Scouts

Bring your Troop to learn about horses and horseback riding and to earn badges!!!

Specially priced for groups.

All riders must have a signed Red Gate Release Form on record with us before riding!

We have hosted many successful Girl Scout and Boy Scout outings to earn horse-related badges! We can accommodate from 5 to 25 scouts for a fun day. Most outings are from 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours long, and can include non-mounted topics with pony ride from $40 each scout to a summer-camp-like lesson including grooming, tacking, safety, careers, parts-of-the-horse, and each rider having a lesson with their own horse from $75-80 each. Contact us for more information on options and prices. Note:  the actual badges are not provided by Red Gate Farm, only the experience of providing the requirements.  The troop leader can acquire them a the Girl Scout store.

Horse Fan Badge

• Takes  1   1/2 hours to complete badge requirements.
• We begin with an orientation and tour of the stable, reviewing safety rules and discussing what is involved in the care of a horse. This includes an overview of the horses’ food (hay, grass, grain, treats), and horse maintenance. Horse maintenance includes stall cleaning, grooming, exercising, training, blanketing, fly control, veterinary care, dental care, farrier care.
• We also review some horse careers like barn manager, trainer, and riding instructor.
• We will review grooming a horse in preparation for riding, using the proper tools. Learn to be safe and confident around horses.
• An overview of safe riding clothes and equipment will be given, including the saddle and bridle, and how to maintain them. Watch the horse being saddled and bridled.
• We end with a pony ride for each scout.

At the end, we will review opportunities for lessons, camps, and to invitation to come and watch a show!

The cost of this program is $40.00 per scout.  5 scout minimum.

Horse Fan/Rider Badge

Takes 2 hours to complete badge requirements.

• We begin with an orientation and tour of the stable, reviewing safety rules and discussing what is involved in the care of a horse. This includes an overview of the horses’ food (hay, grass, grain, treats), and horse maintenance. Horse maintenance includes stall cleaning, grooming, exercising, training, blanketing, fly control, veterinary care, dental care, farrier care. Common ailments (colic and lameness) will be covered.
• We also review some horse careers like barn manager, trainer, and riding instructor.
• Each child will have an opportunity to learn to groom a horse in preparation for riding, using the proper tools. Learn the parts of the horse (anatomy) as we groom the horse. Learn to be safe and confident around horses.
• An overview of safe riding clothes and equipment will be given, including a review of our saddle and bridle, and how to maintain them. Watch the horse being saddled and bridled. Some scouts may be able to assist with the tacking of the horse.
• Each rider will be assisted in leading, mounting, adjusting stirrups, and learning the basics of position, starting, stopping, and turning in our riding ring. A group riding lesson will allow the scouts to experience walking, circling, halting, reversing direction, and sometimes even trotting (with help). This is an introductory class that will cover all of the basics safely.
• Scouts will learn to dismount and take care of their mounts after riding.

The cost of this program is $80 per scout. Minimum 5 scouts. $75 for 11 or more scouts.  Please note that one check for payment is required (not individual checks from each person).

Boy Scouts

Please call for information on bringing your scout troop and merit badge requirements.

Scheduling

Please contact us to reserve your date. Troops really enjoy the program and some return to visit us just for fun! Please send $100 booking deposit once your date/time is set.   We are now booking for Summer 2024.  The schedule is generally 3-5 pm select Sundays.  We can accommodate any size troop. Select Saturdays 3-4:30 pm Horse Fan badge only. Note:  we ride rain or shine with our huge indoor arena that is attached to the barn.

Available dates/times:

We have had an overwhelming demand for Girl Scouts in the past.   The program is popular, and books up well in advance. Any available options will be listed here.  Following are the available options (updated frequently).    Sundays  3-5 pm:    May 12, May 26,  June 16, June 30, July 7, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 18, Sept. 1, Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Nov. 24, Dec. 8, Dec, 15, Dec. 22.  WE ALSO HOST ON TEACHER WORKDAYS 1-3 pm.    All Saturdays 12-1:30 or 3-4:30 pm for HORSE FAN badge only (shared pony rides).   We do NOT host events after school on weekdays.  We do NOT host events in January or February.

Info for participants:

Please wear long pants, and sturdy shoes with hard soles and a well-defined heel.  Helmets will be provided.  Bike helmets do not meet safety and insurance requirements.  NO open-toed shoes will be be permitted in the barn.  (sandals, flip-flops, etc.) Do not wear jewelry.  Tie long hair back.  Please have all participants/parents complete the liability waiver found on our website. Be on time!  Our schedule is exact, so arriving late may affect the amount of time you have with the horses.