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Riding at the Ridge

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Spend some time on horseback during your next visit to Chestnut Ridge!

We'll provide horses, tack, helmets, and expert guides for you and your party. Enjoy 362 acres of beautiful, rolling hills and green, mature forest while riding the trails at Chestnut Ridge.

Riders are welcome either as part of a retreat group or by appointment. We are happy to make arrangements to ride any day of the week. We welcome families, churches, or any other group to come enjoy a day in the saddle at Chestnut Ridge. We also enjoy helping scout groups working towards horse related merit badges.

When You Arrive

When you arrive on site you will be greeted by the equestrian staff who will prepare you for your ride. The equestrian staff will go over safety instructions and protocol with you. They will help you find a helmet and horse that are appropriate to your size and skill level. Safety and cooperation are essential to this program.

Time Considerations

Chestnut Ridge typically offers 30 and 60 minute trail rides. This amount indicates the approximate amount of time in the saddle. Requests for longer rides may be made directly with the equestrian director. Please allow 45 minutes for a 30 minute trail ride and 75 minutes for a 60 minute trail ride to permit time for orientation and instructions.

The Ride

Chestnut Ridge has 362 acres of beautiful hardwood forests for you to explore on horseback. All trail riding participants will be accompanied by a qualified guide. The equestrian staff has sole discretion over whether participants will walk, jog, or lope. This determination will be based on the skill level and experience of the participants.

Who May Participate?

Anyone of “normal” physical condition, age 7 and above may participate in trail riding at Chestnut Ridge.  Maximum participant weight is 240 lbs. If you have any physical conditions out of the ordinary, please inform us so that we may assist you in performing activities safely.

Attire

There is a good possibility that you could get dirty during the day. Please wear clothing and shoes that you will not mind “scuffing” up a bit. During rainy or wet days we generally continue and use rain ponchos (you supply) when required. We take shelter during severe weather, such as thunderstorms, and discontinue riding until the weather clears.

  • Clothing should be:
  • Comfortable
  • Casual
  • Durable
  • Long pants are required
  • Layered (layers suitable to the season will allow you to be comfortable all day)
  • No dangling jewelry please!

Shoes should be:

  • Closed toed with a defined heel (like a boot) are required
  • Secured to the foot
  • Sturdy
  • Suitable for the weather conditions (consider mud, rain, cold, etc.)

Glasses and contact lens wearers:

  • Take any precautions that you would normally take when participating in outdoor activities to protect your eyes and your eyewear

Tobacco products, gum and candy:

  • Are not allowed for safety reasons

All riders (children, adults, and staff) are required to wear a helmet. Helmets will be provided. Please do not ask the staff to make an exception to this rule.

Other Items to Bring

  • Positive attitude
  • Completed “Permission and Release Form ” for each participant
  • Water bottle
  • Desire to learn more about yourself and these gorgeous horses!

For the Best Possible Experience

  • Share with your group what to expect Make sure everyone understands the extent of the activity
  • Make sure everyone brings long pants and closed-toed shoes with a defined heel. There is nothing worse than being turned away because of incorrect attire.
  • Share any special concerns or needs of your group with the Equestrian Director prior to your arrival.

We are looking forward to sharing time with you trail riding at Chestnut Ridge!

How much does it cost?

Rates are $50 for one hour trail ride, and $35 for half hour trail ride. In addition to the ride itself, participants will have the opportunity to prepare and saddle the horses and return them to pasture.

Interested in Trail Riding Lessons and special events?

Make a Reservation

To reserve your spot, indicate your desire to make trailriding part of your retreat experience as part of the event reservation form. If you are not part of a retreat group, but would like to come ride at Chestnut Ridge, please call or email.
 
Equestrian Center Improvements

Make a Dream Come True.....

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You can help make dreams come true for the campers, guests, and visitors of Chestnut Ridge by donating to support the Equestrian Center improvements.

