Horse Programs
Horses are our passion and the heart of our operation. Trail rides in the countryside, Christmas hayrides with loved ones and horse camps for young horse enthusiasts are a few of our wonderful programs.
We love sharing our horses and providing experiences to long remember.
Children's Horse Camps
We offer multiple camps for children between the ages of 4 and 16. These are a series of progressive camps to grow with through the years. No experience is needed to start your journey. Your child will learn about horses and Western riding in a safety centered environment that encourages perseverance and promotes confidence.
Barn Buddies Camp
Barn Buddies is a camp for some of our youngest students, ages 5-7. Students will learn about how to act safely in the barn and around the horses, proper horse approach and handling, grooming and the very basics of tacking-up.
There will also be some very basic Western riding during camp. This camp is a great introduction to horses for any little horse lover.
Barn Buddies Camp
Barn Buddies 2024 Session Dates:
Session 1: May 5, 12 and 19 (3 Sundays) 1pm to 4pm
Session 2: July 30-Aug 1 (Tues-Thur) 9am to 12pm
Session 3: Aug 27-29 (Tues-Thur) 9am to 12pm
Camp Cost: $275
Ages: 5-7 year olds
No prior riding experience is necessary to attend
Novice Horse Camp
Novice Horse Camp is an entry level camp for students ages 8yrs and older, no prior experience is needed to attend this camp. Students will be assigned their own horse to work with and care for during the duration of camp. Some topics covered are barn rules and safety, horse approach and leading, grooming, tacking-up, horse anatomy, general horse care and an introduction to Western riding. Riding will take place in a paddock area as well as out on the trails.
Novice Horse Camp
Novice Horse Camp 2024 Session Dates:
Session 1: June 18-21 (Tues-Fri) 9am to 4pm
Session 2: June 25-28 (Tues-Fri) 9am to 4pm
Session 3: July 16-19 (Tues-Fri) 9am to 4pm
Session 4: Aug 13-16 (Tues-Fri) 9am to 4pm
Camp Cost: $405
Ages: 8+ years old
Intermediate Horse Camp
In Intermediate Horse Camp we will review the topics covered in Novice Horse Camp and then continue to build from there. Some goals for this camp level include gaining confidence and a broader skill set both on the ground and in the saddle. We will work on having soft hands, a good seat, and strong communication between horse and rider. Additionally we will discuss the gaits of a horse and, although we always ride to the ability of our least experienced rider, more often than not we are learning to jog our horses in this camp level. Although a rare exception can be made, in most cases Novice Horse Camp is a prerequisite for this camp level.
Intermediate Horse Camp
Intermediate Horse Camp 2024 Session Dates:
Session 1: July 1-3 (Mon-Wed) 9am to 4pm
Session 2: July 23-25 (Tues-Thur) 9am to 4pm
Session 3: Aug 20-22 (Tues-Thur) 9am to 4pm
Camp Cost: $405
Ages: 9+ years old
Advanced Horse Camp
Advanced Horse Camp is a camp centered around building confident, well-rounded riders. As always we will continue to build upon what we have already learned to this point and additional topics could include transitioning between gaits, increased use of legs, seat and soft hands to deliver clear communication to the horses. We will also work on individual strengths and weaknesses between riders and spend time where needed to advance both confidence and skill. Intermediate Horse Camp is a prerequisite to Advanced Camp. This is currently the highest camp level offered, but we encourage students to continue to seek enrollment in this camp level as long as they have interest. This camp is generally made up of first year Advanced students as well as second year and beyond Advanced students. Although we have benchmarks we aim to cover, we also have the flexibility to make adjustments and zero in on student interest.
Advanced Horse Camp
Advanced Horse Camp 2024 Session Dates:
Session 1: July 30-Aug 1 (Tues-Thur) 12:30pm to 7:30pm
Session 2: Aug 6-8 (Tues-Thur) 9am to 4pm
Cost: $405
Ages: 10+ years old
How To Register
Please email us at ranchrudolf@gmail.com with your desired camp name and session dates to check camp availability and request more information.
Trail Rides
Wrangler:
1 hour trail ride
Riders need no prior experience to enjoy this 1 hour long trail guided ride that is open to ages 8 through adult. This is a walk only ride that takes you through the beautiful Boardman River Valley. A Wrangler will assign horses and provide basic instruction prior to hitting the trails. The ride will take place along Ranch property as well as the surrounding State Forest, a large portion of the ride will be in a wooded area.
This is an authentic trail ride; you can expect varied terrain, some small hills, the possibility of low limbs or branches and many rides also cross the river when weather allows. Closed toe shoes are required. A scenic and memorable activity for the whole family to enjoy.
