General Horseback Riding Information

     This program is offered to individual girls or troops, Junior level and older, in GSSJC. All riding programs are staffed with volunteer adults and older girls who have had Council training in safe handling of horses and riders. The appropriate ratio of troop adults as specified in Safety-Wise, including the troop’s certified first-aider, must accompany all riders to the riding area and remain in the area while their girls are riding.
     Riders should be at the Boot and Helmet Room in the Barn at Camp Misty Meadows at least 30 minutes before their scheduled ride times. Late arrivals will result in a shortened ride. Riders must wear long pants and suitable camp attire (socks, T-shirt or shirt with sleeves covering the shoulders). Helmets and boots are available. Girls bringing their own helmets must show a SEI certification label; boots must be smooth-soled with at least a 1/2" heel. Lug soles are not allowed.
     Registration deadlines must be met for participants to expect placement in a program. The deadline for all riding events is three weeks prior to the event. Troops camping in Camp Misty Meadows have priority placement for riding slots. All riding programs have maximum capacities listed; these limits are strictly followed. Girls have priority over adults for riding slots.
     Every potential adult who wishes to become involved in the equitation program must have a completed “Volunteer Application” and an approved criminal background check on file with Council Volunteer Records Department and be a registered Girl Scout in good standing prior to attending the equitation training for adults.

Weekend Camper Riding

     Troops/groups camping at Camps Misty Meadows, Agnes Arnold, Silver Springs, or Robinwood who wish to ride during their camping weekend should send in the “Request for Riding Form” included with their camp date confirmation immediately on receipt. Even though you may not be camping at one of the camps nearby Camp Misty Meadows, your girls (Juniors and older) can still go horseback riding. Troops/groups or Juliettes who wish to ride at Camp Misty Meadows should send in the Program Registration Form. These are 45-minute ride periods, either in an arena or on a trail, depending on the skill level of the riders (determined by the volunteer riding director in charge during the ride). Either a Saturday or Sunday (morning) ride time may be requested. Troop adults may ride with their girls if space permits; no tagalongs may ride. Girls have priority placement over adults.

Love, Hug, and Groom

This program is offered to individual girls or troops in GSSJC. All girl program levels (Daisy Girl Scouts through seniors in high school) may participate. Girls receive a barn tour, introduction to horse care, and hands-on grooming opportunity with camp horses during 45-minute periods at Camp Misty Meadows. Sessions are available beginning at 10 a.m. any Saturday that camps are open for regular programming.

Horse Fan Junior Badge Workshops offered

Girl Scouts can work toward earning the Horse Fan badge by attending one of these workshops, scheduled on specified Saturdays at Camp Misty Meadows. Members of the SPURS program will conduct classroom sessions covering various aspects of horsemanship. This is a NON-RIDING workshop designed to provide information and materials so girls can complete the badge on their own or at a troop meeting. Troops and Juliettes (individually registered Girl Scouts) may register; adult-to-girl ratios must be maintained and a First Aider must be present with troops; Juliettes must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must remain in the area during the session. Register for ONE time and ONE date.