GROUPS & EXPERIENCE 

Western Riders are organized into groups based on grade level along with friends, if indicated. To get the most out of this program, riders should respect and appreciate horses, have previous riding experience on their own, and be comfortable in a Western saddle at a walk and trot. Ride Like the Wind: Riders gain confidence riding with a loose-rein at each gate progressively, starting with the walk, then the trot, then the lope or canter. Each rider lopes or canters his or her horse on a designated stretch of trail or road one at a time for safety and to receive individualized pointers.

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BARN ACTIVITIES

Learn to draw and paint horses and how to spin and throw the rope to catch "cattle" (old horse troughs with horns) with names like Bertha and Tofu. During “Equus* Sessions” Western Riders gather around the barn area to share interesting facts about horses. They expand their knowledge on breeds, colors, conformation, and the history of horses, as well as various riding styles and events. When there is time for other camp activities, the Western Riders vote on which of their favorite activities they want to fill out their days.

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THE CMR HORSES

The Colorado Mountain Ranch horses are well-trained and treated with kindness. Therefore, they generally have good dispositions and they like people. They are strong and steady, come in all colors and sizes, and are kept shod for our rocky terrain. Our horses belong to us, so each horse is like family. They are old friends with us and the campers year after year. The local mountain country is wide open for exploring the pine and aspen forests and wildflower meadows in "Old West" style. At the Colorado Mountain Ranch, folks can still just "get out and ride" with excellent wranglers to supervise the experience.

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MIKE WALKER'S GENTLE APPROACH & OUR WRANGLERS

Mike has directed the Western Riding programs at the Colorado Mountain Ranch for over 40 years. His gentle, natural approach emphasizes communication, respect, trust, balance, and enjoyment for both horse and human. Mike has developed his own eclectic "horse-whisperer" approach to training and riding, through practice and study with famous trainers beginning years ago with “natural horsemanship” originals Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. He builds a partnership rather than dominates, works with horses rather than breaks them, and fosters unity of mind, body, and spirit with the horse. His ways with horses are similar to those popular today, the “natural horsemanship" approach of Pat Parelli and Buck Branaman. Many local horse people refer to Mike as "the best horseman" they know. One of Mike's special gifts is sharing his horsemanship knowledge and abilities with others, especially children. Western Riders may get a chance to observe Mike or another wrangler working in the round pen with a horse that is just starting out or could use a "tune-up." Mike's often humorous ongoing commentary introduces the Riders to Mike's and CMR's way of respectfully communicating with horses and people of all ages, children included, of course! 2025 boasts a high returnee rate among our riding staff who are familiar and practiced in CMR’s gentle way with horses. All wranglers arrive early for special training and to get the horses ready for campers again after their winter vacation.​​

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THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN AND THE HORSES IS THE HIGHEST PRIORITY!