Girl Scouts, Join us for an unforgettable adventure at Benbrook Stables
Hey Girl Scouts! Are you ready to ride into an exciting adventure and earn your next badge? Then grab your boots and join us at Benbrook Stables! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, we’ve got everything you need to learn, have fun, and make amazing memories.
At Benbrook Stables, you'll get hands-on experience with our friendly horses, learn the basics of horseback riding, and discover the ins and outs of stable care. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature, build confidence, and bond with your fellow Scouts.
Girl Scout Services at Benbrook Stables
Offered 7 days a week -- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
817-249-1001
Barn Tour
The tour provides education about horses and offers guidance on how to get involved and start riding. Any Age.
Horse Fan Badge
The experience includes safety instruction, horse care, hands-on activities like brushing, grooming, and tacking up, as well as an educational tour. Please note, no riding is involved. Any Age.
Horse Fan & Horse Rider Badge
Riders must be at least 5 years old. The girls will share horses, ride in the arena, and learn proper riding techniques as well as safety around and on horses.
Horse Fan & Horse Rider Badge
Riders must be at least 8 years old. Each girl will have her own horse for a trail ride, along with a brief educational session.
Horse Camp
Join any of our equestrian camps throughout the fall, winter, spring, or summer and earn all your scout badges! Campers must be at least 5 years old.
Call To Book 817-249-1001
Horseback Riding: A Journey of Joy and Friendship
"Any girl fortunate enough to ride has double joy—an exhilarating exercise that takes her over the countryside, and friendship with her horse."—Girl Scout Handbook, 1940
Riding a horse is one of the most exciting things you can do. But ask any good horseback rider her secret to success and she’ll say that understanding a horse is as important as learning to ride one. Get clued in to horses, and get ready to ride!
Steps:
Know the basics of horseback riding
Take care of a horse and learn about safety
Prepare for your ride
Practice your ride
Go for a ride
Purpose:
When I’ve earned this badge, I’ll know what it takes to be a good rider—from understanding horse body language to controlling the horse’s speed while I’m riding.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s saddle up, ride together, and earn that badge with pride! We can’t wait to see you at the stables!
Call To Book 817-249-1001
STEP 1: Know the Basics of Horseback Riding
You want to learn how to ride a horse. Start with the basics: riding styles—Western or English—what kind of gear you and your horse need, and how to talk like a rider.
To understand horseback riding, here’s what you need to know:
The difference between Western- and English-style riding. Find out which style you’ll ride.
Types of horse riding equipment. What are a saddle, saddlecloth, bridle, and bit? Find out how to make these comfortable for the horse and rider.
The best riding gear for you. Learn about the type of pants (long are recommended to avoid pinching or scraping on the straps and buckles), shoes (boots or closed-toe shoes with a smooth sole and at least a half-inch heel to prevent feet from sliding through stirrups), and a safety helmet designed for horseback riding.
More to Explore: Discovering Horse Breeds
Not all horses are the same. Different types of horses are called breeds.
Draft horses work on farms because they’re strong enough to pull equipment. The ones at a racetrack? They’re called thoroughbreds, known for their speed and spirit. Which breed will you be riding?
Three other fun ones to know:
American quarter horse: Typically good-tempered and popular for new riders.
American paint horse: Its coloring acts as camouflage.
Miniature horse: Originally bred as pets for children of royalty.
(Below, draft horse and miniature horse: Miniature horses were bred from different types of horse and pony breeds. Some look stocky like ponies, and some look just like tiny horses. They grow to be about 3 feet tall at the shoulder.)
Two Ways to Saddle Up!
An English saddle is lightweight, giving a horse more freedom to run and jump.
A Western saddle is heavier and thicker, with a horn designed so cowboys had a place to tie their ropes.
Call To Book 817-249-1001
Rider Lingo
Tack: Saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, and bits are all part of horse tack. When you put gear on your horse, it’s called “tacking up.”
Cooling out: After you ride a horse, it needs to be cooled down by being walked, brushed, or sponged down. It also needs small sips of water.
In front of the bit: When your horse pulls the bit over its teeth and you lose control.
On the bit: When your horse accepts your control.
Leg up: Mounting (getting on) a horse by having someone help support your legs.
Nearside: The left-hand side of the horse.
Offside: The right-hand side of the horse.
Posting: When you rise up and down on a trotting horse to keep from bouncing.
Wrangle: When you round up horses, like ones in a barn or in a field.
STEP 2: Care for a Horse and Learn About Safety
Horses are magnificent creatures, but their size and strength can be intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their habits and needs. Learning how to care for a horse is a fantastic way to become comfortable around these powerful animals and to ensure your safety.
To help you navigate this step, let’s dive into the essentials of horse care and safety:
Horse Care and Safety: What You Need to Know
Approaching a Horse Safely: It’s crucial to know how to approach a horse without startling it. Learn where to stand safely near a horse and understand how to read a horse’s body language—like the movement of its ears and tail—to gauge its mood and intentions.
Grooming a Horse: Brushing a horse is an important part of its care routine. Discover the right type of brush to use on sensitive areas like the horse’s face, and understand why regular hoof cleaning is vital to prevent injuries.
Stable Maintenance: Keeping a horse’s living space clean is essential for its health. Learn how to muck out a stall, choose the right bedding, and ensure the horse always has enough fresh water to drink.
Feeding a Horse: Proper nutrition is key to a horse’s well-being. Find out what and how much food a horse needs daily, and learn which treats are safe and healthy for a horse to enjoy.
By mastering these aspects of horse care and safety, you’ll not only gain confidence around horses but also build a strong, trusting relationship with them. Remember, a well-cared-for horse is a happy horse, and understanding their needs is the first step to becoming a skilled rider.
