Many campers return to Cheley year after year just to participate in our outstanding riding program. A love of horses is part of the lure, but so are the backcountry riding trails, the healthy, robust horses and the caring, knowledgeable staff who provide instruction in good horsemanship and many other facets of caring for horses.


The string of 146 horses owned by Cheley Colorado Camps are tended by Cheley wranglers and ridden only during the summer. The camp has five riding rings situated throughout the camp property. The quality of care and attention we give our riding program makes it an excellent part of our camp offerings.

We also offer a colt training program to give campers a well-rounded view of what's involved in the training of a horse. Campers work with colts born on the ranch and raised by our staff.

Cheley campers are taught proper western riding form, handling skills and control as well as the essentials of feeding, grooming, tying knots and saddling. You'll learn how to maintain correct leads, walk, trot and canter, and how to sit well in the saddle.

Highlights of the Riding Program include:

• Half-day instructional rides with excellent riding counselors.
• All-day trail rides to Signal Mountain, Gypsy Grounds and Storm Pass.
• Overnight trips to Outpost Corral and Pierson Meadow for 2-4 days to get hands-on experience in feeding, saddling and caring for horses.
• Horsepacking trips to Pennock Pass, West Creek and Miller’s Fork in the high country.