Lost Creek Ranch Blog

Wisconsin and Minnesota’s Best Horse Camp

ruth — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:14:55 +0000

Camp Confidence horse camp in western wisconsin (just across the Minnesota border) is taking enrollments for the upcoming camp season. Check the “camps” link to get info on dates and download camp brochure and registration.

FAQ about Camp Confidence Horse Camp:

1) Does my child need experience?

No, our Mini Camps are designed for children with little or no experience with horses. Mini campers will learn how to safely handle a horse on the ground, building confidence as they master the basics of riding at the walk and trot, controlling speed and steering.

2) Are all your camps overnight?

Yes, all Camp Confidence horse camps are overnight although we do have day camps throughout the school year. Horse camp kids stay in our rustic red bunkhouse and have a blast!

3) My child has never been to sleep away camp- what if they get homesick?

In all our years of overnight horse camp there have only been a couple of campers who needed to call home- friends are made fast here and with the busy riding schedule we keep there is little time for missing home. In fact it is more common to see tears at the end of their stay when they are saying goodbye to their new friends (both 2 legged and 4!).

4) My child has their own horse- can she bring it?

Yes, campers are welcome to bring their own horse to camp for a small additional fee (current coggins required) and this is a great way for yourb child to work on specific skills while at camp.

5) My child takes lessons or rides already- is there a camp for her?

Our advanced camps are for children who can walk, trot, canter with an indepedant seat/hands and are ready to work on advanced western and English riding. Advanced campers work on being able to move each part of the horse independantly, setting a horse up to do flying changes, lateral work and the proper form needed to jump (our advanced campers love to jump- even if they have only ridden western before!) Advanced campers will also learn about showing and ones who are doing the two week advanced camp will attend a show with Lost Creek Ranch’s Riding Academy show team! The two week advanced camp is June 25- July 6th.

Another option for Advanced riders is our weekend camp: Get Ready to Show May 19-20th. This camp is geared towards kids who love to show or want to get started in horse shows. Includes halter/ showmanship, pleasure (western and English), horsemanship and equitation as well as grooming for the horse and rider

Lastly for older teen with experience we have a new Colt Starting Camp: in this camp teens will learn to work with unbroke, greenbroke and started horses in a safe, structured enviroment learning to read the horse, how to roundpen, lounge and do groundwork getting a horse ready to for its first rider. All riding will be done on broke horses (campers will work hands on with the horses on the ground but not be doing first rides- an experienced rider will while campers will ride trained horses while learning techniques used in riding green horses).

6) My child is preschooler but loves horses- is there a horse camp for him?

Our Little Buckaroom Preschool Program is geared to children ages 4-7 and is the perfect way to introduce your child to the wonderful world of horses!

7) Should my child take lessons before coming to camp?

Lots of our campers are repeats and come year after year from far away, others who are closer do take lessons throughout the year. It is always the best way to get better faster and if your child is not quite a beginner but not ready for advanced camp weekly lessons can get her up to the next level.

Trail Confidence Clinic: Saturday May 5th

ruth — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:28:51 +0000

Spring Clinics with Lynette Weldon: Lost Creek Ranch’s first clinic of the season is the perfect opportunity to get your horse ready for spring riding! This clinic will be a Trail Confidence Clinic. Beginning on the ground in the arena you will introduce your horse to new obstacles and build your horses confidence in your leadership. You will progress through the arena mounted and at the end of the clinic our newly confident horse and rider teams will hit the trails. In this clinic your horse will walk over and around scary objects, cross water, learn to not react to sudden loud noises and more! You will also gain valuable information about getting your horse back into working condition, arena exercises that you can do on the trail and creating a more responsive, supple horse. *this clinic is open to riders of all levels and lesson horses are available for lease*

Date: Saturday May 5th, 11-3pm
Cost: $75
Register by Mail: download pdf registration here:
Register Online: Here
*Print and mail your registration and payment to Lost Creek Ranch, N5011 490th St., Ellsworth, WI 54011
*overnight accommodations for horses and riders available*

call 715-273-6070 or email: lostcreek@wildblue.net for more info

Open for Spring!

ruth — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:34:50 +0000

Lost Creek Ranch is OPEN for SPRING riding lessons, horse camp registrations, spring riding clinics, horse leases and more… so come on down and check out what’s new!

Saturday Kids Group Lessons

Intro to Horse for Adults/ Teens and Kids (divided by age group)

Lease your Favorite Horse

Adult Day: Every Sunday! Escape to the peace of Lost Creek Ranch

Come see us at the MN Horse Expo: Apr 27-29 (we need volunteers to staff the booth too!)

Time to Register for Camp Confidence!

call 715-273-6070 or email Lynette: lostcreek@wildblue.net

Lynette and interns with Gracie

Lynette working with Moose

Dillenger doing what he does best…

Jess hard at work cleaning and organizing bridals

Winter Riding Lessons in a Heated Indoor Arena

ruth — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:28:10 +0000

Lost Creek Ranch has rented a heated indoor arena near Baldwin, WI (the same driving distance if you are coming from the Twin Cities or anywhere off Hwy 94).

Lynette Weldon will be available for lessons Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays (later afternoon).

Contact her directly to get on the schedule: 715.273.6070 lostcreek@wildblue.net

Right now you can purchase a set of (4) private lessons for $180 and get a 5th lesson for FREE.

* next kids day camp is Monday Jan. 16th *

Camp Hope: A Special Camp for Children Grieving the Loss of a Loved One to Suicide

ruth — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:45:26 +0000

Sponsor a Child to Attend Camp Hope
Sponsor a child for a full week camp for $625, a mini camp for $350. This is a great opportunity for community groups, business’ and individuals to help grieving children- children who need to have a fun camp experience and experience the healing benefits of horses and nature.

