Horseback Riding Stables

The following stables are approved and annually inspected for horseback riding for and by Girl Scouts. This list may differ from what is listed in the Pathfinder publication. The information here is current as of 10/29/2007.

• Riders are expected to wear properly fitted protective headgear as provided by the stable.
• Proper footwear and clothing (long pants and boots or shoes with at least ½ inch heel) as per Safety Wise (pages 102-104).
• Junior Girl Scouts and older can ride horses.
• Horseback activity insurance is required for each registered Girl Scout rider (girl and adult) and is provided through the Girl Scouts. Due to the high price of this full liability insurance, each rider is required to pay a $1 fee. This fee can be paid for in the Resource Center (131 S. 69th Street) and must be obtained 2 weeks prior to your scheduled ride.
• Ranches require guardian signed waivers. Waivers will be provided by the ranch/stable.
• Remember that horses are unpredictable, and while following these safety precautions will reduce the likelihood of an accident, it does not eliminate the risk.

Breezewood Farm
Who: Riders need to be Junior Girl Scouts and older
When: Summers
Location: S87 W13205 Priegel Drive, Muskego, WI
Reservation: Required, Contact Lisa at 414-331-2276.
Experience Required: None
Riding Style: Western for Girl Scout outings
Description:Up to 21 girls can be accommodated at one time. Upon arrival the entire group has a lecture entitled “Safety-On and Off the Horse.” After the lecture they are split into groups, depending on how many attend. While one group is having a 30-45 minute lesson, the other group(s) have a demonstration and practice time on grooming and saddling the horse.
Other Information: Breezewood Farm offers 60 acres of wooded trails for riding and hay rides. Hay rides have the option of cookouts along the lake. They also provide carriage and sleigh rides.

Fantasy Hills Ranch, Ltd.
Who: Riders need to be Junior Girl Scouts and older
When: Open year round, daily 9am-6pm by reservation
Location: 4978 Town Hall Road, Delavan, WI
Reservation: Required, Contact Ron at 262-728-1773
Experience Required: Best suited for older Junior to Senior Girl Scouts.
Riding Style: Western saddle riding
Description: The one-hour horseback ride takes you through scenic and relaxing trails. The ranch covers 70 acres of rolling hills and woodland in Southeastern Wisconsin . They offer 25-mile horseback rides through the Kettle Moraine State Forest . Qualified instructors will personalize your ride for your experience level.
Other Information: A petting farm and indoor and outdoor facilities are also available. Hay/sleigh rides, picnic and campfire areas. Additional/advanced riding lessons can be arranged, which can be applied to other earned awards.

Camp Anokijig
Who: Junior Girl Scouts and older
When: Open May through October by appointment
Location: W5639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, WI
Reservation: Required, Call 1-800-741-6931 or email at anokijig@excel.net
Experience Required: None
Riding Style: Western
Description: Just one hour north of Milwaukee nestled on 357 acres of beautiful Kettle Moraine Forest surrounding Little Elkhart Lake. The Ranch with its stable of 45 horses offers trail rides led by experience Anokijig wranglers. Rides for any skill level. Fun and safety are the Rule. Girl Scout badge lessons available.
Other Information: Call for programming details. Non-horse programs available such as: picnic and overnight sites, low ropes course, pontoon boat, canoes, hayrides and crafts.

Whispering Willow Farm
Who: Junior Girl Scouts and older
When: Open year-round for indoor riding by reservation
Location: 21134 W Seven Mile Road, Franksville, WI
Reservation: Required, Contact Kathy at 262-895-6978 or whisperingwillowfarm@yahoo.com
Experience Required: None
Riding Style: English and Western
Description: Each award program (Horse Fan Badge, Horse Rider Badge) is 2-3 hours in length. A great, affordable place to earn the Horse Sense IPP. Each session will include lecture, video, demonstration, game, hands-on. Each activity will be progressive skill building aligned with the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Level Standards, with safety being the foremost.
Other Information: Picnic and campfire area. Trail rides arranged in advance after the Horse Rider Badge is earned. Additional riding lessons, clinics, and Horse Shows are available by appointment.

YMCA Camp Minikani Equestrian Center
Who: Junor Girl Scouts and older
When: Open year-round
Location: 860 Amy Belle Lake Road, Hubertus, WI 53033
Reservation: Required, 262-251-9080
Experience Required: None
Riding Style: English and Western
Description: New state of the art winterized stable with indoor and outdoor riding arenas and trails. Certified staff with over 30 years experience in all riding disciplines.
Other information: Camp Minikani also provides individual and group riding lessons, day and overnight accomodations with other camping/team building facilities available for group rental. Signed waiver is required. Please have parents sign ahead of time. Click on this link to open the waiver and print as many copies as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Girl Scouts U.S.A. give an age/grade minimum for horseback riding?

• Due to the girls’ physical size and maturity level, we do not recommend horseback riding for girls younger than Junior Girl Scouts. Even though some Brownies may be experienced riders, attending as a Brownie group is not recommended by Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area. Each girl and parent must decide if they feel comfortable and confident to control a horse.

What paperwork do I need?

• Each rider MUST have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. This protects you, the ranch, and Girl Scouts.
• With any field trip, remember to bring permission slips and emergency contact information for each girl.
• Finally, make sure to register at the Girl Scout office for $1 per registered Girl Scout rider (adult and girl). This helps to support the high insurance cost Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area pays for approving horseback riding.

Can we use other stables?

• Each listed stable has an annual facility inspection, follows Safety-Wise standards, and has appropriate insurance for riders. Other local stables have chosen not to be inspected and approved. Therefore, it is very important to use the listed stables when doing Girl Scout events even if you personally use a different stable for your family riding.

What are the rules while riding? Each stable has different rules. The instructor will review these rules when the girls first arrive. There are some universal standards that all our ranches follow, such as:

• Long pants to protect legs and snug clothing to prevent tangling with saddle are worn.
• Boots or shoes with at least a half-inch heel to prevent foot sliding through stirrup.
• All riders (adults and girls) wear protective headgear with chin harness while riding and preparing to ride.
• One rider is allowed on a horse at any time.
• There is no eating or drinking while riding.
• No yelling or screaming while on or around the horses.
• No clothing can be wrapped around the waist (this includes fanny packs) to guard against items becoming tangled in the saddle.

If I have more questions or suggestions, who do I contact?

• Specific information about the riding program should be directed to the individual ranches. If you have Girl Scout questions about horseback riding, call Andrea Yanacheck at 414-476-1050, ext. 1257 or ayanacheck@gswise.org

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