The Ransburg Ranch

At the Ranch, Scouts have the opportunity to ride one of our twenty horses in the ring or on the trail, interact with various other animals that might be down at the ranch to support other Merit Badges, do service, try their hand at throwing a lasso, and more. Merit Badges and programs offering at the Ranch include Horsemanship, Wrangler, Animal Science, Landscape Architecture, and Trail Rides.

Horseback Riding

For all riding activities, participants must wear an approved helmet, shoes or boots with a minimum 3/4” heel and smooth sole, and have a health form on file in the health lodge. We will provide appropriate helmets for participants. We also have a large selection of boots, and can accommodate almost every size; if you are worried about a size, feel free to email ahead of time at ranch@ransburgbsa.org to ask. We strongly recommend that all riders wear long pants and do have some available to borrow if needed.

Horsemanship is a full-week Merit Badge opportunity for Scouts. We recommend that Scouts are 13+ before attempting this merit badge, for size and maturity reasons to facilitate scout success, as the riding is taught in groups and it can be fast-paced. Younger scouts who want to try out riding are encouraged to join us for trail rides.

Wrangler is our more advanced program for Scouts who have already earned Horsemanship Merit Badge. Scouts receive additional instruction in riding techniques, play mounted games, go on trail rides, and have the opportunity to spend more time with Ranch staff. On Thursday evenings, the Wrangler participants have a cookout dinner down at the Ranch with the Ranch staff and go on a longer trail ride experience.

Trail Rides are offered to all participants (adult and youth) in camp with a full health form on file in the Health Lodge. Enjoy the beautiful forest scenery from horseback, and see parts of camp you might never see on foot! Trail rides sign-ups occur daily outside the camp office.