Life at horse camp

At Meadow Vue Ranch, we offer something you won’t find at a typical summer camp—the opportunity to experience life on a real working ranch.

Here, horses aren’t just one activity on the schedule—they’re at the heart of the experience. Campers spend their days riding, caring for horses, developing horsemanship skills, working cattle, exploring the trails, playing games on horseback, and participating in real ranch rodeos.

From catching and saddling their horse in the morning to riding into the arena under the rodeo lights, campers get to experience what ranch life is all about.

Along the way, they’ll build confidence, independence, responsibility, and friendships while learning new skills and challenging themselves in ways they may never have experienced before.

There will be dirt. There will be hard work. There will be laughter, new friends, and unforgettable adventures.

This isn’t just another summer camp. This is Meadow Vue Ranch—where campers don’t just visit the ranch, they become part of it. 

 Sunday (Afternoon)  

The wait is finally over—it’s time for Horse Camp! Campers may arrive after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, ready to kick off an unforgettable week at the ranch.

Upon arrival, campers will meet their counselors, discover which bunkhouse they’ll call home for the week, and start getting settled in. Campers stay dormitory-style in single-sex bunkhouses with counselor supervision. As everyone arrives, there’s plenty of time to unpack, explore, meet bunkmates, and start making new friends.

At 6:30 p.m., we’ll gather around the fire for one of our favorite camp traditions—a campfire cookout! Campers will roast hot dogs over an open fire and finish the meal with gooey, delicious s’mores.

After dinner, ranch staff will go over the week’s rules and expectations before jumping into some fun get-to-know-you activities. By the end of the evening, campers who arrived as strangers will already be well on their way to becoming friends!

Then it’s time to turn up the fun! Campers will learn a special song to perform at the rodeo later in the week and hit the floor to learn some of our favorite line dances. There will be plenty of music, laughter, and excitement as we celebrate the beginning of an incredible week.

After a fun-filled first night, campers will head back to their bunkhouses for lights out at 10:00 p.m.

Get some rest—the horses, adventures, new friendships, and memories are just getting started!

Rise and shine—it’s the first full day of Horse Camp! Campers wake up at 7:00 a.m., ready for a day packed with horses, riding, new skills, and plenty of fun.

By 7:30 a.m., campers split into two groups to get the ranch ready for the day. One group heads to the horses to catch, groom, and saddle the camp horses, while the other tackles a few morning chores, including tidying the bunkhouses and restrooms. Everyone pitches in—because caring for the ranch and the horses is part of the Horse Camp experience!

Once the horses are saddled and morning chores are complete, it’s time to fuel up with breakfast.

After breakfast comes one of the most exciting moments of the entire week—meeting the horse you’ll be riding!

Our experienced staff carefully matches each camper with a horse based on the camper’s age, riding experience, ability, and personality. This horse will become their partner throughout the week as they learn new skills, overcome challenges, and build confidence in the saddle.

Once everyone has been matched and all equipment has been double-checked, it’s time to ride!

The morning begins with a riding evaluation that allows our staff to get to know each camper’s current abilities. This helps us provide instruction, encouragement, and challenges appropriate for each rider. Whether a camper is climbing into the saddle for the first time or already has riding experience, our goal is to help every rider improve their horsemanship skills and confidence.

Campers will spend most of the morning in the saddle and with their horses, with water and restroom breaks along the way.

At 12:30 p.m., we’ll take a well-earned lunch break at the ranch before heading back out for even more horseback fun!

The afternoon is all about learning while having fun! Campers continue developing their horsemanship and riding skills through a variety of horseback games, challenges, and activities.

They’ll also begin practicing one of the highlights of Horse Camp—the mounted horse drill! Throughout the week, campers and their horses will work together to learn the drill that they’ll proudly perform for family and friends during our Wednesday and Saturday rodeos.

Around 6:00 p.m., riding activities wrap up for the day—but taking care of the horses isn’t finished yet! Campers help unsaddle, care for, and put away their horses, learning that great horsemanship is about much more than just riding.

Once the horses are comfortable and evening chores are finished, it’s time for dinner!

After dinner, campers head to the arena for a little friendly competition with arena volleyball!

The rest of the evening includes supervised free time, giving campers a chance to play games, join a game of capture the flag, hang out with new friends, shower, and relax after an action-packed day.