Special Camp Sessions:
Lost Creek Ranch Camp Hope
A Place to Belong
2012 Dates: (to be determined)

Camp Hope is a camp for children who have survived the suicide of a parent or silbling. Camp Hope is a safe, open environment where kids can embrace their love of horses and nature and grow emotionally in a nurturing environment while bonding with new friends and camp counselors who understand the turmoil and questions that are left when a loved one completes suicide.

Camp Hope is different from other camps for grieving children because suicide is often kept quiet and the loved ones left can feel shame and social stigma and children may blame themselves. Also children who have lost parents to suicide are more likely to take their own lives so it is even more critical that these children find a place to belong. Lost Creek’s Camp Hope provides a safe haven and campers leave with new skills to help them cope with their loss and continue to rebuild their lives.

These special campers especially benefit from the healing power of being with a horse. Horses are our best teachers and can help children reconnect with their own feelings while allowing them to grieve and heal.

Lost Creek’s Camp Hope accepts donations to help send a child to camp. Families are often left financially distressed after the suicide of a parent and it is the goal of Lost Creek Ranch to make this Camp Hope free to as many children as possible. Can you or your group help sponsor a camper? email Lynette: lostcreek@wildblue.net

Would you like to volunteer at Lost Creek’s Camp Hope? We need volunteers to help with daily activities like preparing & serving meals, leading arts & crafts, nature walks & sports, leading campfire sing alongs and more. What skill can you bring? Contact us and let us know what you can help with.
lostcreek@wildblue.net

Camp Hope is in memory of Kevin Weldon whose love
for his family and Lost Creek Ranch will forever live on.

Is it Time to get More Out of Your Riding?

ruth — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:14:08 +0000

There comes a time in every riders life when just staying on the horse isn’t “enough.” We want more. More what? More speed. More control. More style. More challenge.

We want to look like those riders we see at shows or on TV or like our favorite trainer.

So the intensity of our lessons increase. We watch a lot. We ask lots of questions. We want to ride horses that other riders avoid.

If you are ready to get more out of your riding Lost Creek Ranch is the place for you! If you are ready to advance your skills, learn to start green horses or finish advanced horses, teach your horse to spin or just stay glued to the saddle in sitting trot private lessons will get you there.

Private Lessons with Lynette Weldon are $45 on a lesson horse or bring your own.

Gift Certificates are available and private lessons start again in Feb.

Adult Riding Lessons

ruth — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:19:10 +0000

Did you know that Lost Creek Ranch has adult group lessons twice a week? Every Wednesday at 11am and Sundays at 1:30pm. For $35 you get to groom, tack and ride your lesson horse with a group of really fun adults!

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Lesson Horses: Lynette’s herd includes horses for everyone from the very beginner who has never ridden to advanced riders in both western and English disciplines.

Ability: Each rider works at their own ability while enjoying the company of other riders in a safe, encouraging setting.

Learning: You will learn proper form and correct riding techniques that will help you to advance your riding and continue to build your confidence.

Fun: Why do Lynette’s riders keep coming back? Because we have fun and isn’t that the point of being around horses?

Want to join us? Call or email Lynette (715)273-6070 (lostcreek@wildblue.net) and let her know you are coming. Arrive early so you and your lesson horse are ready to ride by the start time.

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Fall Fun Show was a success!

ruth — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:14:05 +0000

Thanks to everyone who came out for our fall fun show at Lost Creek Ranch! Everyone had a blast! Check out some of the photos below and remember you can always join the fun on our Lost Creek Ranch Facebook page!

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Day Camp this Thurs & Fri Oct 20-21st at Lost Creek Ranch

ruth — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:44:46 +0000

Day Campers who are beginning riders will learn to safely handle a horse on the ground. How to groom, saddle and the basics of riding. Advanced riders will work in their own group on to polish their riding and communication with the horse. Every day camper gets at least 3 hours of riding every day! Bring a bag lunch. Non riding activities include horse games, learning horse anatomy, crafts and more!

Lost Creek Ranch Day Camp welcomes riders of all abilities and experience levels. We have well schooled lesson horses that will teach your children everything they need to know. For advanced riders we have more challenging horses that are trained in western riding and English (including jumpers!).

$50/ day or $90 for both days. Ages 8 (under 8 must be approved by Lynette before registering) Campers divided into small groups by ability for individual attention.

Call 715-273-6070 or email Lynette to sign up today! lostcreek@wildblue.net

Fall Show at Lost Creek Ranch Sun. Oct. 16th

ruth — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:49:56 +0000

Come on out for our Fall Fun Show! Sunday October 16th. Classes start at 9:00a.m.

Our shows are always a fun time for everyone! We welcome Steve Bobzin back as our judge- he always does a great job and we appreciate his support of Lost Creek Ranch.

New just for the fall show: Costume Class! Get creative!

New trailer parking area/ turn around

Hot food concessions on site

Ribbons 1st-6th places

download showbill here

Location: Lost Creek Ranch, N5011 490th St, Ellsworth, WI 54011

715-273-6070

Directions: Coming from 94E take exit 3 in WI (35) and head past River Falls. When you get to the stoplight in Ellsworth turn left and head through town. Stay to the left leaving town then stay to the right on 72 at the next fork. Follow 72 a few miles, go up a small hill, see Dynamite Dairy on your left. 490th St is the next right- go right on 490th and Lost Creek Ranch is at the very end of the road on your right.