problem-solving skills: Riding in natural settings presents various challenges, encouraging the development of problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Patience and perseverance: Learning to ride and communicate with horses teaches valuable life lessons in patience and perseverance.
  • Environmental awareness: Immersion in nature and horseback riding enhances teenagers' appreciation for the environment and fosters environmental awareness.
  • Social skills: Participating in horse riding activities fosters connections with fellow Ranchers, promoting social skills and teamwork.

The horseback riding program at Elk Creek Ranch offers a unique, enriching experience that positively impacts teenagers' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It creates lasting memories, imparts valuable skills, and forges lifelong friendships.

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  • elk-creek-summer-camp-66
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  • horse-riding 13
  • packtrip 6
  • horse-training 6
  • wrangling 2
  • elk-creek-summer-camp-62
  • elk-creek-summer-camp-53
  • summer-camp-leadership-6