After a full day of horses, riding, laughter, and new experiences, campers will be ready to get some rest.

And that’s only Day One—the Horse Camp adventure is just getting started! 

Rise and shine at 7:00 a.m.! It’s another action-packed day at Horse Camp, and by now campers are starting to settle into ranch life.

This morning, the groups switch responsibilities from the day before. One group takes care of morning ranch chores while the other heads out to catch, groom, and saddle the horses. Everyone gets a chance to experience the responsibilities that come with caring for horses and being part of ranch life.

Once the horses are ready and chores are finished, it’s time for breakfast—and then we’re back in the saddle!

Tuesday morning is packed with horseback activities! Campers will continue practicing their mounted drill in preparation for the upcoming rodeos while also learning some exciting rodeo events.

Campers will get the opportunity to try their hand at barrel racing and pole bending, learning how to safely maneuver their horses through the patterns while improving balance, control, and confidence.

But riding lessons don’t always feel like lessons! Campers will put their skills to the test with some of our favorite horseback games, including Red Light, Green Light, Simon Says, ribbon racing, and more!

These games aren't just fun—they challenge campers to communicate with their horses, improve their riding skills, and become more confident in the saddle.

After lunch, it’s time to saddle up for another afternoon of horseback adventure!

Campers may be divided into smaller groups based on their riding experience so our staff can focus on the specific skills each rider is ready to develop. Whether that means mastering the basics, improving control, or taking on more advanced challenges, there is always something new to learn.

Experienced riders may even get the opportunity to experience real ranch work! With our ranch staff, they may ride out to check cattle and help identify and care for any cattle that need attention. It’s a chance to see firsthand how horses are still an important part of everyday ranch life.

After the horses are cared for and everyone has enjoyed dinner, the western fun continues!

Campers who want to give it a try can learn the basics of roping with instruction from our ranch staff. They’ll learn proper technique, practice their skills, and see if they have what it takes to throw a loop like a real cowboy or cowgirl!

After another full day of riding, racing, ranching, and fun, it’s time to head back to the bunkhouses.

Lights out is at 10:00 p.m.—and campers will want a good night’s sleep because Wednesday is going to be a BIG day! 

Wake up, cowboys and cowgirls—it’s RODEO DAY! Today, campers get the chance to show off everything they’ve been working on and experience one of the biggest nights of Horse Camp!

The morning starts with campers caring for their horses and completing their ranch chores before heading in for a well-earned breakfast.

Then it’s time to saddle up because we have a rodeo to get ready for!

After breakfast, campers head back to the arena to put the finishing touches on their mounted horse drill and Grand Entry.

A few campers will be selected for the special honor of carrying flags during the Grand Entry, and one camper will have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem to officially open the evening’s rodeo!

Everyone has an important role to play, and the excitement starts building as campers and horses prepare for their first performance of the week.

After lunch, it’s back to the arena for a little more practice. Campers will run through the mounted drill and sharpen their skills in barrel racing and pole bending in preparation for that evening.

And because it wouldn’t be Horse Camp without a little fun, we’ll make sure there’s time for a horseback game or two along the way!

By late afternoon, horses and riders have put in a full day of practice. Campers will have time to wash off the arena dust, shower, and get cleaned up for one of the highlights of the week—the Rodeo & BBQ!

Boots on. Hats ready. Horses saddled.

It’s showtime!

At 7:00 p.m., campers ride into the arena for the Grand Entry, proudly carrying the flags as the National Anthem is performed.

Then comes the moment they’ve been practicing for all week! Campers and their horses will work together to perform the mounted horse drill in front of family, friends, and ranch guests.

But the rodeo excitement doesn’t stop there!

Some campers will have another chance to enter the arena and put their skills to the test in barrel racing, pole bending, and steer riding. It’s their opportunity to experience the excitement of a real ranch rodeo and show just how much they’ve accomplished!

When the rodeo events are finished, campers still have an important job to do. Some campers will head back to unsaddle and care for the horses, while others will help serve dinner to our rodeo and BBQ guests.

Once the horses are comfortable and everyone is gathered together, campers will perform the special song they’ve been practicing throughout the week.

Then it’s time to celebrate!

We’ll finish this incredible day with great food, music, dancing, laughter, and plenty of fun with new friends.

By 10:00 p.m., campers will be ready to crawl into their bunks after one of the biggest days of Horse Camp.

