A lot! For either retreat, you will be riding every day. Our emphasis is on the horsemanship experience, and we want you in the saddle as much as possible.

It means you don’t have to have ever ridden a horse before to be able to join us at horse camp! Although we do recommend taking a lesson or two, to get the most out of the experience.

To help:

A “no experience” rider might have pet horses in the past or gone on one trail ride, but otherwise doesn’t know much at all about horses - except that she loves them and wants more experience with them.

A beginner rider might have taken lessons as a child, done some trail rides in the past, and is generally eager to be around horses, but has limited experience with them in recent years. Beginner rides are limited to walking, with a small chance to trot depending on how quickly riders pick up skills.

An intermediate rider has recent experience in the saddle, is confident at the walk and trot and horse handling. Intermediate riders should be able to tack up a horse on their own.

As long as you love horses, are open to coaching and can follow directions, you’ll be able to do this. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate rider (or have no experience!) we’re going to work with you to ensure you have a fun time - and if you ultimately find yourself needing to skip a ride or activity, we’ll give you passes to spend the time at our local Hot Springs resort (Backcountry Camp) or you can relax at the hot tub and activity rooms (Lodge Camp).

We have three hosts, which allows us to accommodate different skill and confidence levels.

We accept any woman over the age of 18.

You must be able to swing your leg over a horse from a mounting block, unassisted by us.

You must weigh less than 220lbs, for the safety of our horses.

Meals, lodging, activities, horses, tack, and a few special extras are all included in the cost of camp. Horses are included - this is not a bring your own horse experience.

Travel to the area and to camp is not included.

Alcohol is not included. BYOB at Backcountry Camp. Alcohol is for sale at the Lodge.

*Sleeping bags aren’t included at Backcountry Camp - please bring one! Reach out in advance if this is an issue.

Each camp experience has its own needs. Please see the What to Bring page for your Camp experience.

What to bring to Backcountry Camp

What to bring to the Lodge

Husbands, boyfriends, dogs, your own horse, white and light colored clothes that you don’t want getting dirty.

Bad attitudes, closed minds and closed hearts. We expect everyone at camp to be a team player, to be friendly, polite, and kind to one another.