Horse Camp
Crazy about horses? Then this program is for you!
This program is designed for campers who are interested in making Western horseback riding the focal point of their camp experience. Camp Chief Ouray offers five levels of riding instruction. Campers spend half of their day at the CCO barn learning how to care for horses and improve their riding skills. The remainder of the day is spent participating in traditional camp activities. If our counselors determine that a horse camper belongs in a level different from the one they are registered in, he or she will be transferred to ensure that they will have a positive camp experience.
Horse Levels:
[1] Tenderfoot: Learn the Basics
Ages 8-13
Beginning riders will learn how to handle a horse on the ground and in the saddle. This includes learning how to lead and tie a horse correctly, as well as hoof picking, grooming, and saddling a horse. They will also learn basic riding position ad how to control and steer a horse at a walk.
Prerequisite: Desire to learn about horses.
[2] Cowpoke: Learn to Trot
Ages 9-13
Cowpokes continue the training received in Tenderfoot, but this level adds the additional challenge of learning to control a horse at the trot. This gait is faster and more bouncy than the walk. To advance to the next level, riders are expected to maintain their riding position and control the horse at this faster gait.
Prerequisite: Know how to lead, groom, bridle and saddle, and control the horse at a walk.
[3] Wrangler: Learn to Canter
Ages 10+
Wranglers are expected to have mastered the basic ground skills (leading, grooming, and tacking) and be comfortable controlling the horse at a walk and trot while maintaining their riding position. In this level riders learn how to control the horse at a canter which is a smoother, but much faster gair than the trot. To advance to the next level riders must be able to groom and tack their horse, have mastered control of the horse and be able to maintain basic riding positoin at all gaits.
Prerequisite: Know how to lead, groom, bridle, saddle, and control the horse at a walk and trot.
[4] Trail Rider: Hit the Trail
Ages 11+
Trail Riders learn basic trail riding skills and are able to walk, trot and canter on trail. The first day riders are evaluated in the ring. They are expected to groom and tack on their own and be completely comfortable at the walk, trot and canter. To advance to the next level riders must show exceptional control and maintain their riding position in the areana and on trail.
Prerequisite: Know how to groom, bridle, saddle, and control the horse at a walk, trot and canter. Previous trail riding experience.
[5] High Rider: Ages 12+ By Invitation Only!
This is the highest level in the CCO Riding Program. High Riders learn advanced horseandship skills and perform in the Camp Rodeo. These riders are expected to be able to control horses at all gaits and maintain good riding position while doing events like barrel and pole racing.
High Riders do not sign up for additional camp activities.
For more information about [Level 5] please call (970) 887-2648
.