The Chestnut Ridge Equestrian Center is ideally situated on 362 beautiful acres of rolling hills and hardwood forests in Efland, NC. Founded in 1959, Chestnut Ridge has been supported by the United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Horses have been part of the camp's identity since the very beginning. For the last 8 years, our neighbors have graciously loaned us their pastures for our horses. But now the time has come to create a home for them on Chestnut Ridge property. We are excited to begin the next phase of improvements and expansion to this historic program. But we need your help...

Phase I: An Open Space (COMPLETED 2011!)

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  • Clear, grade, and smooth 33 acres
  • Fertilize and seed the land

Phase II: A New Home for Horses

  • Safe fencing and gates
  • Water and electricity
  • Run-In Shelters

Phase III: A Place for All

  • A covered arena with lights
  • A REAL BARN!

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How you can be a part of making these dreams come true:

Daisy's Darlings: raise or donate $100-$499

Polly's Pals: raise or donate $500-$999

Striker's Stars: raise or donate over $1,000

Chief's Champions: raise or donate over $10,000

All donors will be acknowledged on the donor board at the improved Equestrian Center.

Click here to read a blogpost from Chris Burtner regarding the reasons for the Equestrian Center improvements

Click Here to see the "Make A Dream Come True" brochure

Please send your tax deductible donation to 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd. Efland, NC 27243. Or you may use the blue donate button on the top right of this page to donate online
 
Spring 2012 Riding Lessons
Registration is open for spring riding lessons!  Beginning today (December 1), current lessons students may re-enroll, and open registration will begin December 15.  There are classes for all experience levels and age of riders this spring with lessons beginning March and running through June (see below for descriptions and complete schedule). This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions!  To register, fill out this form and mail it in or drop it off.  We look forward to our spring sessions! 
 
Horse Lessons and Opportunities

kitty2012 Spring Riding Lessons

The Equestrian Programs at Chestnut Ridge are designed with children in mind! Our AAHS certified instructors teach safe horse skills so that small people can feel comfortable and confident with big animals, on the ground and riding them. Riders learn to work together as a team with our staff and the horses to gain new skills and have FUN! All this takes place in the new riding arena and on the 362 acres of beautiful trails of Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center!

Schedule:

Spring lessons will begin the week of March 12. We will have two sessions: March 12-April 26, and May 7-June 4.

New Riders: Mondays 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM  (all ages, 1 year or less riding lessons)
Session I - $200, Session II - $160 (each payable in 2 installments)

Advanced Beginners: Tuesdays 3:45-5:15 PM (3rd-8th grade, 1 year or more of riding lessons) Session I - $200, Session II - $160 (each payable in 2 installments)

Novice Riders: Tuesdays 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM (3rd-8th grade, 2 or more years riding lessons)
Session I - $200, Session II - $160 (each payable in 2 installments)

Little New Riders: Wednesdays 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM (K-2nd grade, 1 year or less riding lessons)
Session I - $175, Session II - $140 (each payable in 2 installments)

New Riders: Thursdays 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (all ages, no riding experience)PICT0054
Session I - $200, Session II - $160 (each payable in 2 installments)

Saturdays - Make up lessons, private lessons, recreational trail rides, and additional group lessons (if there is enough interest)

All riders must have long pants and boots or closed-toed shoes with a heel. Riding helmets are required and will be provided by Chestnut Ridge.
Transportation to riding lessons from local schools and an afternoon snack is available for riders not enrolled in the Chestnut Ridge After School Program for an additional charge of $5 per week (Session I - $25, Session II - $20). Riders enrolled in the After School program will be picked up from the Pavilion and taken to the equestrian area for lessons.

Please contact us for availability and enrollment information:
Chris Burtner, Equestrian Director
Jana Murdock, Equestrian Programs Specialist
(919) 338-2820
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There's More!

Check the calendar for special horse events.

Interested in a trail riding experience as part of a retreat or event at Chestnut Ridge?
 
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