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
Adventure On Teen Ground Work / Round Pen Horsemanship Clinic and Horse Grooming
This clinic takes place on Monday afternoon for teens participating in the Adventure On Teen Program. This is not a riding clinic, but a hands-on introduction to horsemanship from the ground up. Teens will learn how horses communicate, explore herd dynamics, and understand how to influence a horse’s movement through intention, body language, and calm leadership. The clinic includes a round pen demonstration, with select participants having the opportunity to work directly with a horse, as well as instruction in proper halter and leadrope handling. The experience concludes with a grooming session, where teens learn proper grooming techniques, basic anatomy, and essential horse care while enjoying quiet, meaningful time in the barn. This clinic emphasizes non-verbal communication, emotional awareness, and leadership—skills that extend beyond horsemanship and into everyday life.
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
Teen Instructional Walk–Trot Trail Ride
This instructional trail ride focuses on building confident, correct riding skills in a fun and supportive environment. Teens will learn how to post and sit the trot properly, develop soft, steady hands, and use their seat and leg aids to guide and control their horse rather than relying on the reins. Emphasis is placed on balance, rhythm, and clear communication, so riders gain confidence and progress comfortably throughout the week.
Grand Lake Adventure (Off-site)
Teens have the choice to visit Grand Lake where they can either go mini-golfing, go-kart racing, or paddle boarding on the lake! Grand Lake is a nearby lake town with Colorado’s deepest, natural lake. After the activity, teens will grab ice cream down at the lake before heading back to the ranch!
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
Teen Instructional Walk–Trot Trail Ride
White Water Rafting Adventure on the Colorado River
Get ready for a full day of Colorado River excitement! Teens will depart at 12:30pm and head to Kremmling, CO, where we partner with Mad Adventures to gear up and hit the river for an unforgettable white water rafting experience. You’ll paddle through beautiful canyon scenery filled with soaring granite walls, forests of spruce and fir, and plenty of fun Class I–II rapids that are perfect for both beginners and thrill seekers alike. Teens will return to the ranch by 5pm.
Teens eat with parents at Patio House Cookout
Evening Entertainment – Live Music and S’mores
Thursday
Teen Ropes Course Adventure
Teens will head to the ranch’s high ropes course where they will learn to scale the climbing wall, play on the vertical play pen and get the chance for multiple runs on the zip line!
Instructional Trail Ride
This ride builds on the skills learned during the instructional walk–trot trail ride. If all participants are ready and demonstrate appropriate balance, control, and horsemanship, the lope may be introduced on suitable terrain under close supervision, allowing riders to continue progressing safely and confidently.
Teen Dinner on Lodge Deck
After Dinner Activity – Talent Show Practice and Performance as a group!
Friday
Family Ride OR Instructional Trail Ride
*Sign up required for both options
Family Ride OR Instructional Trail Ride
*Sign up required for both options
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 Instructional Trail Ride OR Family Ride
*Sign up required for both options
Shodeo Practice OR Pool Time*
*For teens that would rather do the Relay Race during shodeo.
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.
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.
What Teens in the Adventure On Teen Program can expect to do on their Instructional Trail Rides:
Adventure On Teen Trail Rides are designed for beginner, novice, or non-riders. It is a progressive learning ride created for those interested in developing foundational riding and horsemanship skills while increasing their confidence with horses. Riders will learn general horsemanship principles, horse communication, developing feel, and building a respectful partnership with their horse. Instruction includes proper position, balance, leg and rein aids, developing a correct seat, and learning how to post and sit the trot. Depending on each rider’s progression, trail rides may include loping as the week progresses.