As head instructor, Letitia stresses unity and understanding between horse and rider. Ranch philosophy is that riders are guests on their mounts and as such they owe their mounts a great deal of respect. Horses are powerful creatures. If they choose, they can dislodge riders with no problem. The Sisterses' horses are gentle and willing because of the care and respect they are given. The best way for a rider to get a horse to perform is to ask. Sometimes the request must be firm, but it must be made with respect. When the rider is an extension of the horse and not a separate entity, respect and cooperation flow naturally. These ideas are the basis of the instruction given at Sun Bowl Ranch.

Just as important, Letitia and her staff make learning to ride fun by using barrel patterns and obstacle courses during lessons. Letitia believes that students have more fun with these challenges, but also really use the skills they're learning. Going around and around in a ring can get boring; Sun Bowl Ranch lessons are anything but.

Your child will have a great time and learn a lot at one of our four day camps! The Sun Bowl Ranch Junior Riding Camp focuses on making learning about, working with, and riding horses fun.

Students spend lots of time in the saddle learning to ride the fun way. Daily riding lessons involve obstacle courses and games such as egg-and-spoon, ride-a-buck, and Simon says. Students practice their new skills on a daily picnic ride or trail ride. All this riding lays the groundwork for Fun Day.

Fun Day is a real horse show in which students and their horses compete in a variety of activities. Good sportsmanship is fundamental to Fun Day. Students compete more against themselves than against one another, and ribbons are awarded for attitude, effort, and improvement.

Our program not only develops riding skills, but also enhances self-confidence and responsibility. Each rider learns to feed, groom, and care for his "own" horse safely. By the end of camp, kids have bonded with their mounts and learned a bit more about fair play, teamwork, and coöperation. Campers also leave with wonderful summer memories!

Junior Riding Camp runs 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (summer only) and includes lunch. These four-day enrollments are offered to riders age six and older. Overnight lodging is offered, but isn't included in the basic fee.