Summer 2026
Sunday
Rider Assessment & Horse Assignments
Meet the Equestrian Team, review experience and riding expectations, and receive horse assignments based on experience and ride preferences. Guests should have their pre-arrival paperwork completed, as horses are primarily assigned using this information. Guests can expect to ride multiple horses during their stay as horses may be rotated throughout the week.
Teen Dinner at the Lodge
After Dinner Activity – Tour and explore the ranch with the counselors and other teens. Options include playing pickleball, volleyball, visiting horses in corrals and stopping by the barn to get fitted for a horse saddle and helmet.
Monday
Teen Rider Orientation
Location: Indoor Arena
Introduction to horses and riding programs, proper attire, safety expectations, mounting/dismounting, correct position, rein handling, seat and leg aids, and demonstrations of halt, turn on the forehand, posting/sitting trot, and lope/canter. Mandatory for all Teens wishing to ride during the week.
Walk only trail ride after Orientation
Intermediate/Advanced Walk-Trot Trail Ride
This ride is designed for teens who are already comfortable at the walk and trot and are ready to refine their skills. Riders will focus on consistency, balance, steering, and maintaining rhythm on the trail while riding with soft hands and effective seat and leg aids. Counselors will observe each rider closely during this ride to ensure they are confidently and correctly executing the trot in a variety of terrain and situations. This assessment helps determine readiness for the lope evaluation scheduled for Tuesday morning and ensures that each rider is placed in the program best suited to their skill level and safety.
Teen Dinner on Lodge Deck
After Dinner Activity – Short hike to the East Meadow for horse herd tour and fun! Teens will walk the meadow with counselors where they can meet and interact with different horses, take photos, and learn more about what it means to be a horse in a herd of 200!
Tuesday
Lope Assessment / Ground Work / Western Tack / Grooming
Must be able to WTL/C in both directions, keeping your horse on the rail. Must demonstrate soft hands, use of a leading rein, ability to post and sit the trot. Ride with independent aids. Use of correct seat.
After the Lope assessment – teens will spend time doing basic groundwork with their horses, learning about western tack (how to tack up and untack) and grooming horses.
Walk-Trot-Lope Trail Ride*
*Lope assessment required prior to participation. The ride may include extended trots and lopes when terrain and conditions allow, with controlled lopes. Participants are expected to be confident riding forward horses in both open and wooded terrain and capable of handling normal trail challenges such as spooks or changes in pace.
Teen Dinner on Lodge Deck
After Dinner Activity – Archery, Hatchets and BB Guns session followed by bonfire and s’mores at the Ropes Course firepit. Teens will spend the evening at the ranch activity range participating in supervised archery, hatchet throwing, and BB gun shooting. Trained staff provide instruction, review safety rules, and closely monitor all participants.
Students rotate through stations in small groups, practicing basic skills while enjoying a fun, structured outdoor experience. All equipment is provided, and safety is the top priority. After teens get a chance to test their skills at the activity course, they will settle in by a warm bonfire and enjoy s’mores together!
Wednesday
Teens can choose between these three options:
1. Walk-Trot-Lope Trail Ride (Shorter ride)
2. Cattle Sorting Clinic*
*Available for Avid Cowboy and Cowgirl Teens that have passed the Lope Assessment. Designed for advanced and intermediate teens, this clinic gives guests a taste of cowboy and cowgirl life. Riders gather cattle, move them to the arena, and work as a team to sort and cut individual cattle from the herd. Maneuvers such as rollbacks and turns on the haunches may be used. This slower-paced clinic emphasizes teamwork, communication, trust between horse and rider, and developing accurate, thoughtful horsemanship.
3. Adult/Teen Round Pen Clinic (Indoor Arena)
This is not a riding clinic. Guests will learn the foundations of horsemanship from the ground—understanding horse communication, herd dynamics, and how to move a horse’s feet through intention and body language. A round-pen demonstration is included, and some guests may even have an opportunity to work inside the pen with a horse. Guests will also practice halter and lead-rope work. This clinic emphasizes leadership, non-verbal communication, emotional awareness, and how horses mirror human energy—skills that apply both in and out of the saddle and in everyday life.
Teens can choose between these two options:
1. WTL Teen Trail Ride
2. Teen Rafting Adventure*
*Early sign up required. Van departs at 12:30pm.
Teens eat with parents at Patio House Cookout
After Dinner Activity – Live Music and S’mores
Thursday
Teens can choose between these two options:
1. WTL Trail Ride
2. Join the Adult /Teen Cattle Clinic*
*Must sign up 24 hours in advance
Advanced / Intermediate Teen Trail Ride to the Obstacle Course
As part of your scheduled trail ride, riders will travel to Shorty’s Arena to practice trail obstacles such as bridges, teeter-totter, balance beam, pivot box, and ground poles. All levels are welcome. This clinic focuses on communication, control, confidence, and correct use of riding aids while navigating obstacles in a supportive environment.
Teen Dinner on Lodge Deck
After Dinner Activity – Talent Show Practice and Performance as a group!
Friday
Family Ride Available* OR WTL Trail Ride
*Sign up required for Family Ride
Family Ride Available* OR WTL Trail Ride
*Sign up required for Family Ride
Teen Dinner on Lodge Deck
After Dinner Activity – Capture the Flag: As night falls, the dude ranch comes alive with Capture the Flag—teens racing through fields and trails, flashlights flickering and laughter echoing under the stars. It’s fast, sneaky, and unforgettable, with dusty sneakers, bold moves, and bragging rights earned by moonlight.
Teen Line Dancing Practice
Kick up your boots and get ready to move! Teens will learn the basics of country line dancing, including popular steps, patterns, and timing, all set to fun, energetic music. This is a great way to improve rhythm, coordination, and confidence while having a blast with friends. By the end of the session, participants will be able to perform full dances and even try their hand at leading some of the steps themselves. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to sharpen your moves, this session promises laughter, teamwork, and plenty of opportunities to show off your skills on the dance floor!
Evening Entertainment – Hay Barn Dance
Saturday
Short WTL Trail Ride OR Family Ride Available*
*Sign up required for Family Ride
Shodeo Practice
Shodeo
The Shodeo is a fun, inclusive competition that brings together everything you’ve learned during the week. Open to riders of all ages and levels, it emphasizes good horsemanship—control, balance, and partnership—over speed, with friendly competition in a supportive ranch setting. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your progress and wrap up your C Lazy U riding week.
Teen Dinner at Patio House
Granby Rodeo Excursion
Saddle up for an action-packed evening at the Granby Rodeo! Teens will experience the thrill of live rodeo events, cheering on cowboys and cowgirls as they tackle bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, and bronc riding.