EQUESTRIAN PROGRAMS
Horseback riding can be an exciting addition to a camper's overall experience and can be a real highlight of his/her stay. To insure a safe, positive and fun experience, we offer different opportunities for various ages.

TRAIL RIDES (Ages 10 & up) 
For Main and Challenger Campers
Trail Rides provide an opportunity for campers to enjoy our horses.  Trail Rides take place in one or two hour blocks, cost $17 per hour, and should be paid for with registration.  Campers will ride through woods, along the Flat Rock River, or through rolling fields.  Main and Challenger campers may take one or two hour Trail Rides.

RIDING LESSONS (Ages 8 - 13)
For Main Campers Only 
Lessons are available for those wanting beginning or intermediate instruction in western riding and horse care (all lessons are geared toward the rider's abilities). The program includes five sessions of riding, ground lessons, and instruction. The lessons cost $80 per week and should be paid for with registration. Lessons take the place of one Clinic period.

RANCH CAMP  (Ages 11 - 15)
Our focus on the responsibility and delight of caring for horses is the heart of our program. When you are open to learning about and relating to horses, you cannot help but be affected by them.  Ranch Camp is for anyone that wishes to learn more about horses and riding, regardless of previous experience. The program includes learning to understand and care for horses, going on trail rides, and taking western riding lessons.  The lessons are structured to improve each rider's equestrian skills.  Ranch campers do not need to sign up for the Trail Rides and Riding Lessons listed above as they are included with Ranch Camp.

After settling in, Ranch campers will be assigned to a horse and placed in a lesson group based on their experience. They will be able to change groups as their skills progress. Our program follows the guidelines of the Horsemanship Safety Association. Having a certified Riding Instructor providing the leadership to our Ranch staff and program is something we are proud of here at Flat Rock.

Ranch Campers live in cabins with 7 other campers and spend half the day with their horses learning riding skills such as bareback riding, sitting trot, cantering, and centered riding techniques. On-ground skills such as feeding, grooming, tacking, color and breed identification, and horse psychology are also taught. They spend the remainder of their time participating in other camp activities such as swimming, river hiking, teams course, climbing the Alpine Tower, and special events. Ranch campers may have the opportunity to plan and experience a cookout and an overnight with their horses on camp property. 

RANCH HAND
(Age 15 or entering Sophomore year by the start of summer)
This program is open to entering Sophomores who are looking to further develop their equestrian skills and leadership ability. Ranch Hand will focus on advanced riding skills as well as topics such as stable management, tack fitting, types of feed, and other advanced ground lessons necessary to work at a ranch or stable. This two week program will cover topics in depth that are essential to horse care. It will also help teens build their confidence in working with their peers and adults outside of camp.

Ranch Hand will partner with the Leadership Development Program in sessions such as developing relationships, resolving conflicts, problem solving, building confidence, encouraging respect and nurturing trust. These skills can be used in all areas of life. They will also live in the Ranch cabins and go on overnights at our Outpost site. Parents must pick up their Ranch Hands on the weekend between the program weeks.

WRANGLER IN TRAINING
(Age 16 or entering Junior year by the start of summer)
WIT is for those who already have intermediate riding and horse care skills and who now want to learn to use their training in an equestrian program.  For two weeks, WITs will be trained on how to teach riding lessons, run trail rides, and work on a ranch. They will shadow the ranch staff and develop essential leadership skills to work with children in a variety of equestrian sites. This program emphasizes decision making skills, effective instruction, assuming responsibility, leading by example, and working as a team. WITs will live with other ranch campers and join in with CITs in leadership sessions and special teen events.

This program is for teens interested in becoming better at working with children and horses in any setting. Success as a WIT will provide lasting skills but it does not mean a participant will be hired or asked to volunteer at Flat Rock. To participate, teens must apply, submit three written references, and have a phone interview. The application forms are available on the Forms page. Parents must pick up their WITs on the weekend between the program weeks.