2024 Dates and Costs
1 Hour Ride: $50/person
1 Hour Ride for Overnight Guest: $44/person
Season:
Beginning May 11 we will be open for trail rides on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2:30pm
June 13 through Labor Day trail rides will be available Thursdays through Mondays between 10am and 2:30pm
September 1 through October 19 trail rides will be available on saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 2:30pm
Last Day for 2024 Season: Saturday, Oct 19
-our season and ride schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Rides Times:
These 1 hour trail rides are offered on a first come, first served basis (no reservations.) We suggest arriving at least 45 min before your desired ride time. Ride times are as follows:
10am
11:30am
1pm
2:30pm
-ride times can change without notice
Holiday Hours:
Memorial Day: 10am and 11:30am ride times offered
4th of July: All ride times offered between 10am and 2:30pm
Labor Day: 10am and 11:30am ride times offered
Weather Factors:
-Weather factors can change our ride schedule without notice
-We typically ride in a light to moderate rain, but will not go out in a heavy downpour or thunder/lightning
-Extreme heat/humidity can also change or limit our ride schedule
Bronco:
2 hour trail ride
Our 2 hour rides are offered by reservation only. We offer these rides on Tuesdays. At minimum they need to be booked two days in advance, but as space is limited, it is always best to reserve much before that. Riders need no experience to participate; they are walking only rides. Wranglers will provide basic instruction and assign horses. The ride will take place on Ranch property as well as the surrounding State Forest. A large portion of the ride will be in a wooded area.
This is an authentic trail ride. You can expect varied terrain, some small hills, the possibility of low limbs or branches and many rides also cross the river as weather allows. Closed toe shoes are required. Participants must be 8 years of age and older. A scenic and memorable experience for the whole family to enjoy.
2024 Dates and Costs
2 Hour Ride: $88/person
2 Hour Ride for Overnight Guest: $82/person
2 Hour Private Ride: $98/person
-please note, we will blend groups of riders together for these rides
2 Hour Private Ride: $98/person
-for these private rides it will be just your party and a Wrangler
Season:
Opening Day for 2024 Season: Tuesday, May 28
These 2 Hour Rides will be available on Tuesdays May 28 through Aug 27
Last Day for 2024 Season: Tuesday, Aug 27
– there may be additional availability on occasion, if interested in checking availability please EMAIL us at ranchrudolf@gmail.com
-our season and ride schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Rides Times:
These 2 hour trail rides are offered by reservation only. At minimum they need to be booked two days in advance, but as space is limited and rides often fill quickly, we suggest booking much before that-weeks ahead is a great idea.
– ride times vary by day, please call 231-947-9529 to inquire
-for late arrivals, ride times will be adjusted accordingly; if you are not here at least 30 min before your scheduled ride time you will not get a full 2 hour ride
-for late arrivals that arrive 10 min or more after the start of your ride time, you will lose your ride reservation and not be able to participate. No refunds.
-ride times can change without notice
– No refunds available once a ride has been booked
Refunds and Weather Factors:
-If we need to cancel a ride due to weather, staffing issues, etc we will contact you directly to do so. Keep in mind, we do ride in rain. Poor weather conditions that could cause us to cancel a ride include extreme rain/downpour, thunder/lightening, extreme heat, etc. Weather patterns can change quickly in Michigan, but we will make the best decision we can with as much notice as possible. Reserved rides are “on” unless you hear otherwise from us.
Buckaroo:
A barnyard ride
Our buckaroo ride is a parent led lead line ride for children ages 3-7 years old. Children will sit on their own horse while their parent or guardian (ages 18+) leads them around the barnyard. This is a walking ride. Only one person is allowed on the horse at a time. Both the child rider and the adult leading the horse must be in closed toe shoes to participate.
15 min barnyard ride: $15 (parent leads horse)
Season:
Opening Day for 2024 Season: Saturday, May 11
Beginning May 11 we will be open for Buckaroo Rides on Saturdays and Sundays.
June 13-Labor Day Buckaroo Rides will be available Thursdays through Mondays.
Sept 1-Oct 19 Buckaroo Rides will be available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Last Day for 2024 Season: Saturday, Oct 19
-our season and ride schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Rides Times:
These buckaroo rides are offered on a first come, first served basis (no reservations.) We suggest arriving at least 15 min before ride time to sign up at Ranch Rudolf main entrance. Ride times are as follows:
9:30am on each of the above listed days
Holiday Hours:
Memorial Day: Buckaroo rides available at 9:30am
4th of July: Buckaroo rides available at 9:30am
Labor Day: Buckaroo rides available at 9:30am
What To Wear
-
- Closed toe shoes are REQUIRED
- Shorts are okay for trail rides, but you may be more comfortable in long pants
- Riding helmets are required for those under 18 years old, they are provided
- Riding helmets are available upon request for riders over 18 years old
- We suggest leaving all backpacks, purses, water bottles, etc in your vehicle. You should have nothing with you that is strapped or hooked to yourself or your saddle or needs to be held. Things of this nature can be a distraction to riders and can also fall or spook horses.
