Riding & Rafting
In addition to their regular scheduled activities, campers have the option to add on Riding (June, Main, and August) and Rafting (Main only) to their exciting summer schedule.
To enjoy time on a horse or in a raft, register for Riding and Rafting through your Forms (to be completed in the spring), which you can fill out through your Online Account or through the Campanion app. Both activities will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis for all sessions. If spots fill, we still start a Wait List; as girls cancel during the session, we will fill any available spots with girls from the Wait List.
Riding Equipment
All riders need to wear long pants. Cowboy or riding boots are required for English Riding. Girls taking Trail Riding can wear tennis shoes, but boots are preferred. Campers cannot wear open-toed shoes. We have a large supply of helmets and boots available for use at camp, but campers who have their own riding equipment are encouraged to bring those items. For June, Main, and August campers taking Trail Riding, feel free to embrace the cowgirl feel with your cowboy boots, cowboy hat, and any other “ranch” accessories that you’d like!
Junior Riding
We are not offering riding lessons during Junior Camp; however, all campers will have time with our horses and ponies at the Barn during one of their scheduled classes.
June and Main English Lesson Program
June and Main Camp riders of all levels can register for our English Lesson Program, designed to provide hands-on horsemanship through consistent lessons throughout the session. Lessons take place three times per week (either MWF or TTS) and will fill two class periods on a camper’s schedule. Each lesson includes about 45 minutes in the saddle, plus 10-15 minutes to get ready, learning barn skills, and wrapping up the day’s ride. Campers are grouped by riding level, and you’ll find out your scheduled riding periods when you arrive at camp.
With just 3-5 campers in each ring and two staff members teaching each group, riders will receive plenty of individual attention and lots of time to practice. Lessons rotate between focused ring work, trail rides, and designated barn days, creating a well-rounded experience that builds skills, confidence, and a true love for riding. Spots in the English Lessons Program are very limited, so make sure to register early through your Online Account or through the Campanion app.
June and Main Trail Riding
June and Main campers can enjoy Trail Riding at Thunderhead Ranch. This is a half-day Western trail riding program, and girls will miss their morning or afternoon classes on their Riding day. Girls will help groom and tack their horse before mounting up to explore the many mountain trails on our Thunderhead property. Campers will also play in the creek, cook over a fire, and learn skills like leather-working, roping, and more. If girls register for multiple days (Main Camp only), each trip will be unique with new trails, meals, and varied activities!
August Trail Riding
August riders will enjoy a fun but simplified Trail Riding experience. Younger August campers will ride on Greystone’s property, primarily following the River Trail, with some routes weaving through camp. While these rides are not strictly lead-line, they are more guided and structured than rides at Thunderhead Ranch to ensure comfort and safety for younger riders. Campers will enjoy a special treat at the barn as part of the experience.
Older August campers will head to Thunderhead Ranch for a Western trail riding experience. Each outing will include a full one-hour trail ride, followed by a meal at the ranch. These rides are designed to promote independence and skill development, with the goal of offering fully independent, hour-long trails rather than lead rides.
Rafting
We are excited to offer a full-day Rafting trip to our Main Campers! Campers will be rafting on the Chattooga III River. Every raft has a professional guide and is self-bailing for comfort, control, and safety. The trip includes a 1.5 hour chartered coach ride to and from Wildwater Rafting and a 4 hour raft down the river with a bagged lunch provided. Girls will miss their classes on their Rafting day. This trip is available for campers who are finished 6th grade and up.
Cancellations
If your daughter changes her mind, you may cancel Riding or Rafting before your daughter’s session and receive a full refund; please contact our office. Once your daughter’s session begins, your daughter will not receive a refund if she decides to cancel her extra activity unless she has to cancel for sickness or a medical reason. Please talk to your daughter before the summer to make sure she wants to ride or raft so that you do not lose your money if she changes her mind.