Dear Troop Leader,

Thank you for your interest in pursuing Girl Scout riding and/or Horse Lover badge work at the Windy Ridge Ranch.  We have enjoyed having many Scout groups come to the Ranch over the past 20 years. We will provide the girls age 8 and over with a fun and educational experience appropriate for a scouting adventure. We have helmets available for all our riders.

In addition to riding, we can also provide a lecture and demonstration on the many points of the Girl Scout badges.  You can have the group prepare questions if you choose this option.

The charge for just a lecture and demo is $50 for the entire troop for an hour. The charge for riding is listed on our price list under Scout Troops & Other Groups.  The maximum number I have riding at the same time is 15. If you have more than that, I usually divide the group in two.

The riding time includes a riding lesson and fun riding directed at the level appropriate for the group.  Riding will be in one of our indoor or outdoor rings.  (Occasionally a group will leave the rings for a short trail, but this depends on every rider passing a riding skills test.) If no other ride immediately precedes yours, then your Troop is welcome to come early and help groom and tack the horses (or watch).  Please let us know if this is your plan.  You may also bring carrots to feed as horse treats.

To reserve a time for your group, please email Mark or call 651-436-6557.  You will then need to send a $50 deposit to hold this date open.

Prior to riding, each girl must submit a completed WAIVER.   Girls without a completed form will not be allowed to ride.  This form notifies girls and their parents that horseback riding is a strenuous sport and can sometimes lead to injury-causing accidents and that riders ride at their own risk.  It also requires that each rider be covered by medical insurance and that parents complete and sign the form. We advise that you distribute the forms well in advance of the event and then collect the completed forms and review them yourself before bringing the girls to the Ranch. Riders should be dressed appropriately, including boots or sturdy shoes.

Please let us know the exact number of girls planning to ride.  If this number changes, let us know at least four hours in advance of the scheduled event.  This will enable us to set up the correct number of horses.  If your number of riders changes, and you were unable to notify us in advance, $5 will be charged for each unused horse that is set up.

We request that your group pay cash or with a single check.  When you arrive at the ranch, please proceed through the red pedestrian gate to the big barn.  Thank you!

Please call if you have any questions.

Mark F. Ward