Horseback Riding

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Horseback riding is one of our specialties!  We have great horses, great wranglers and lots of great riding.  Our log round pen and large arena are perfect paces to participate in horseback games or just learn the basics of riding.  The numerous trails on and off the Ranch are incredibly scenic, and the back of a horse is the perfect height to take in all that scenery! 

The Ranch's string of wonderful horses are suitable for riders of all levels, from novice to expert.

Miles and miles of trails may be accessed from the Ranch into the surrounding 5,650-acre Wildlife Habitat Area (where no motorized vehicles are allowed) and beyond. Some of our favorite rides are to Carnero Lake and through Strawberry Canyon to Patterson Spring. Off-site guided rides into rarely seen primitive areas such as the Black River may be arranged with advance notice.

Because horses are creatures with their own—occasionally unpredictable—minds, we have to set forth some policies for your protection and ours:

Age Policy

• Riders 4 years of age and older may participate in arena riding lessons and horseback games.
• While in the arena, children under the age of 6 must be led from the ground by one of our Ranch Wranglers.
• Children must be 8 to ride trails outside the arena as the trail riding is a bit too much for young children.
• For advanced trail riding, riders must be 11 years of age or older.
• All riders under the age of 18 must wear safety helmets, which are recommended for all riders of any age (even those with the hardest heads!).
• Every minor under the age of 18 must have a release from his/her parent or legal guardian prior to riding (don’t forget this if there’s another child coming up with your family).

Disability Policy

• A doctor’s release is needed for any disabled person to ride.

Footwear Policy

• All riders must wear appropriate footwear.
• That means no tennis shoes or hiking boots, which tend to have thick, non-skid soles that can get caught in a stirrup and lead to a major problem.
• If you don’t have the appropriate footwear (slick soles with a minimum of 1” heel), we have a number of “loaner boots” for you to choose from as long as you’re not picky about color and style!
• And don’t forget that the Hidden Meadow Mercantile carries fabulous Ariat boots if you decide to purchase your own.

You are invited to bring your own horses to the Ranch for a vacation, too! Please make advance reservations for the guest stalls, as space is limited. See our Frequently Asked Questions page under Pet Policy/Horse Boarding for more information on guest horse boarding.