From morning chores to riding under the rodeo lights, Wednesday is a day our campers won’t soon forget!

7:00 a.m.—you’re burning daylight! It’s time to roll out of those bunks and get ready for another incredible day at Horse Camp!

After the usual morning routine of caring for the horses, completing chores, and enjoying breakfast, it’s time to get back on that pony and RIDE!

Thursday morning brings a whole new round of horseback challenges designed to test the skills campers have been developing throughout the week.

Campers may compete in favorites like the egg race, water race, trail race, and more! These games bring plenty of laughs and friendly competition while challenging riders to use balance, control, communication, and teamwork with their horses.

By Thursday, campers and their horses have spent several days working together—and it shows!

One of the highlights of Thursday is getting out of the arena and hitting the trail!

Campers will saddle up and head out together for a trail ride through the Targhee National Forest behind the ranch. It’s a chance to experience horseback riding in a completely different way while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the ranch.

There’s just something special about leaving the arena behind and exploring the outdoors from the back of a horse!

After an afternoon in the saddle, campers will care for their horses and head in for another great ranch dinner.

Then it’s time to trade the reins for a little music and fun! Campers will spend part of the evening singing together before kicking off Thursday Night Game Night!

Expect plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and good times with the friends campers have made throughout the week.

After a day filled with horseback games, mountain trails,  checking cattle, singing, and fun, campers will head to bed with another incredible day of Horse Camp in the books.

Saddle up, hit the trail, , and make some memories—that’s what Thursdays at Horse Camp are all about! 

 7:00 a.m.—time for another beautiful day at Meadow Vue Ranch! By Friday, campers know the routine and are ready to make the most of another unforgettable day.

After morning chores, caring for the horses, and a hearty breakfast, the horses are saddled and ready—which means it’s time to ride!

Friday morning gives campers another chance to build on everything they’ve learned throughout the week. Activities may include horseback games, practicing the mounted drill, or working on more advanced horsemanship skills.

With several days of riding behind them, campers are becoming more confident and comfortable with their horses. Friday is a great opportunity to challenge themselves, sharpen their skills, and—most importantly—have some fun in the saddle!

After lunch, the saddles come off and campers get the chance to experience riding in a whole new way—bareback!

Under the supervision and instruction of our ranch staff, campers will learn how bareback riding can help improve their balance, seat, coordination, and connection with their horse.

Without a saddle between horse and rider, campers get a completely different feel for how their horse moves. Whether it’s their first time riding bareback or they’ve done it before, it’s a fun challenge and another great way to build confidence in the saddle.

After an exciting bareback riding session, it’s time to trade those boots for water shoes and cool off Meadow Vue Ranch style!

Friday afternoon is Water Day, and campers will head to the creek for some well-earned summer fun. They’ll have a chance to splash, play in the water, cool off, and enjoy the sunshine with their new friends.

After a busy week of riding, learning, and ranch adventures, an afternoon at the creek is the perfect way to relax, laugh, and make even more Horse Camp memories.

Depending on the day’s schedule, experienced riders may also have an opportunity to head out with ranch staff and experience real ranch work. They may ride out to check cattle and help identify and care for any cattle that need attention.

It’s another chance to put their horsemanship skills to work outside the arena and experience what life on a working ranch is all about.

At 6:30 p.m., it’s time for dinner—and Friday night means one of our favorite Meadow Vue Ranch traditions:

Homemade pizza!

After a full day of horses, bareback riding, creek adventures, and sunshine, campers can gather around the table, relax, laugh, and enjoy dinner with their friends.

After dinner, campers get to show off their creative side by making their very own Meadow Vue Ranch T-shirt—a special keepsake to take home and remember all the adventures, horses, and friendships from their week at camp.

Then it’s time to grab some popcorn and settle in for a relaxing movie night with friends!

At 10:00 p.m., it’s time to hit the hay and get some well-earned rest.

Tomorrow is the final day of Horse Camp, and we’re going out in true Meadow Vue Ranch style with the Saturday Rodeo!

 7:00 a.m.—it’s the final day of Horse Camp for our one-week campers! It’s hard to believe how quickly the week has gone, but there’s still one big day of riding, fun, and memories ahead.

After the morning routine and breakfast, it’s time to saddle up and start preparing for the big Saturday night rodeo!

