Riding and Horse Care

Riding Requirements

• RIDER ABILITY SELF-ASSESSMENT

  • Strong Novice: - Capable of applying basic aids to ask the horse to move forward, turn, and stop. - Comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate-length posting trots, and short canters on a very smooth, well broke horse - Limited experience riding in open country, galloping, or is not currently riding fit.

  • Intermediate: - Confident and in control of the horse at all paces (including posting trots, two-point canters, and gallops). - Firm, independent seat and soft hands. - Experienced riding in open country alone or in a group, but does not ride regularly. - Reasonably fit and able to enjoy 3–4 hours in the saddle.

  • Advanced: -All the above and rides regularly. -Comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day, and has a desire to handle a spirited horse in open country.

  • The trek guide has full authority to exclude a rider from a trip, certain trails, or different horse gaits (such as a canter) based on the rider’s level of ability or behavior which may endanger the other riders or the horses. No refunds will be made under these circumstances.

• Why do we ask our riders to be able to post a trot and a two-point canter? We cover a lot of country when we ride, and posting the trot and two-point canter allows both horse and rider to travel a further distance before requiring a break. Both positions create a lighter seat, which is easier on the horse’s back as well as more balanced over our diverse terrain.

  • We ask you to be able to groom and saddle your own horse for two reasons. It builds a better bond with your equine partner, and it helps us stay on time. We will answer any questions about how we approach horsemanship, grooming, and tacking. We will always double-check the tack before and during the ride to keep our horses and riders safe and comfortable.

  • We will have a mounting block available at the trailer, but if we have to dismount on the trail for any reason (bathroom breaks included), riders do need to be able to mount on their own. We can often find an appropriate rock or log to assist.

• What is our riding style philosophy?

  • Our horses are trained to work off light pressure and loose contact.

    • Our horses do respond to seat and leg aids, such as shifting your seat back to ask for a stop. A loose reign asks the rider to trust the horse’s self carriage and the rider’s own balance and ability to ride from the seat (instead of balancing with the reins).

    • To keep our horses light, we ask the rider to release contact unless asking for a cue. Cues include slowing down, stopping, backing up, turning, and transitioning to a trot or canter.

    • We use Indirect neck reining with two hands: similar to using one hand, but it’s adapted for riders who prefer or need to hold both reins. This method gives the rider more control and precision while still utilizing the indirect neck rein technique.

    Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to indirectly neck rein using both hands:

    Step-by-Step Process:

  • Combining neck reining and direct reining creates soft, balanced communication between horse and rider. The direct rein helps guide the horse’s nose and shoulders, while the neck rein encourages the horse to move away from pressure and follow the rider’s body cues. Over time, the horse learns to respond to lighter and more subtle aids.

    • Sit balanced and centered in the saddle. Look where you want to go and allow your shoulders and hips to align naturally with the direction of the turn. Your body should suggest the turn before your hands do.

    • Begin the turn with a soft direct rein. For a left turn, slightly open the left rein away from the horse’s neck to guide the nose left. For a right turn, slightly open the right rein. Avoid pulling backward. The rein should guide the horse into the turn rather than force the head around.

    • At the same time, apply the neck rein by allowing the outside rein to rest lightly against the horse’s neck. For a left turn, the right rein lays gently against the right side of the neck. For a right turn, the left rein rests against the left side of the neck. This pressure encourages the horse to move away from the rein and follow the direction of travel.

    • Support the turn with your legs and seat. Use your inside leg at the girth to encourage forward movement and bend through the body, while the outside leg stays softly supportive. Your seat should remain relaxed and follow the horse’s motion through the turn.

    • As soon as the horse responds correctly, soften and release the rein pressure. The release teaches the horse it found the correct answer.

    • As the rider becomes more accustom to the cue, the rider can gradually rely less on the direct rein and more on neck rein, seat, and leg cues. The goal is a horse that responds to light, quiet communication with softness and balance.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid:

    • Pulling on the Rein: Remember, indirect neck reining isn't about pulling the rein in the direction you want the horse to turn. Instead, it's about guiding the horse using the rein across its neck.

    • Tight Reins: Keep your reins relaxed. Tension in the reins can confuse the horse and make it harder for them to respond to the light cues.

    • Overuse of Legs: While legs are important for guiding the horse, they should work together with the reins, not dominate the movement.

    Using two hands for indirect neck reining is a great way to keep communication smooth and controlled while still allowing the horse to move freely and fluidly. It’s a technique that can be applied to various Western riding styles and is ideal for maintaining a soft, responsive connection with your horse.

• We ask riders to actively ride their horses.

  • There will be times when we can relax and chat as we walk along the trails. When we are in areas like the mountains, you can trust where your horse will place their feet, but the rider will need to keep the horse on trail.

  • Horses are aware they are carrying a rider; however, they lack the spatial awareness to know that a rider can fit under a branch or past an obstacle. It is up to the rider to guide their partner.

• We do ride in groups, often single-track or in pairs.

