Our ADULTS ONLY Horse Camp now offers
this unique summer experience for those
of us who have a little 'cowboy' in them!

Did you miss out on camp as a kid?
Love horses, but are a bit rusty?
Well here's a weekend for ya!
Nothing like a little cow to bring
out the cowboy in everyone!!

Two days of dirt, plenty of hours on horseback, the smell of cow poop in your nose
~ doesn't it sound like fun !!!?? Did you grow up when children's camps were just
for rich kids? Have you always wanted to try more RIDING? Now is your chance,
and make no bones about it (even creaky bones) we've drummed up a camp
LIKE NO OTHER!! Team penning is a sport that is addictive for every person
who has ever tried it - and adults LOVE IT! Here is Penny at forty plus years,
(a tad overweight *cough*) chasing a cow at top speed - this is what
happens when you pen. Your sights are locked on that cow, and nothing
else matters but the adrenalin pumping thrill of the chase!! Riding skills
need not be perfect - anyone can pen, beginners and experienced alike!

You don't have to be a professional rider to enjoy this.
If you love horses and have only ever trail ridden,
that's just fine! If you are a person who has only
ridden a few times, but are game to try something
a bit more difficult - that's fine too! We can accommodate
most levels of rider with this camp, because after four
days in the saddle, you'll improve with remarkable speed!
And, if you love to ride alot and are ready for a blast,
you'll eat this experience up like chocolate cake. The
most important thing to remember is, it's for FUN!
And if penning cows is anything, it is a whole LOT
of FUN on horseback. And hey, if the kids can do it .....

This camp is not just dirt, cows, hot days and horseback riding.
There is a great spot to swim and we'll hit the watering hold
every night after the camps' activities are done. Bring your suit,
a bottle of suntan lotion, and your favorite beverage and we'll
wash off the grime. Just remember some of the things we did as kids.
When DID we stop enjoying them? You're never too old to relish
a dip in one of the crystal clear lakes of the Algonquin region!

As always, we go for full immersion!  From our cozy cabin
with nightly crackling campfire in an on farm wilderness
campsite ~ to our nightly ritual of goofing around & relaxing
by a roaring fire or watching a movie - it's an atmosphere
that's proven itself to be a popular teenage experience!

Relaxing at night and enjoying crispy marshmallows and comraderie
with their new friends is a feature attraction of all our camps!

Meals are homecooked and have been developed to include
all the obvious favorites, and are taken at the farmhouse for
a pleasant mealtime experience.  And of course, there is a steady
supply of fresh water from our cooler, readily at hand throughout
the day.  There's always interesting 'horsey' type stuff going on
during the day at our farm, and you 'old salty's' get an opportunity
to see it all!   Without a doubt, our Adults only Camp is a fun
way to learn 'the ropes' with horses - and because our horses are
easy going, good natured mounts (even for kids) they have proven
they have the RIGHT STUFF to be a safe introduction to riding
even for 'city slickers' of every riding level & ability *grin*

Day one, we'll orient you to your horse and start with a brief riding assessment
and lesson in our corral, after teaching you to tack your own horse for the day.
This may take all morning (*grin*) and will be followed by a nicely prepared lunch.

After lunch, it's off to the cow pen, to learn how to move the calves around on
foot - because if you aren't borne to it, it can be a real challenge (MOO-OOO)!
(Bay Street has never SEEN such a herd - they may be cute, but they're FAST!)

After 'cow handling' class , some more riding time will be
followed by a brief but fun trail ride! You'll brush up on
the basics, because after all, you're here to learn things like :

- how to catch, lead & tie a your horse safely
- grooming & tacking a horse up for western sport
- proper body position & safe riding technique
- how to walk, jog, and if you are up for it, lope!
- better riding skills & steering while chasing calves

Our riding rings are large & roomy ~ and the calves are a riot!
And at t the end of the day, a hot shower at the farmhouse, or dip in
the lake will refresh your aching bones (with a bit of liquid help)

And of COURSE - the 'piece de resistance' is learning
how to compete in a real team penning on Sunday!

Now, the dress code for Team penning is quite simple.
Cowboy hat (haven't you always wanted one?) You can
get one at Bridlepath tack for $25 (they are the real deal)
Button down shirt (you can use short or long sleeves) and
could probably find one in the back of your closet. Then,
blue jeans are a snap (everyone has those!) and loose fitting
narrow cut legs are best. Then, there's the boots. A sensible
low heeled boot is best, or if you have em, cowboy boots!
No boots? We have extra pairs, and can likely set you up
for the weekend. Belts are optional, but aspirin is not (ha!)
If you need more info on the things you can wear for the
competition, give me a ring or drop me a line, and we'll
see what we can do to outfit you properly. And if all else
fails, or there's great stuff at VALUE VILLAGE & on EBAY!
(in fact, that is where Matt got THIS shirt - for five bucks!)

So, looking at these photos, you are probably thinking - I can't  
do that - I'LL FALL OFF! Well, you just might! But if you realize
right off the bat that penning isn't just about speed, and that
you can accomplish the same things by trotting or even walking
to your position - you're well on your way to understanding
that this sport is about CONTROL. So, riding fast is not all
it's cracked up to be (although it is VERY fun) Plus, the TEAM
PENNING at the end of the camp is open to just the campers & staff,
and is a fun event designed for your skill level, so we can keep you
riding in your comfort zone. But I can tell you this - nine times out
of ten, people get caught up in the chase, and fears of getting
the 'slippery saddle award' are gone in a flash as you dash about.
And that's what makes Penning Cows so darned much FUN!

Penning is a really social event that horse people
look forward to every weekend. Now is your chance
to see how the 'cowboys' live! It's a great time to
kick back, relax on horseback, and enjoy some really
exciting runs in the cow pen. You'll soon see why
team penning is one of the fastest growing sports
and why it really is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!

By the last day of your camp experience, you will be fully prepared to enjoy this cattle event,
complete with all the fixins and plenty of great action packed riding. You and your team mates
will battle it out for the best time of the day. And if at the end you aren't so sore you can't walk ...

... you'll have to come back and try again next year! And best of all, your horseback riding skills will be
tremendously improved, because riding and competing while having FUN is a great confidence builder.

Follow this link to a page we've made highlighting all the greatest tack stores
just in case you wish to purchase something for your summer horse camp
experience.  We'd like to help you outfit yourself within budget!

For more information on this camp, please contact

Highland Wilderness Tours
Matt & Penny Nicol, Box 211, Maynooth, Ontario, K0L 2S0
1-613-338-2330  or toll free    1-866-RYD-WILD
info@ridethewilderness.com

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