Circle R Ranch was founded in 1966 by John and Milly Russell, who realized that there was a need for a top quality youth camping program near London, Ontario. For the past 43 years, our specialty program has been Western Pleasure Horseback Riding on a beautiful 220 acre property that features old growth forests, brush areas, open fields and a spring-fed pond. Many other activities are integrated into daily life, including swimming, archery, canoeing, teambuilding activities, wide games and much more! Children learn to care for their horse, and interact with other animals including cats, pot-bellied pigs, goats and sheep. We build a community of friendship through full-camp events, including campfires which always feature energetic singing, storytelling, and heartwarming songs that our campers fall in love with year after year. We believe that camp is a magical place, offering children the opportunity to learn essential life skills, make new friends and develop increased self-esteem. Perhaps the most essential factor that ensures a positive experience at camp is hiring staff that love children and are skilled in solving problems, facilitating teamwork and have the enthusiasm to treat each camper as a unique individual. Our Leadership Adventure and Leader-in-Training programs contribute to the development of high quality staff, and people who impact our community in positive ways every year. We are proud to have celebrated over 40 years of providing top quality Day and Residential camp programs that fulfill our motto as a place “Where Friends Meet!”

WHAT WE ARE?
The Horseshoe J Dude Ranch has been in operation for over 50 years providing a summer camping experience & horseback riding for both boys & girls 5 years of age & older. The main emphasis of our program evolves around the horses with each Dude assigned his or her own horse. Our program includes the teaching of basic horsemanship along with escorted horseback riding over the acres of beautiful hills & valleys. Our “DUDES” sleep in conastoga wagons &, along with many hours out on our beautiful trails, they join in a complete camp program of swimming, campfires and skit night, barbeques, hayrides, movies in the barn, archery, out door games, cook-outs & barn parties. The ranch is located approximately 30 minutes south west of London, Ontario, Canada.

We also offer programs of hourly horseback riding, School, Church, birthday & business parties which include access to all the facilities of the Ranch. We now also offer overnight camping for groups in our new cabins.

WHERE WE ARE?
We are located approximately 40K south west of London or 20K west of St. Thomas, Ontario or 150K east of Windsor. Our exit from Hwy. 401 is the Iona Road which is 3 exits west of the London Wellington Road exit. Proceed south on the Iona Road through Iona Station until you arrive at highway #3 (stop sign). Continue through the village of Iona until you come to the Erin Line which is just past the Pearce William Christian Centre. A right turn & one mile will put you at the DUDE RANCH (32553 Erin Line).

SUMMER CAMPS
For over 50 years the ranch has been offering a horse camp experience for children ages 5 - 18. This summer we will be offering several week long camps and also a couple 2 night camps and a 1 night family camp. Our camps are limited to a maximum of 25 "dudes" per session thereby allowing for maximum personal attention. Each "dude" is assigned their own horse and much of the day is spent with the horses. The ranch has many acres of beautiful trails thru the bush and valley.
Along with the many hours spent with the horses, the "dudes" participate in a complete camp program of swimming (in ground pool), hay rides, campfire and skit night, cook-out, archery, movies in the barn, out door games etc...........
Please visit our web site for more information or give us a call at 519-762-5402.

HOURLY HORSEBACK RIDING
We offer horseback riding over our many forest trails. Please call for rates & information. Our trails are by reservation only. Children 5 years & older welcome.
AN INVITATION
If you would like to tour our facilities you would be most welcome. Please call & bring the family. (519 762 5402)

E*Mail Address: duderanch@xplornet.ca