- Cell phones are okay to bring along but we ask that you keep your ringer off and not let your phone interfere with your ability to pay attention and direct your horse. Putting reins down to get a picture will not be tolerated. You must also understand we ride in various terrain, most rides even cross water. Bring at your own discretion keeping in mind phones or unnecessary items can be dropped, lost or damaged during the ride.
Requirements to Ride
- Trail Rides
- You need no experience. We offer walking only rides and staff will provide basic, necessary instruction prior to the ride.
- Riders must be at least 8 years old. We do not allow double riding.
- We have a weight limit of 250lbs. Riders will need to be able to mount their horse from a 2-step mounting block.
- Closed toe shoes are required
- Riders must be able to follow all outlined rules and listen to their Wranglers throughout the ride
Buckaroo Rides
- For buckaroo rides (parent led barnyard rides) both the parent leading the horse and child riding the horse will need closed toe shoes.
- Parent/adult needs to be 18yrs+. This ride is offered to children 3-7yrs.
- Parent will need to be able to walk 15 min in a sandy barnyard
- Parent will need to be able to lead the horse independently, after getting basic instruction from staff
Horse Programs
Horse Lover's 1 Day Camp
This single day horse camp is a great way for students to try out a camp without making the full camp commitment. Students need no experience to attend. They will be paired with their own horse for the day and we will cover all the basics including barn safety, horse handling and approach, grooming, tacking up and there will be a short introduction to riding as well. We have the flexibility to work at the pace of our group, so although this camp is appropriate for brand new students, it is also a cost effective option for our currently enrolled camp students to get an additional experience and the opportunity to try out a different camp horse.
Horse Lover’s Single Day Camp
2024 Dates and Costs
Session 1: Saturday, May 4
Session 2: Saturday, June 1
Session 3: Saturday, July 6
Session 4: Saturday, August 3
Session 4: Saturday, August 3
*these are individual camps, sign up for one or all*
Times: 10am to 3pm daily
Cost: $86 per session
Ages: 6-12yrs
Beginner Horse Camp
This horse camp is a safety-centered, hands on camp that will teach your child all about horses and riding.
Topics include barn safety and etiquette, safe horse handling, grooming, the basics of western tack and tacking up, steering and control of your horse and the basics of western riding.
Experience is not needed for this camp level.
Beginner Horse Camp
2024 Session Dates:
Session 1: May 14-16 (Tues-Thur) 10am to 3pm
Session 2: July 15, 22 and 29 (3 Mondays) 10am to 3pm
Cost: $285
Ages: 6-12yrs
Level 2+ Camp
This class is a follow up to our Beginner Horse Camp. We will do some review of basic concepts and continue to expand our comfort level with horses on the ground and in the saddle. We aim to ride each day in this class, and our goal is to end the camp on day three with a trail ride.
Level 2+ Camp
2024 Session Dates:
Session 1: May 21-23 (Tues-Thur) 10am to 3pm
Session 2: Aug 5, 12 and 19 (3 Mondays) 10am to 3pm
Cost: $285
Ages: 7-12yrs
Pony Pals
Pony Pals is designed just for the kids (parents drop off) and is time spent with horses and farm animals. Activities could include meet and greets with a few farm animals, crafts, learning about barn safety, meeting horses and learning how to safely work with and groom them as well as a short barnyard ride on one of our camp horses (ages 6-7 will ride with bridle on while ages 4 and 5 will be a lead line ride.) Please note we do use full size camp horses for the majority of this program.
Pony Pals
2024 Session Dates:
Session 1: Friday, May 10 (9:30am to 12:30pm)
Session 2: Sunday, May 19 (9:30am to 12:30pm)
**these are individual sessions, sign up for one or all **
Cost: $65
Ages: 4-7 yrs; no experience needed
Teens and PreTeens Horse Camp
Whether you have a teen who is curious about horses, would like to learn a new, fun hobby or could even benefit from a hands-on activity that boosts confidence and helps reduce anxiety, we welcome you to this three day horse camp. It is a great way to promote health and happiness in a non-judgemental environment where students are set up for success.
This class will be a combination of horse care, horsemanship and western riding. Horses truly have a way of bringing out the best in us all and this camp is sure to highlight just that.
Teens and Pre-Teens Horse Camp
2024 dates
Session 1: July 23-25 (Tuesday-Thursday)
Times: 5pm to 7pm
Cost: $225
Ages: 11-16 yrs ; no experience needed
Adult Horse Class
This is an introductory level class where participants are paired with a horse to care for and learn about. We will start with ground work including horse handling and communication, grooming, tacking and work our way to some very basic western riding. Our last day will include a trail ride. Come enjoy fresh air, learning a new hobby and good company as we enjoy horses together.
