The "ranch horse experience" is central at WTR. Our riding program is lead by certified American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) instructors and Erika Roberts, professional natural horsemanship instructor. This structured approach is well suited to all abilities--whether you are a timid beginner or an avid rider. Many of our horses were born on the ranch!

We match our horses to your ability and we offer plenty of riding variety: Riding instruction, half and all day scenic mountain and valley trail rides, fishing rides, trailblazing, trotting and loping, cattle work, a natural horsemanship clinic, arena work, a gymkhana, and private lessons. Trail rides explore the spectacular Weminuche and Piedra Wilderness Areas surrounding the ranch, and our wranglers always stress safety, learning and fun. We believe strongly the more you learn about horses, the less you fear, and the more fun you’ll have!

Children and Teens

Children from 3-17 have the opportunity to ride at WTR. The Pony Express (3-5 year olds) mount up daily on individual, closely supervised rides. Saddle Tramps (6-10 year olds) ride their own horse for the week on morning, afternoon, and all day rides. The Bandits and Posse (11-17) also explore the wilderness on half and all day rides, splitting time between horseback and other outdoor activities, including water-skiing, rafting, and fishing.

Adults

Adult rides are divided according to experience, ability, and objective. All groups have the opportunity for half-day and spectacular all-day trail rides. Regardless of your level of skill, we assure you will have the opportunity to learn more--whether it’s your first trotting or cantering lesson or learning to trot or lope without a bridle! Our terrain is rugged, yet plentiful open meadows provide picturesque opportunities for controlled trotting and cantering. Want a different riding challenge? We offer a natural horsemanship clinic, trailblazing, cattle work, and a wilderness trout fishing ride.

Natural Horsemanship Clinics

Horse crazy? If you would like a truly extraordinary horse experience, don’t miss a clinic with Erika Roberts. Learn to control your horse through body language and verbal cues, and experience the awesome moment of “join-up.” On horseback, ride without a bridle, controlling your horse’s gaits and speed through your seat and breathing.

 If you loved The Horse Whisperer and The Black Stallion--don’t miss this opportunity! The clinic is limited to 3 participants per session.

Cattle 101 and Stockworking

Tune into your inner cowboy or cowgirl and join us for half or full days of herd work and arena games. Learn to effectively move a herd through mountain terrain, or join a partner or team for the challenge of modified team penning and other games in the arena. To experience a true taste of ranch reality, join our cowboys mending fence, packing salt, and driving the herd between pastures.