Horseback Riding

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 (Junior Girl Scouts and older) 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.

Cost: $10 per rider
Event Code: 10-56-09-6235
Max.: 12 riders per 45-minute session
Deadline: Three weeks prior to camping weekend
Contact: George Ann Barrett at 713-292-0313,
or gbarrett@sjgs.org

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.

When: Saturdays only, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Camp Misty Meadows
Cost: $2 per girl
Event Code: 10-56-09-6235
Deadline: Three weeks prior to chosen Saturday

Horse Rider Badge Workshop

Junior Girl Scouts may register to attend this one-day, hands-on workshop to work on the requirements for the Horse Rider Badge. Troops or individuals may register; troops must maintain the proper adult-girl ratio and a certified First Aid person as specified in Safety-Wise; individual girls must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must remain in camp for the workshop. Each attendee must bring a completed and signed permission slip and medical history.

Since this is an all-day workshop, attendees should bring a sack lunch and beverage, clearly labeled with the attendee’s name. Small personal coolers are allowed; large ice chests cannot be accommodated due to space restrictions. Appropriate camp clothing is required, as well as long pants for riding. Helmets and boots are available for use during the training. Girls bringing their own helmets must show SEI certification label; boots must be smooth-soled with at least a 1/2" heel. Check in is between 9:30 - 10 a.m. in the Barn classroom.

When: January 22, February 12, April 9, April 30
10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Camp Misty Meadows;
Cost: $14 per girl (badge not included)
No adult participants.
Event Code: 10-56-09-6235
Deadline: Three weeks before event date
Max.: 40