Our mission is to provide the camp family a safe and enjoyable relationship with horses.

In 1945, Geneva Glen purchased the entire Byers Ranch camp horse string; all 32 horses, blankets, saddles and bits for 500 dollars. Ever since, GG has boasted a strong western horseback riding program. With almost 500 acres of trails and a riding arena there’s something for any aged rider. We still own our string of 40 horses from our breeding program yearlings to our 30 year old senior mare, who is still teaching young campers how to ride in the arena!

Our summer program focuses on basic western horsemanship, teaching basic control so that campers can enjoy rides on our beautiful trails. Typically, 7-12 year old campers will spend a day in the arena learning skills and then alternate to a short trail ride to practice what they have learned. Younger kids will learn basic reining and control and how to use their “natural aids” while riding. For teenagers, we offer many different riding options from basic riding to a precision riding performance team.

We believe that horseback riding is a vital area to the summer program and important for the campers. We have noticed that as our home communities become more and more urban, campers come to us with little or no exposure to these magnificent animals. There are many valuable lessons and experiences to be learned from time spent at the barn. We hope that a riding experience will help your child gain more confidence that they can carry out beyond the trails and fences.

The barn is staffed by three “Head Wranglers” and an alternating crew of counselor/wranglers. We ensure a 3 to 1 camper to wrangler ratio in all equine activities in order to provide for the highest levels of safety. All wranglers go through training evaluating riding and instruction skills, safety knowledge, emergency procedures and general risk management. All participants are required to wear provided ASTM SEI certified protective helmets, long pants, and boot or shoes with a heel and hard sole. The G/ Barn is run in compliance with American Camp Association horseback riding program standards and beyond in order to best offer a positive riding experience.

Reid McKnight - Equine Director

Reid has been the Equine Director at Geneva Glen since 2006. He attended Geneva Glen as camper from the age of 7 and has been on staff since 1997.  He has received an Instructor Certification from the Certified Horsemanship Association. Growing up in Colorado and Texas, Reid really didn’t like horses until he started working at Geneva Glen. In 2001, Reid became the assistant Head Wrangler; then served as Head Wrangler from 2002-2005 before joining the year round staff at camp.

Courtney Clarke McKnight- Head Wrangler

Courtney has been on the GG summer staff since 2004. After serving as a counselor and assistant Head Wrangler, she became the Head Wrangler in 2007 and has been running the summer barn operations since. Courtney grew up riding horses and boarded “Navajo” when she was a kid. Courtney teaches high school science at St. Mary’s Academy during the winter.

Junior / Middler Riding Instruction

All Junior / Middler campers will have an oppportunity to learn and practice horseback riding skills while at camp. Our philosophy is to provide a balance of beginning instruction with fun recreational trail riding. A tyipcal junior/middler riding schedule looks like this:

• Monday - Week 1: Introduction and Basic Control (Arena)
• Wednesday - Week 1: First Trail Ride
• Saturday - Week 1: Reining and Arena Games
• Tuesday - Week 2: Second Trail Ride
• Thursday - Week 2: Beginning Trotting (Arena)

The GG Grand Prix

Senior Campers participate in different events and rides to earn points and awards for different levels of accomplishment. All levels of riders have an opportunity to compete and win!

• Keyhole
• Flag Races
• Mountain Cowhorse Competitation
• Gold Rush
• General Horsemanship
• Barnie Races

The "GG 7"

The "GG 7" is a trail ride program where throughout the session, senior campers will have the opportunity to sign up for 7 different trail rides starting with a beginning trail ride and finishing with an advanced trail ride. If able to complete all 7 trails, the camper is awarded the "GG 7" tee-shirt and recognized by the whole camp. The 7 trails are:

• The Higgin's Loop
• The Sky View Trail
• The Apache Ute Loop
• The Snowy River Trail
• The Lost Trail
• The Sacred Trail
• Saddle Run

G/ Precision Riding Team

Geneva Glen’s precision riding team! Riders are selected by a tryout on the first day of the session. The team of 8-10 riders will practice and perform a routine to be presented to the whole camp at the end of the session. *Only available during American Heritage and Knighthood I*

View photos of past G/ teams here!

Derby Day

A new program for Senior campers during World Friendship, Derby Day celebrates American and European horse culture. Riders practice for Gymkhana games and a "dressage competition." Spectators are encouraged to dress up and of course the ladies must wear hats!

Click here to view photos of the 2009 Derby Day. *Only available during World Friendship*

Fall/Spring Riding

We will be offering riding opportunities at Geneva Glen in the fall of 2011. If you are interested in beginning / intermediate western riding lessons or group trail rides please email Reid McKnight for more information

Barn Photo Galleries

• 09 Winter Pasture Photos
• The 2009 Derby Day
• G/ Precision Riding
• Winnie and Scout as babies
• Flossie as a baby (Spring 2005)

Archived Herd Photos

• The 2007 G/ Herd
• The 2006 G/ Herd
• The 2005 G/ Herd
• The 2004 G/ Herd
• The 2003 G/ Herd