Scouts Programs

Scout Programs

Chaparral Ranch proudly offers educational horseback riding programs designed specifically for scouting groups. Our scout experiences combine horsemanship education, hands-on learning, and riding instruction in a safe and engaging ranch environment.

Scouts gain a deeper understanding of horses while developing confidence, responsibility, and teamwork. Each program is structured to meet scouting badge requirements while creating a memorable outdoor experience for participants.

Whether it’s a first introduction to horses or a more advanced horsemanship program, our instructors guide scouts every step of the way.

Daisy & Cub Scout Horseback Riding Patch Program

Join us at the ranch and earn your Horseback Riding Patch in this fun and educational introduction to horses. This program is designed to give younger scouts a basic understanding of horses, how they are cared for, and how to safely interact with them.

Scouts will spend time learning about horses and then step into the arena for hands-on experiences with our friendly ranch horses.

Program Highlights:

30 minutes of classroom-style learning about horse care, grooming, and horse history
30 minutes of hands-on arena time with the horses
Introduction to basic horse safety and horsemanship
Guided instruction from experienced ranch staff
Opportunity to earn the Horseback Riding Patch

Suitable For:

Girl Scout Daisies
Cub Scouts
No riding experience required

Junior Scout Horseback Riding Badge

Young riders will embark on an exciting ranch adventure while learning the fundamentals of horsemanship. This program is designed to give scouts hands-on experience with horse care while building confidence around horses.

Participants will learn about grooming, feeding, and tack before stepping into the saddle for a guided riding lesson.

Program Highlights:

90-minute educational experience focused on horsemanship
Learn the fundamentals of horse care including grooming, cleaning, feeding, and tack
Hands-on experience working with the horses
45-minute riding lesson in the arena
Guidance from experienced instructors

Suitable For:

Girl Scout Brownies and up
Boy Scouts
No prior riding experience necessary

Horsemanship Merit Badge Program

Our Horsemanship Merit Badge Program is designed for older scouts who want a deeper understanding of horseback riding and horse care. Through a structured series of lessons, participants will develop horsemanship skills while learning about horse safety, breeds, history, and proper care.

This program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience and riding instruction to fully prepare participants to earn their Horsemanship Merit Badge.

Program Highlights:

60-minute classes over 4–10 lessons
Learn horse safety, breeds, colors, and horsemanship fundamentals
Hands-on experience with grooming, feeding, and tack equipment
Demonstrations and practical horsemanship instruction
Riding lesson during each session to apply learned skills
Personalized coaching and assignments to track progress

Suitable For:

BoyScout Seniors & Ambassadors

For full merit badge requirements, please visit:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Horsemanship.pdf