Zumbro Bottoms Trail Retreat
June 25th - June 30th, 2025
Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campgrounds
West Campground
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Kellogg, MN 55945
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/forest.html?id=sft00033#cmp00059
Welcome to the Zumbro Bottoms Horseback Retreat
A 6-Day Journey of Connection, Confidence & the Great Outdoors with Michelle Jerry Horsemanship
Saddle up and join us for an unforgettable 6-day retreat at Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground—where adventure meets relaxation in the heart of southeastern Minnesota’s breathtaking hardwood hills.
Nestled within the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, our retreat offers direct access to miles of scenic trails that wind through rich forests, open meadows, and peaceful river valleys. It’s the perfect place to deepen your partnership with your horse, connect with fellow riders, and recharge your spirit in nature’s embrace.
This is more than just a horseback getaway—it’s a chance to ride together in community. Each day we’ll explore the trails as a supportive group, lifting each other up with laughter, encouragement, and shared experiences. Whether you're building confidence, rediscovering joy in the saddle, or simply looking for connection, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded horse lovers who feel like family.
With spacious campsites, horse-friendly amenities, and the heart of family woven into every moment, this retreat with Michelle Jerry Horsemanship is more than a destination—it’s a feeling.
Cost $1000.00
1. Click button below to register
2. Choose a way to pay (via website, Venmo, Cash or Check)
Zumbro Bottoms Deposit
Join Michelle Jerry and Her Team
Escape to the serene Zumbro Bottoms for a 6-day retreat filled with trail riding, relaxation, and camaraderie. This laid-back getaway is perfect for those seeking a break from the routine—with no clinic structure, no pressure—just pure enjoyment with your horse.
Ride alongside Michelle Jerry and her knowledgeable team as they explore the rolling beauty of Zumbro Bottoms. Michelle knows these trails like the back of her hand, ensuring a safe, smooth, and memorable experience for all. Each trail leads to the next little adventure, and every ride brings new sights, stories, and smiles.
What to Expect
🌳 Scenic Trail Riding – Every Day
Spend your days riding with a supportive group through hardwood forests, river valleys, and open meadows. We ride together—offering encouragement, laughter, and friendship as we soak in the natural beauty around us.
🔥 Evenings by the Fire
After the day’s ride, gather around the campfire to enjoy hearty, homecooked suppers prepared with love by Francis Jerry. Meals are shared in community, with plenty of good conversation and time to unwind beneath the stars.
🥪 Monday Lunch
Wrap up your retreat with a scenic trail-side lunch on Monday—a quiet, meaningful send-off surrounded by the beauty of Zumbro.
🏕️ Campground Comfort
Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground features spacious, horse-friendly campsites with hitching posts, picket lines, and easy water access. Whether you're in a living quarters trailer or a cozy camper, you’ll feel right at home.
💛 Family & Friendship
With Michelle Jerry Horsemanship, family is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll feel that warmth from the moment you arrive. This retreat isn’t just about horses—it’s about people, too. We ride, laugh, rest, and grow—together.
🧘 Relax & Recharge
There’s no pressure here—only peace. Whether you're riding, journaling in the shade, sipping coffee at sunrise, or simply sitting with your horse, this is your time. A time to breathe, bond, and be present in the moment.
Zumbro Bottoms Full Amount
What’s Included in This Retreat
-
Help Getting Organized
You won’t be doing this alone—we’ll have two Zoom meetings before the trip to go over what to pack, what to expect, and how to get ready. We want you to feel confident and prepared before we hit the road. -
Support Every Step of the Way
From the moment you sign up to the moment we pull into camp, you’ll be supported. We’ll help coordinate who’s coming from where, so if you’d like to connect with others traveling nearby, we’ll help make that happen. It’s all about community—whether you ride in solo or with friends, you’re part of the group. -
Home-Cooked Meals, Cowboy Style
Francis will be cooking every night over the campfire—just like the cowboys did out on the open range. Meals will be hearty, rustic, and full of flavor, with a chuckwagon-style menu that might include pork chops, biscuits, camp potatoes, and everything in between. If you’ve been to one of our retreats before, you already know: Francis’s campfire cooking is top-notch and always a highlight of the trip. -
Evening Campfires & Connection
After dinner, we’ll gather around the fire to share stories, laugh, and soak in the peace that only a crackling fire and good company can bring. These moments are what make the retreat feel like family. -
Daily Trail Rides Out of Camp
Each day, we’ll ride out from camp and explore the surrounding area together. Ride levels will be shared ahead of time—some will be easy, some more challenging—so you and your horse can choose what fits best. It’s about riding at your own pace while enjoying the beauty of the land with others. -
This Is Not a Clinic or a Guided Ride
This isn’t a structured clinic or a guided trail ride. It’s a group of like-minded horse lovers coming together to enjoy the ride, explore new places, eat good food, and make lifelong memories. -
The True Heart of It All
Most of all, it’s about the people—the great group of kind-hearted, encouraging riders who come together like family. That’s the true heart of Michelle Jerry Horsemanship at Heart and Hooves Arena. We don’t just travel to beautiful camps; we bring our community with us wherever we go. When you ride with us, you’re part of something real, something lasting—something built on respect, connection, and the love of horses and people alike.
📍 Zumbro Bottoms Horse Camp West – Retreat Info
Reservations at Zumbro Bottoms Horse Camp are first-come, first-served. There are 72 primitive campsites available, so we should have plenty of space. I’ll be arriving early to snag us a spot where we can all camp together.
Individual site without horses $14, Equestrian site $16All sites are on a first come, first served basis to be paid on site. For more inforamtion visit the link below.
🗺️ Trail Map
This is a map of the trails at Zumbro Bottoms Horse Camp! :Zumbro Bottoms offers access to 44 miles of horseback
riding trails.🐴 These are some of the trails we’ll be riding —
and of course, there are always a few hidden gems not
shown on the map. 🌲😉
‼️ Attention Riders ‼️
A Minnesota Horse Pass is required for anyone riding with our group on the trails.
You must carry your pass with you while riding — no exceptions.
📌 Riders without a valid pass will not be allowed to join the group ride.
MN Horse Passes are
$5 per day
$21 for a year
🎟️ Get your MN Horse Pass here:
Thanks for helping us stay safe, legal, and respectful on the trails! 💛🐎
What You’ll Need to Bring
To help you and your horse stay comfortable out on the trail and in camp, here’s a list of what to bring:
For Your Horse:
-
Your horse, tack, and all riding equipment
-
Nylon halter and lead rope (for tying to picket lines)
-
Saddle bags (for carrying snacks and lunch on the trail)
-
Hay and grain (hay is not available for purchase at the campground)
-
Hay bags
-
Water buckets (the campground does have water available for horses)
-
Grooming supplies
-
Fly spray or bug repellent
For You:
-
Breakfast and lunch each day (you are responsible for your own daytime meals—home-cooked dinners will be provided each evening)
-
Drinking water for yourself
-
Appropriate riding attire (raincoat, hat or helmet, layers—whatever you normally trail ride in)
-
Bug spray for yourself
-
A place to sleep—tent, trailer, or a cozy bedroll under the stars by the campfire if you’re feeling adventurous
As we get closer to the retreat, we’ll go over all of this in more detail during our Zoom calls—so no worries, you’ll be well prepared!
