For much of our history our horse program was an important, vibrant part of our summer sessions. In the early years, horses and mules were critical for transporting people, food, building materials and equipment. Campers learned to feed and care for the animals and their tack, how to mount and ride. Rising costs combined with disruptions from the 2020 Castle Fire and the Covid-19 pandemic ended this highly successful and valued program.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation we are excited to reintroduce our horse program. Pyles alumni, Matthew "Bodean" McDonald also deserves our thanks, it is through Bodean's work as a farrier and his connections among horse owners in Kern County that Pyles has the opportunity to bring back our horse program this year.