Boy Scouts of America

Horses

SUMMARY

Horseback riding along trails in the wilderness, our national or state parks, or at your council camp can be a welcome highlight for any outdoor activity. When planning such an event, here are a few resources and guidelines to consider.

GENERAL INFORMATION

As per the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities, No. 680-685, Wolf and Bear Scouts are the minimum age for this activity. Generally, Wolf and Bear Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and Scouts may go horseback riding as a day event. Older Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts may complete longer horseback rides, such as during a trek camp or high adventure camp.

The proper clothing and gear are important for your health and your comfort on a horseback ride. Here’s what to wear and carry along:

  • Proper clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and properly fitted boots and leather gloves.
  • Properly fitted helmets that are ASTM/SEI-rated for horseback riding. Ski or bike helmets are not effective for horseback riding.
  • Rain gear, water bottle or canteen (stay hydrated), and sunscreen.
  • If renting horses or taking a horseback riding tour, do some advance planning. Items to consider are:
  • Does the vendor have experience with horses and trail riding and provide an orientation prior to the ride?
  • Are the horses ridden often, and do they get proper care and feeding?
  • Are the horses regularly checked by a licensed or registered veterinarian?
  • Is the vendor certified for horsemanship from an organization such as the Certified Horsemanship Association? See the Resources section below.
  • Does the vendor have licenses or permits for trail riding in a national or state park or forest?
  • Does the vendor have suitable liability coverage for accidents and injuries involving their horsemanship activity? The levels of insurance coverage may vary, so check with your local council on what might be appropriate liability insurance coverage amounts.
  • Parents should sign any required consents, releases, risk acknowledgments, or waivers of liability on behalf of their children. This is not a unit leader’s responsibility.

RESOURCES

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.