January 2024 Newsletter

Hello, 2024!

As we start the new year, our team is working hard to prepare for this upcoming season. January is busy at the BR as we prepare for Mother-Daughter registration and Family Weekend Retreat Registration. Please read the information below for details about how to register for the retreats.

Mother Daughter Retreats

2024 Dates

MD1: June 13-15 (Thursday-Saturday)

MD2: June 20-22 (Thursday-Saturday)

MD3: August 17-19 (Saturday-Monday)

Registration opens on

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024

at 10 am EST.

Click Here to Register

Mother Daughter Itinerary

Registration Information

When registering, only have one browser window logged in at a time. If a second log-in attempt is made, the system will kick you out, and you may lose the items added to your cart. We want to make sure you're as prepared as possible, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

Registration opens on Wednesday, January 17th, at 10 am EST. Please remember that we are in the Eastern Standard Time zone; plan your morning accordingly.
When registration opens, you will see an option to "Start Application" for Mother-Daughter Retreats 2024 at the bottom of the registration portal homepage.
Mother Daughter costs $560 per person; at the time of registration, a $280 deposit is due for each person registered.
You can pay your deposit with an ACH e-check, debit, or credit card. All credit card payments will incur a 3% fee. You can use an ACH e-check or a debit card to avoid this fee.
You can set up your account now and ensure your Household Information is up to date - this will save you time when going through the process.
You must register an adult and at least one camper for the retreat. If there is only one spot available and one waitlist spot, go ahead and take it.
If your family is split, when one individual is registered and the other is waitlisted, please continue with the registration process, knowing that we will sort it through based on start time and submission time. We will try to get you both into the session.
Due to the number of people on our registration site at one time, the system may be slower than normal. It may take longer to receive your confirmation email. Please do not leave the site if it is loading slowly.
There is a limit to the number of individuals who can be on our site at one time. If the registration site reaches its maximum amount of simultaneously active users, our Throttle will automatically be enabled. The Throttle temporarily prevents incoming users from being able to create a new account or sign in to an existing one until space becomes available on the site.
When you add a session to your cart, it will be held for 10 minutes to give you time to complete your forms, make a payment, and click submit. After 10 minutes, the session will be released.
Ensure you know which session you would like to attend in advance.

On registration day, I will do my very best to answer your questions via phone and email, but there is only one of me and one phone line. Email is the best way to contact me on the day of registration. Please be patient and kind!

Family Weekend Registration

BR Family Weekend

August 25th - 27th

Friday - Sunday

Because camp isn’t just for the kids!

Bring your whole family, however you define it and enjoy a relaxing weekend at the ranch. Explore camp independently and fill your day with horses, boating, swimming, crafts, archery, hiking, and more!

Registration for Family Weekend opens

Wednesday, January 31st at 10 am EST.

Tuition is based on the accommodations your group selects. More info can be found in the guide linked below!

Tuition includes lodging, food (dinner on Friday thru breakfast on Sunday), one trail ride or pony ride per person and access to camp activities such as small animals, crafts, archery, field activities, pool, boats, etc..

Learn more about Family Weekend HERE!

Check out the Family Weekend Registration Guide HERE!

Horse Talk

The Difference Between Leading Rein & Direct Rein

The four natural aids of the rider that allow communication between horse and rider are the seat, legs, hands, and voice. The reins are an extension of your hand and the connection with your horse. Reins are the conduit between the rider’s hands and the horse’s mouth, and they can play a critical role in communication. Weight and balance are important for reins—how they feel in your hands and how quickly they offer a release of pressure to the horse.

Rein Handling Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Make sure the reins (and/or headstall) have a breakaway component for your horse’s safety.
Make sure riders know how and when to shorten and lengthen reins.
Make sure riders know the appropriate length to hold the reins and how to hold the reins properly.
Always give the rider the means to control the horse (the reins), even when the rider is being led.
Lead the horse by looping the reins around his throat latch (or use a halter under the bridle), not by pulling on the bit.

Do Not:

Wrap reins or ropes around your hand or any body part. Never attach yourself to a horse or saddle with a rope or rein.
Allow closed-loop reins to lay on the ground or in front of a horse to prevent entanglement.
Lead the horse by pulling on the reins. Use a halter to teach proper leading manners.
Hold the horse by clamping two reins together behind his jaw. This hurts his mouth, and you cannot hold him still this way. Teach your horse to stand still with groundwork.
Tie the horse with reins. This will hurt his mouth and break your reins. Keep a halter on or use a “get down rope” around the neck if you need to get off and tie up frequently.

Reminders and Updates

Private Events & Retreats

Fall 2024

___________________________________

Want to avoid the craziness of MD registration? Book a private retreat with you and your closest friends and family at BR this fall. The laid back, customizable experience offers you the opportunity to unplug, reconnect, and do everything you want or nothing at all.

Our dedicated team will quietly ensure that your experience is unforgettable and work with you every step of the way to curate your adventure. Call or email us today to being planning your perfect retreat! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Private Events & Retreats Info

Important Dates

January 17th - Mother-Daughter Retreat Registration opens
January 31st - Family Weekend Registration
February 5th through February 9th - BR office closed
March 1st - Camper Health History form and Rider Profile Form opens on the registration portal
March 31st - Last day to receive a full refund on tuition and deposits when you cancel a session. For our full refund policy, click here.
May 1st - All Camper session forms and Mother-daughter tuition and forms are due.
June 1st - All Camper Session Tuition is due.

Reminders

You can log in to the registration portal at any time to view invoices, upload paperwork, or work on forms.
The BR office hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Thursday.
The BR General Store is closed until the Spring
Join our BR Parents Facebook group by scanning this QR Code:

Visit our Website