Call To Book 817-249-1001
Grooming Tips
Horses love to be brushed! It makes them look and feel good. It helps circulate their blood, and it releases natural oils to protect their coats from wind and rain. It also gives you a chance to bond with them. Before grooming, make sure your horse is properly tied. Then:
• In circular motions, use a rubber currycomb • Use a mane comb to comb out the horse's to remove dry dirt and hair on the horse's
mane and forelock.
body, not her head and legs.
Use hoof picks to remove mud and stones
In short, flicking motions, use a dandy brush from her hooves. to remove mud and hard stains on her
• Use a soft brush over her body.
• Use a sponge to clean her nose and eyes.
Call To Book 817-249-1001
STEP 3: Get Ready for Your Ride
Before you hop on your horse, it’s important to be well-prepared. Understanding how to get on and off your horse, and ensuring it’s safely secured, are essential steps for a successful ride.
To complete this step, focus on learning the following:
Leading Your Horse: Know the correct side to stand on when leading your horse. Learn how close you should be and how to properly hold the lead rope to guide your horse safely.
Mounting and Dismounting: Practice getting on and off your horse. If you use a mounting block, make sure you know how to lead your horse to it and use it properly.
Tying Your Horse: After your ride, it’s important to know how to securely tie your horse, whether at the ringside or in a stable, to prevent it from wandering off.
Saddling and Bridling with an Adult: Work with an adult to properly saddle and bridle your horse. If your horse is already saddled, learn how to check the halter’s fit, ensuring it’s snug but comfortable. Make sure the saddle is positioned correctly and securely fastened. Finally, adjust the stirrups to the right length, allowing your feet to rest comfortably in the correct position.
Get Fit to Ride: Strength and Posture Exercises
Riding a horse engages muscles you might not use every day. Here are some exercises to help you get in shape for your ride:
Strengthen Your Thighs: This will help you maintain a stable seat in the saddle.
Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground and place a soccer ball between your knees.
Squeeze the ball for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat this 10 times.
Improve Your Posture: Good posture is key to sitting straight in the saddle.
Lie on your stomach.
Push your body up so that your arms are straight, aligned from shoulders to wrists, and you're balanced on the balls of your feet (or knees if it's too challenging).
Keep your back straight and your stomach muscles tight. Hold this position for 15 seconds, then repeat 5 times.
By mastering these preparation steps and getting fit, you'll ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Call To Book 817-249-1001
STEP 4: Hone Your Riding Skills
Now that you're ready, it's time to mount your horse, grab the reins, and start riding! Practice is key to becoming a skilled rider, so let’s focus on mastering these essential techniques:
Getting Your Horse Moving: Learn how to gently coax your horse into motion using leg squeezes and voice commands. Start by encouraging a smooth walk and gradually build up your confidence.
Steering with Reins: Practice using the reins to guide your horse around a ring or along a trail. Make sure you're holding the reins correctly and applying just the right amount of pressure to steer effectively.
Turning and Stopping: Master the art of turning your horse and bringing it to a stop. These are fundamental skills that ensure you’re in control at all times.
Perfecting Your Form: Good form is essential for both you and your horse’s comfort. Pay attention to your posture, hand position, and overall balance as you ride.
Understanding Horse Gaits: The Four Speeds
Horses move at four different speeds, known as gaits:
Walk: Slow and steady, with the horse always having two or three hooves on the ground.
Trot: A bouncy, brisk pace that’s faster than a walk but not quite a run.
Canter: A smooth, medium-speed run that feels like a gentle glide.
Gallop: A powerful, fast stride, perfect for imagining a thrilling horse race!
Call To Book 817-249-1001
Safety First: Ring and Trail Riding Tips
Always remember these safety rules:
Ride with a buddy: Never ride alone—it's safer and more fun with a friend!
Keep a safe distance: Maintain at least a horse's length between you and other riders.
Communicate clearly: If you're making a move, like passing another rider, say it out loud ("Passing on your left!").
On the trail:
Know the local wildlife: Be aware of animals that might cross your path.
Watch for obstacles: Stay alert for low branches, holes, and uneven terrain.
Handle steep hills with care: Walk your horse up and down steep inclines to stay safe.
In the ring:
Check the gates: Ensure all gates are securely closed before you ride.
Follow speed rules: Ride slowly on the inside of the ring and faster on the outside.
Avoid roads with traffic: Stick to designated riding areas to keep you and your horse safe.
By practicing these skills and keeping safety in mind, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and capable rider!
Call To Book 817-249-1001
STEP 5: Embark on Your Riding Adventure
Whether you're just starting out or you've already had a few lessons, getting comfortable on a horse takes time. But once you've mastered the basics, it's time to experience the real excitement—riding! Whether you’re in a riding ring or out on a trail, no matter your skill level, you'll feel the incredible thrill that comes with being on horseback.
To complete this step and become a more skilled rider, focus on mastering the following:
Walking with control: Learn to guide your horse with a steady hand. Keep your walk smooth and steady. If your horse slows down, practice giving it a gentle nudge with your heels. Understand how to use your commands to direct the horse, making smooth left and right turns with a combination of reins and leg squeezes.
Trotting with confidence: Once you're comfortable walking, challenge yourself with a trot. This may take a few lessons to achieve, and that’s perfectly okay. Your instructor will guide you and help you find your rhythm when you’re ready to move up from walking.
Managing your horse's speed: As you progress, you may get the opportunity to try faster gaits, like cantering or even galloping. But remember, there's no rush. Practice walking, trotting, slowing down, and stopping your horse on command until you’re confident and in control.
Get ready to experience the joy and exhilaration of riding—every step of the way brings you closer to becoming a skilled and confident rider!
Benbrook Stables
817 - 249 - 1001
10001 Benbrook Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76126
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