Campers will spend the morning putting the finishing touches on everything they’ve learned throughout the week. They’ll practice the mounted drill, Grand Entry, and other rodeo events as horses and riders get ready for their final performance.

After lunch, campers have one last opportunity to practice barrel racing and pole bending, along with plenty of time to enjoy some of their favorite horseback activities from the week.

It’s a final afternoon to ride, laugh, and enjoy time in the saddle with the horses and friends who have become such an important part of their Horse Camp experience.

Saturday night is one of the most exciting nights at Meadow Vue Ranch! Parents, family members, ranch guests, and visitors from around the world gather for our Rodeo & BBQ Dinner and get the chance to see just how much our campers have accomplished.

Campers will clean up, get rodeo-ready, and prepare their horses for one final big night in the arena.

At 7:00 p.m.—IT’S RODEO TIME!

Campers will proudly ride into the arena for the Grand Entry, followed by the National Anthem. Then it’s time to show off the skills they’ve worked so hard to develop throughout the week!

They’ll perform their mounted horse drill, and some campers will have the opportunity to compete in events such as barrel racing, pole bending, and steer riding.

More than anything, Saturday’s rodeo is one last chance to ride alongside the friends they’ve made throughout the week and celebrate everything they’ve accomplished together.

After the rodeo, campers will make sure their horses are unsaddled, cared for, and comfortable before joining everyone for the rest of the evening.

Then comes the perfect ending to an incredible week—singing, a delicious BBQ dinner, music, and dancing!

For many of our one-week campers, Saturday night means it’s also time to head home with their parents. That means hugs, pictures, exchanging contact information, and maybe even a few tears as campers say goodbye to old friends and brand-new ones.

But goodbye doesn’t have to mean goodbye forever!

Campers can make plans to stay connected throughout the year—and maybe even start counting down the days until they can meet back at the ranch for next summer’s Meadow Vue Ranch adventure!

The horses may be unsaddled, but the friendships, confidence, adventures, and memories made at Horse Camp can last a lifetime. 

For campers who didn’t head home with their parents Saturday night, Sunday morning is a chance to sleep in, slow down, and recover after an action-packed week!

After waking up and enjoying breakfast, it may be time for a few more goodbyes. Sunday morning is the final checkout time for campers completing their one-week Horse Camp adventure.

There will be hugs, goodbyes, and plenty of stories to take home about horses ridden, skills learned, challenges conquered, and friendships made.

For our campers lucky enough to be staying for another week, Sunday is a much-deserved day of rest and relaxation.

Campers can do laundry, recharge, spend time around the ranch, and reconnect with returning friends. As new campers begin arriving, our multi-week campers also get the chance to welcome new faces and start making even more friends.

Then, before you know it, a new group has arrived, the bunkhouses are full again, and another Meadow Vue Ranch Horse Camp adventure is ready to begin!

One week may be over—but for some campers, the next adventure is just getting started!

We’re excited to welcome your camper to Meadow Vue Ranch! Please review the following information before arriving:

1. Check-In: Sunday between 2:00–6:00 p.m., unless other arrangements have been made.
2. Flying to Camp: If your child is flying, please make sure we have their complete flight information before arrival.
3. Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Please remember to pack both!
4. Final Payment: Any remaining balance is due at check-in unless you are enrolled in a payment plan. Payment may be made by cash, check, or card. On-site credit card payments are subject to a 2.75% processing fee. There is no processing fee for online payments.
5. Packing List: Visit our website for a complete list of suggested items to bring to Horse Camp.
6. Snacks: Campers are welcome to bring snacks, but please do not send anything that requires refrigeration.
7. Rodeo & BBQ Dinner: Reservations for the Rodeo & BBQ Dinner may be made when you check your camper in or by calling the ranch.
8. Discounted Rodeo Tickets: Each camper receives access to two discounted Rodeo & BBQ Dinner tickets for $43 each.
9. We're Here 24/7: If you have questions or concerns while your child is at camp, please don't hesitate to call us anytime, day or night.
10. Dietary Restrictions: Please let us know in advance about any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or special dietary needs.
11. Come Watch! If you’re staying in the area during camp, feel free to stop by the ranch and watch some of the activities.
12. Check-Out: Campers may check out Saturday night after the rodeo or Sunday morning before 10:00 a.m.

We look forward to an incredible week of horses, ranch adventures, new friendships, and unforgettable memories at Meadow Vue Ranch!