Michigan Christian Youth Camp's horse stables have been an active part of our ministry since 1983. We offer group trail rides, classes, and a full offering of fun, plus interactive events to help you work towards your American Heritage Girls or Girl Scout badge requirements.
We offer year-round guided trail rides to the public. Riders must be at least 8 years old.
These rides can be booked through our Guest Services and each trail ride can hold up to 8 riders.
We offer year-round guided trail rides to the public. Riders must be at least 8 years old.
These rides can be booked through our Guest Services and each trail ride can hold up to 8 riders.
Horse Riding ClassesShort Trail Ride
Campers will go on a guided short trail ride through the camp with our trained wranglers. MUST be at least 8 years old to ride. Available year-round weather permitting. Trail Ride Campers will go on a guided trail ride through the camp with our trained wranglers. MUST be at least 8 years old to ride. Available year-round weather permitting. Horse Walks Campers who are not yet old enough to go on a trail ride may be lead on a walk by one of our wranglers. MUST be at least 5 years old. Available year-round weather permitting. MCYC Extended Trail Ride Participants: Minimum 4/Maximum 6 *Requires completion of Horse Rider I, II, III, and Horse Sense. Spend an extended amount of time on a trail ride through the trails of MCYC, riding up hills, down hills, through the woods, and pastures of the camp. *Ride is not suitable for first-time riders, beginners, or those who are nervous about riding. 
Classes for BeginnersEach class is about 50 to 60 minutes in length.
Minimum of 6 campers per class Campers will not ride horses in these classes All-about Horses Campers will be introduced to one of the horses at MCYC. They will then find out about safety around horses and the horses behavior before they learn how to groom, tack, and feed a horse. In this class, campers will learn how to safely lead their horse, mount and dismount, as well as have the horse walk, steer, and stop. Amazing Horses In this class, campers are introduced to horses and their behavior. Horses will be observed as we examine their six unique senses. Campers will learn how the senses and instincts were so important to the wild ancestors of horses past, and discuss what implications that has for today’s horse enthusiast. Campers will get to meet and greet some of the MCYC horses! Horse Search Hands on class where campers will travel thru stations and learn what horses eat, how horses live in captivity, what horses are used for, how to steer a horse, and the gaits of a horse. This is a great class for those groups that want to go more in depth into their horse knowledge and want to stay active! Julie Thomason // Program Supervisor julie@mcyc.org 810.664.8040 |
Trail RidesGrades 1 – 3 or campers that are new to horses
Horse Introduction Paticipants: Minimum 6/Maximum 12 Class time is approximately 50 – 60 minutes Introductory horse program that includes a barn tour and a short, hand-led horse ride in the arena. Perfect for first-time riders. Helps campers feel comfortable and confident around horses. Volunteers needed to help lead horses. Great for a Mom or Dad that would like to be part of the experience with their child! Game and Trail Participants: Minimum 6/Maximum 12 Class time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes Introductory program includes a barn lesson, as well as horse related games in the arena followed by a lead-line trail ride outside the arena. Actual riding time is about 10 – 15 minutes. Grades 4 – 5 or 8 year old campers who have ridden a horse before. Giddy UP! Participants: Minimum 6/Maximum 8 (ride), 12 (class). Class time is 45 minutes plus short trail ride In this program campers are introduced to the basics of daily horse care in a barn lesson and then enjoy the scenery of MCYC on a short trail ride. The class also offers a chance to meet and greet all the horses at the barn. Horse Rider I Participants: Minimum 6/Maximum 12 Class time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes This two-hour program allows campers to further explore the world of horses and equitation. They will participate in a riding lesson in our arena as well as go on a short trail ride. Other barn lessons will be taught to help the campers become more well-rounded and knowledgeable. Horse Rider II Participants: Minimum 6/Maximum 12 Class time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes *Must complete Horse Rider I prior to this class This two-hour program will refresh riding skills learned in the first Horse Rider program. The arena lesson will emphasize positively influencing the horse with position and control at walk. Barn lessons will cover a variety of horse care topics. This class can be split into two visits to the camp for an additional fee. Classes are good for 6th grade and up Horse Rider III Participants: Minimum 6/Maximum 12 *Must complete Horse Rider I & II prior to the class During this three-hour program campers will learn more about the basic needs and care of the horse, as well as participate in the care of the horse. The arena lesson will focus on developing a solid position, confidence, and introduction to the trot. This class can be split into three separate visits to the camp for an additional fee. 
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