The Horseshoe J Dude Ranch has been offering hourly trail riding and summer camps for children for over 50 years. The Ranch has been family run by the Steele family for the past 35 years. The Horseshoe J Dude Ranch is located approximately 40 km south west of London or 20 km west of St.Thomas. The exit off the 401 is the Iona/Melbourne (exit 157), which is 3 exits west of London Wellington Road exit. South off the 401 will take you thru the village of Iona Station to a stop sign, proceed straight thru the village of Iona about 3 km to Erin Line (just past Pearce Williams Christian Centre). A right turn on Erin Line and one mile will put you at the Dude Ranch (32553 Erin Line).  Here is a link to a map from MapQuest: Map

The ranch offers 6 different week long camp experiences for girls and boys ages 5 – 17 years. We also offer “mini camps” for those not sure about spending a whole week.  These 2 night camps and also a 1 night camp are great introduction camps.  Download the registration form or for more information, get the latest newsletter.  If you need Adobe Reader, click here.

Our “dudes” are given a choice to sleep in a cabin or get the full camp experience and sleep in one of the Conestoga covered wagons.

Our camps are limited to a maximum of 24 “dudes” per session thereby allowing for maximum personal attention.

Each “dude” is assigned their own horse for their stay on the ranch.  Our camp program evolves around the horses.  The “dudes” learn basic horsemanship, grooming, saddling, and caring for their horse.  Along with the many hours spent on the beautiful trails the “dudes” participate in a complete camp program of swimming, hayrides, campfires, skit night, movies in the barn, barn parties, outdoor games, cook-outs, and much more.

The camping experience is sure to create many fond memories that will last a lifetime.

HOURLY HORSEBACK RIDING

The ranch offers hourly guided horseback riding thru the many acres of beautiful trails in the woods and valley.  The cost is $30 for the hour trail ride.  Helmet rental is an extra $2 and is mandatory for anyone under the age of 19 and recommended for adults.

The trail riding is by reservation.  Please call 519-762-5402 (local call from London and St.Thomas) to reserve your time.  Families welcome.

Please note that because we are a seasonal business, we do not take debit or credit cards.

GROUP PARTIES

We would like to invite Church groups, schools, family reunions, scouting groups, Brownies and Girl Guide Groups, Work Places, family gatherings, or just a group of friends to plan an outing to the ranch. Tailor your outing the way you want, with the activities that you want. Please call for pricing.

New for 2008:  we now offer overnight camping in our cabins for groups.  Please call for more information and pricing.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

1. Younger child's party at the ranch includes

   1. Hayride and hike thru the woods
   2. 2 ponies for hand-led pony rides in the yard area for 30 minutes
   3. Use of the BBQ/Picnic /Games area
   4. Hayloft play for the children
   5. Birthday child gets a souvenir ranch t-shirt
   6. Cost $125.00 for up to 12 children; $6 extra for additional children (parents welcome to stay at n/c)

    

2. Trail ride Birthday Party for the older children

   1. 1 hour trail ride thru the beautiful trails
   2. Includes helmet rental
   3. Use of the BBQ/Picnic/Games area
   4. Hayloft for barn play
   5. Minimum of 6 participants and the child receives a souvenir ranch t-shirt
   6. Cost $30 per/person