How to Create Your Own Horse Ranch Game

Fold a piece of cardboard in half and unfold again. You can use any size you want, but the bigger your board, the more elaborate your game will be. Draw various aspects of a horse ranch on the sides and middle of the board, leaving space. This could include pencil sketches of a paddock, a barn, a trail ride area, a tack shop, or whatever else you can dream up.

Draw a start box at the bottom right corner of the board. Throughout the board's remaining empty space, draw squares or circles, with a small line connecting them. This will be the path players will take throughout the game. In the top left corner, draw a finish box. Paint all of your spaces and sketches with craft paint, and outline them with permanent marker for a more defined look if you wish. Use bright colors for your start and finish spaces, and add realistic horse ranch colors such as tans, blues, browns and greens to the rest of the board.

In pencil and then permanent marker, write directions or words on each space. The object of your game can be something simple, like be the first to get to the finish line, while collecting 4 different kinds of horses along the way. Considering this as your game object, the spaces should include "skip ahead" spots, "go back" spots, "collect a card" spots, and anything else you can think up.

Print out cards on your computer printer. Feature six different types of horses on 24 cards. If the player draws a duplicate card from what they've already drawn, this cannot count toward their 4-horse total. Make the cards as detailed as you can with proper breed information and full color. This will add to the fun and overall look of the game.

Throw in a dice from a different board game or by purchasing one at your local toy store. Cover the game board with a gloss finish if you wish to protect it further, and then allow to dry. You are now ready to play your very own horse ranch game.