A great activity to do with a friend, or come out and make new friends. During the hustle of everyday life it is so good to slow down, unplug and be consumed by the goodness of working with horses.
Adult Horse Class
2024 dates
Session 1: May 5, 12 and 19 (3 Sundays)
Times: 5pm to 7pm
Cost $225
Ages: 18yrs+; no experience needed
Guest Wrangler
Have you ever dreamed of working with horses? Here’s the perfect opportunity to do just that! Work alongside one of our Wranglers and help with some of the daily responsibilities. Tasks will vary by day, but could include cleaning tack, cleaning stalls, feeding horses, grooming horses and more. This is a great way to get some horse interaction and a behind the scenes look and some of the day to day operation.
This activity must be reserved ahead of time and is not offered everyday. It fills quickly and we suggest booking at least 2+ weeks in advance, but bear in mind these programs are often booked a month or more in advance.
Guest Wrangler
2024 Dates and Costs
Email ranchrudolf@gmail.com to inquire about available dates. We offer a morning option from 9am to 12pm and an afternoon option from 1pm to 4pm.
Cost: $65 which includes a private ride with your Wrangler for approximately the last hour of the program
Ages: 7yrs+
Riding Lessons
Our riding lessons are a combination of both riding and horsemanship. We want our students to start with the basics and grow from there. It’s important to understand a 1 hour lesson will not be 1 hour of saddle time. Students will first learn how to act safely in the barn, safely work around and lead their horses, grooming, how to tack up and then begin working on Western Riding. Logically speaking the more lessons you take the longer saddle time you will gain, but more often than not students are not even in saddle during their first 1 hour lesson. We work at the pace of our individual students meaning two students who started at the same time could be at very different points after their fourth lesson and so on.
Safety is important and instructors will evaluate students on an individual basis when fine tuning their lesson plans each week. We offer private lessons for a 1:1 student/instructor ratio and also small group lessons with a maximum of 4 students per instructor. These small group lessons are great for friends or siblings to attend together, but we do not blend unknown parties.
For small group lessons we will always ride to the ability of the least experienced rider and for this reason it is ideal that students are of comparable experience when first starting out.
Riding Lessons
2024 Dates and Costs
Our lesson season is May through October. Lessons must be set up in advance, please email ranchrudolf@gmail.com to inquire about availability. Please include age of student(s) and your ideal number of lessons when inquiring.
Cost:
1 hour private lesson: $60
4 hours of private lessons: $220 (to be done in 4 one hour lessons, or 2 two hour lessons)
Ages: 5 years old through adult; we only offer beginner and novice level lessons at this time (exceptions made for our currently enrolled horse camp students in which case their lesson will correspond with their camp level)
Hay Rides & Sleigh Rides
Reservations are required and we suggest trying to reserve at least a week or two in advance. Once a reservation has been made we have a no refund policy.
Our hay rides and sleigh rides are horse-drawn, pulled by our stunning team of belgian horses, Beau and Knox. These big boys joined our Ranch family in 2020 and are each about 2200lbs of beauty and grace-they are a sight to see.
We offer hay rides and sleigh rides where you sit in an open bed of hay. There is also one bench seat directly behind the driver’s seat. You should dress for the weather (snow gear and blankets are encouraged during the winter months) as you will be outside for the duration of the ride, which lasts approximately 40 minutes. Your ride will start and end at the Ranch and will circle around through some private property, seasonal roads and state forest throughout the ride.
Our most popular season for hay rides and sleigh rides is Fall to Spring, Labor Day through early March. This being said, we do also accommodate overnight guests and group events for hayrides at any time of year including Summer; this is an activity that is very popular with our family reunion guests in particular. Rides are offered by reservation only, please call 231-947-9529 or email ranchrudolf@gmail.com with any questions you may have or to inquire about ride availability.
Rides are generally available on Saturdays and Sundays with extended days available surrounding Christmas and New Year where rides are generally going out each day. Christmas season is particularly magical; the horses have bells on and the holiday spirit is in the air, this is a great way for families to make a memory and celebrate the season.
Drivers will decide based on conditions of the day if they will be hooking the horses to the wagon or sleigh. Please understand this is a decision that must be made the day of ride as conditions change quickly in Northern Michigan. Even if it is snowing the day of your ride the horses need a very solid base to be able to pull the sleigh on its runners. The comfort and safety of our horses will always come first when making these decisions and having a wagon versus a sleigh for your ride will not constitute a cancellation or refund.
When reserving a ride you reserve the wagon or sleigh for your own party, we do not bundle smaller groups together. Rides accommodate up to 20 people.
2-10 people is a flat rate of $170, which is our minimum charge.
11-20 people is $17/person with children 2 and under being free.
At certain times of year the lodge may be open for food or beverage prior to or following your ride, please inquire at time of booking.
Call us at 231-947-9529
to reserve your ride today!
