Skylark Ranch & Sugar Pine

Horse Programs

Girl Scouts of Northern California offers a wide range of horseback riding programs aimed to help girls experience the joy and adventure of this exciting sport. Whether a girl dreams of being an Olympian, riding in rodeo, or simply loves to rides horses every summer, campers will be taught in a safe and comfortable learning environment. Our instructors all have previous experience teaching horseback riding, and provide close and constant supervision during all aspects of the riding program. From the comprehensive equestrian program in a coastal setting at Skylark Ranch to the pine covered trails of the Western Pleasure riding program at Sugar Pine… no matter the skill level or riding style, we’ve got it ALL!

Emphasis in all programs and levels is on skill development, progression and expanding knowledge of horses and horse care. Girls will take part in the horse care and management by feeding, cleaning and grooming. Within their registered program, campers are placed in classes based on their skill level. Classes are kept small with a ratio of at least 1 instructor to 6 campers. Campers in riding programs will also participate in other camp areas and activities.

Skylark Ranch offers quality riding school instruction in a summer camp setting. From beginning to advanced levels, campers can explore English or Western riding disciplines and vaulting. In addition to time in the arena and on the trials, girls in all programs have the opportunity to take daily vaulting lessons. For more information and programs to choose from, check out Skylark Ranch.

Sugar Pine offers recreational horse programs designed to introduce campers to the exciting sport of Western riding and to improve their basic skills. Experience both ground school & arena lessons as well as trail rides. In addition to your time at the stables, some riding programs are combined with other exciting activities like art or outdoor cooking. Every camper at Sugar Pine will have the opportunity to ride at least once. For more information and programs to choose from, check out Sugar Pine.

How to Pick a Program

Finding the correct riding program for your daughter is important not only for the quality of her program but for her own safety. To help you select the program that would best suit your daughter, review the levels of the Horse Programs offered and their descriptions. ALL skills listed for the chosen style of riding need to be met consistently to qualify for that riding program. Riding time varies with each program and lessons are more in depth as riding levels advance.

Choose the riding style that’s right for you…

Western Style:

From reining to rodeos, western equitation is a thrilling way to experience horseback riding. Participate in lessons at the arena or set off on fantastic trial rides… jump in the saddle and become a cowgirl today! Western Style riding lessons and instruction is offered at Skylark Ranch and Sugar Pine.

English Style:

Are you a hunter or a jumper? From ground poles to jumping over fences, gain skills in this traditional riding discipline. Develop proper balance and form through hunt seat equitation and even ride through the countryside. English Style instruction is offered at Skylark Ranch only.

Vaulting:

Gymnastics on horseback! This is sure to bring out the stunt rider in you and help develop balance and riding position. Vaulting is offered at Skylark Ranch only.

KEY: (E)= English (W)= Western

Choose the level that’s right for you…

LEVEL 1: Introduction to Riding

Programs at Skylark Ranch: Saddle Sampler (E & W)

Programs at Sugar Pine: Little Bits, Galloping Gourmet (W)

Campers do not need any previous experience

LEVEL 2: Beginning Riding

Programs at Skylark Ranch: Silver Spurs (W), Pony Tails (E)
Programs at Sugar Pine (W): Cowgirl Up, Hoof Prints, Climb and Ride

Campers need minimal experience.

LEVEL 3: Advanced Beginning Riding

Programs at Skylark Ranch: Take the Reins (W), The "Mane" Event (E)
Programs at Sugar Pine (W): Mustangs, Trailblazers, Saddle & Paddle

Campers need to be comfortable around horses and have some experience. Campers must be able to:

• ride in an arena without a lead line
• lead a horse comfortably
• mount and dismount without assistance
• begin demonstrating control while maintaining a safe balanced position at the walk, trot (E) / jog(W)
• demonstrate correct reining position
• halt and turn horse at the walk
• know the corrent application of turning/riding aids
• a minimum of 5 previous lessons are required for this level

LEVEL 4: Intermediate Riding

Programs at Skylark Ranch: Saddle Up (W), Mount Up (E), Happy Trails (E or W), Le Trec (E or W)

Campers must be able to:

• demonstrate control in a group while maintaining a basic balanced position at the walk and trot (E) or jog (W)
• ride without stirrups at the walk and trot (E) or jog (W)
• ride with control the trot (E) or jog (W)
• explain the aids for the canter (E) or lope (W)

Campers riding Western style must also be able to:

• perform large circles at the walk and the jog
• maintain a safe, balanced position at a controlled lope

Campers riding English style must also be able to:

• maintain jumping position at the trot
• maintain a safe, balanced position at a controlled canter 
• maintain control while jumping a trot course of fences at 2'

LEVEL 5: Advanced Riding (by application only)

Advanced Equestrian Program Application (online form)

If you prefer to apply via paper copy, you can click here to download the Advanced Equestrian Program Application Form

Programs at Skylark Ranch: Wild West Adventure (W), Tally Ho! (E)

Campers must be able to:

• mount, dismount, walk, trot, and canter a horse with control
• demonstrate a secure balanced position and progress toward an independent seat and coordinated use of aids
• explain the application of and reasons for various aids
• demonstrate an increased and decreased speed and show confidence and control at all gaits
• demonstrate the ability to ride different horses showing confidence and control
• ride without stirrups at the walk and sitting trot

Campers riding Western style must also be able to:

• demonstrate correct use of leg aids
• maintain a light rein

Campers riding English style must also be able to:

• jump a single course of 5-7 obstacles at the trot and canter
• demonstrate balanced and steady position over fences at 2’3 to 2'6