A Cavalcade is a horseback trek — so the rules are a little different (and a lot stricter) than a backpacking trek.
Philmont does not make exceptions to these. If you don't meet them at the medical recheck, you will not be allowed on the trail — so know them now, in 2028's planning stage.
Philmont's Horse Department sets a maximum weight based on your height — it's a sliding scale, so shorter riders have lower limits (see the full chart below). The overall ceiling is 210 lb at 73"+ and just 125 lb at 56". Note: the Cavalcade Guidebook also states a firm 200 lb Cavalcade limit — so plan and train to the stricter figure for your height and confirm your exact number with Philmont when reserving. This protects the horses.
Regardless of height or weight, every participant must be able to independently mount and dismount a horse from the ground. Per the Cavalcade Guidebook, "participants who fail to mount unassisted from the ground will not be allowed to participate." Practice this well before you arrive.
Compiled from the Philmont Cavalcade page and the Cavalcade Guidebook (Guidebook to Adventure, p. 67).
Must be a registered member of Scouting America who will be 14 years old, or has completed 8th grade and is at least 13, prior to participation. Do not expect exceptions. A crew must have a majority of members under age 21.
Your maximum weight depends on your height — see the official Horse Department chart below. Ranges from 125 lb at 56" up to 210 lb at 73"+. The Cavalcade Guidebook also cites a firm 200 lb limit, so plan to the stricter number for your height.
You must be able to get into the saddle by yourself, from the ground, every time.
Blood pressure without medication must be less than 140/90 for a participant to be permitted on the trail. This is verified at the Philmont medical recheck.
A completed AHMR (Parts A, B & C) is required. The physician's physical evaluation is valid through the end of the 12th month from the exam date — so time it to still be current in June 2028. A tetanus shot/booster within 10 years is required; a current measles vaccination is highly recommended.
Philmont staff physicians may deny backcountry access based on the medical recheck. Areas of concern include (but aren't limited to) heart disease, seizure disorder, sickle cell anemia, and hemophilia. Bring all emergency medication in original containers and know how to use it.
Three people in the crew must be currently certified in Wilderness First Aid Basic and CPR. We'll line up training well before departure.
Riders spend 3 to 8+ hours a day on horseback at 6,500–11,000 ft, plus side hikes on layover days. You must be able to sustain eight hours in the saddle, alert and balanced. Regular aerobic conditioning is expected (see the Prepare page).
Philmont highly recommends every rider earn the Horsemanship Merit Badge before the trek. There's a big difference between eight hours in a Philmont saddle and an hour at a local stable.
A Cavalcade crew can run up to 15 participants (the max earns the "La Docena Adventurado" recognition). We need enough riders and the required adult leadership.
| Height | Max Weight |
|---|---|
| 56" | 125 lb |
| 57" | 129 lb |
| 58" | 134 lb |
| 59" | 139 lb |
| 60" | 143 lb |
| 61" | 148 lb |
| 62" | 153 lb |
| 63" | 158 lb |
| 64" | 163 lb |
| 65" | 168 lb |
| 66" | 173 lb |
| 67" | 179 lb |
| 68" | 184 lb |
| 69" | 189 lb |
| 70" | 195 lb |
| 71" | 200 lb |
| 72" | 206 lb |
| 73" & up | 210 lb |
The maximum weight for horse rides, regardless of height, is 210 pounds.
Source: Philmont Scout Ranch Horseback Riding Policy (Horse Dept. height-to-weight chart).
If you can meet your height-to-weight limit, mount & dismount unassisted, keep BP under 140/90, complete your health record, and put in the conditioning — you're on track to ride with Troop 927 in 2028. Questions about your specific situation? Talk to a family physician and our crew advisor early.