Horse Majors

The A/U Ranches are all about horses!

There has always been a natural progression of skills in the Horse programs between Sky Valley Ranch for 3rd – 8th graders and Round-Up Ranch for 9th – 12th graders. You’ll love being challenged year after year through a variety of activities designed for your grade and skill level.

Note: you must be enrolled in a 2-week session to participate in horse programs.

Whether you are in a “specialized” horse major or in general horsemanship, our experienced instructors will help guide you through a progression of horse skills and horse care. Depending on which Horse major you choose, you will be expertly trained in obstacle work, gymkhana events and polocrosse. All campers will have the opportunity to highlight the skills they’ve learned in our traditional end of session rodeo.

SVR = Sky Valley Ranch · RUR = Round-Up Ranch
Click on the majors below to get a complete description of each program

*Open to 8th grade campers with advanced riding skills 1st and 3rd session.

SVR Buckaroos (3rd–4th graders)

Gentle horses and loving, experienced counselors make Buckaroos a fun fit for young horse lovers, and what is really special is that you get your own horse to take care of! You will learn how to feed, groom and form a partnership with your horse. There is also a three-day camping trip that you will take with your horse and other campmates. On your trip you will stay in a real teepee in a special place on the ranch property! At the end of camp, you and your horse will not only compete in a gymkhana, but you’ll perform a drill routine at the opening ceremony! (You will help create the routine with corral counselors.) It’s going to be so much fun!
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SVR Horsemanship (5th–8th graders)

Have you always wanted your own horse? Well, in the horsemanship major, you’ll actually get a horse you can call your own for the session! Plus, whether you’re a beginner or think you’re a pro, riding is a blast when learning horsemanship skills from our corral counselors. This major is designed for all riding levels. We have three different patrols in order to serve each rider’s ability. You will apply the skills you are learning to polocrosse and training for gymkhana events. Then, round out your experience with a three-day pack trip in the Rocky Mountains and participating in the end-of-session gymkhana.
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RUR Horsemanship (9th–12th graders)

This major supports all riding levels. You will focus on the fundamentals of horsemanship and communication with your horse. Your time will be spent learning how to rein, train for gymkhana events and establish a working relationship with your horse. You will also be introduced to polocrosse in this program. In preparation for your three-day pack trip at the end of the session, you’ll learn how to pack and take care of your horse in the back country. The session culminates in the end-of-session gymkhana.
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RUR Polocrosse (9th–12th graders)

Originally designed as a dressage exercise to develop a more natural seat when riding, polocrosse has truly become the “king of the one horse sports.” Think of lacrosse on horseback and you have an idea of what polocrosse is like. It’s a quick moving game that involves three players/horses per team. The major will help you develop a balanced seat under competitive conditions and to learn the racquet skills and strategy necessary to play the game. The culmination of your polocrosse experience will be traveling with your horse and teammates to play in a sanctioned polocrosse tournament. You will also participate in the traditional end-of-session gymkhana.
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