  • We ask riders to give each other about a horse's head distance between themselves and the horse in front.

  • Horses are instinctual creatures and travel in herds with close contact. We know that horses can get pushy with one another, so this distance can be maintained with half halts. When trotting or cantering, riders do need to maintain awareness of the terrain, other horses, and their own mount (including speed).

• Trail Etiquette and Safety

  • We go as a group. Horses, being herd animals, want to stick together. If one horse and rider leaves the group or goes at a different pace, it can cause undo stress in the other horses. So if one horse trotts off, the other horses will follow.

  • We will always go at the same pace and stop together.

  • We can split rides at times if a rider doesn’t feel comfortable at a canter.

  • We can ride in pair or as a group as the terrain and pace dicatates. However, do not let your horse overtake the horse next to you or in front of you. This can cause horses to become competitive or aggressive toward each other. You must be in charge of rating your horse’s speed.

  • We know you’ll want to capture the moments, and you’re welcome to take photos, just be sure to remain in control of your horse at all times. We’re happy to pause for photos, and pictures can be taken while walking. At the trot and canter, phones should be put away and securely stored, and no videoing is permitted at the canter.

  • Please let the outfitter or wrangler know if you see something that needs to be addressed, such as a loose strap or unsecured phone.

• What is the Welcome Ride?

  • On the arrival day, we will meet at the barn at about 2pm, depending on the weather, for a short safety and expectations meeting. Every barn does things a little differently. We find going over a few basics, like grooming and tacking, helps our riders and horses get to know each other better. We then head to the arena, where we will warm up with walk-trot transitions, turning, stopping, and backing. We will offer advice and tips on trail safety. This is not a lesson, but will give you a feel for how we’ve trained our horses to cue to basic commands and aids. If your tack doesn't feel right, needs to be adjusted, or if you and your horse don’t jive, please let us know! We can easily change things on this first day.

  • If this is your first time booking with us, this first-day meeting and ride is mandatory.

Horse Care Expectations

Being part of the daily rhythm of the ranch is part of the experience. Guests are invited to participate in the care and preparation of their horse with guidance from our team.

• What We Ask of You

  • Stay aware, present, and in control of your horse at all times

  • Follow your guide’s instructions—they know each horse’s story and needs

  • Groom your horse before and after each ride

  • Tack and untack with care, including saddling and bridling

  • Lead your horse calmly to and from designated areas

  • Maintain safe spacing between horses on the trail

  • Ride at the gait and pace set by your guide

  • Speak up if you feel unsure, tired, or need assistance

  • Keep phones secured during faster gaits; enjoy photos at a walk or during stops

  • Respect each horse as an individual partner in their second career

• For the safety of both horses and riders, guests may not:

  • Enter pens or pastures to catch or turn out horses

  • Actively load horses into or out of trailers

  • Clip horses to trailer ties

  • Open or close trailer windows

  • No feeding treats without staff approval (protects diets, prevents pushy behavior)

Our horses are experienced partners, and these guidelines help keep their routines consistent and safe for everyone involved.

Type Of Riding

• We’re not your typical dude ranch. Here, adventure changes daily. Our diverse range of trails lets you experience everything from long, breezy trots through the forest to thrilling canters along sandy riverbeds and heart-pumping climbs up steep terrain. Many of our rides take you through public lands, where we share the path with hikers, bikers, and fellow equestrians. This means we often ride on marked single-track trails, keeping things exciting and fresh.

  Keep in mind, our trails are shaped by the elements, some areas that are usually perfect for cantering might be off-limits if the weather has its say, like after heavy rain or flooding. But no matter the conditions, we’ll make sure every ride is a memorable one.

• We’re not endurance riders, but we sure cover some ground! On certain days, we’ll ride up to 15 miles across smooth, flat trails perfect for long trots and canters. Other days, we’ll tackle shorter distances, but with the challenge of rugged mountain terrain. There may even be moments when we need to dismount and lead our horses on foot for a stretch — all part of the adventure.

Type of Tack

• Our Western trail saddles are designed with long hours and varied terrain in mind. Compared to more traditional Western saddle, like roping or ranch saddles, which are built heavier and for specific job demands, trail saddles are lighter, more balanced, and made for rider comfort over time. They often have a narrower twist, more cushioned seats, and a fit that allows the horse greater freedom of movement through the shoulders and back.

  For our program, that matters. Many of our horses are transitioning into new careers, and a lighter, well-balanced saddle helps reduce strain while supporting clear, consistent communication. It also keeps riders more comfortable and secure, so the focus stays on the ride, not the equipment.

• Most of our horses are ridden in bitless bridles, allowing communication through gentle pressure on the nose, face, and poll rather than the mouth. This approach supports clarity without added tension and is especially well-suited for horses transitioning into new careers. It encourages relaxation, trust, and responsiveness, creating a softer, more connected ride.

• Our saddles are equipped with saddle bags, giving you space to carry essentials like water, your lunch and snacks, and small personal items for the ride.