Horseback Riding in High Country’s Alpine Terrain
Discover High Country’s beautiful alpine terrain on horseback like pioneers and generations of rugged cattlemen and women did before you, from short rides along bushland trails to luxurious two-day getaways staying in spa cabins or taking part in multi-day packhorse treks.
Ride to historic huts, fast flowing mountain rivers and an extensive network of mining and cattle tracks for an immersive landscape experience like no other!
Guided Trail Rides
Horseback riding offers you access to alpine terrain that may otherwise be inaccessible via hiking alone. Stanley’s acclaimed outfitters specialize in creating unforgettable horseback experiences for riders of any ability level; whether experienced riders or beginners. From day rides out to alpine lakes to multi-day pack trips through Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Reach out one of these outfitters listed and linked here today to make a reservation and start riding!
Just like Teddy Roosevelt or John Muir did before you, take to your horseback to experience the Eastern Sierra like no one has before you! Trail rides depart daily from Wawona Stable for two-hour guided trail rides through beautiful forests and past historic wagon roads – viewing Giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove is something special indeed – ideal for children and new riders. Our two-hour Glacier Basin ride features mildly steep sections around Emerald Mountain before leading over Adams Tunnel’s East Portal Portal!
Advanced riders looking for an unforgettable wilderness horsemanship experience should plan a week-long trip through Alberta or British Columbia, including Kananaskis Country and Nipika Mountain Resort. Trips usually feature meals at wilderness camps as well as accommodations such as tents or yurts depending on the season – giving participants a true wilderness experience!
Although it may appear as though your horse is doing all of the work, riding requires balance, strong legs, and an effective core to remain upright. At Double Black Alpine our experienced wranglers will teach you how to communicate with our horses for maximum enjoyment while in the saddle.
Tour the picturesque valleys of Victoria’s High Country throughout spring, summer and fall on your own or with Double Black Alpine’s expert guiding team. They specialize in tailoring packages specifically designed to meet guests’ desires for memorable experiences while they can assist with accommodation reservations and provide expert recommendations on activities.
Trail Rides for Beginners
Beginner trail rides provide new riders with an ideal way to gain confidence on horseback, experience riding on trails, and enjoy all that riding entails. At C Lazy U, our knowledgeable wranglers will match you up with an ideal horse that best matches both your size and abilities level.
Your ride may involve traversing wooded paths with some steep hills and water crossings, and may feature helmet-wearing riders as well as those without. Helmets may not be necessary since you won’t be sitting still most of the time and using different muscles than when riding a bicycle; newcomers should listen closely to their guide’s instructions before deciding to wear one or not. Furthermore, lifesaving medications or cell phones should always remain with them rather than in saddlebags where they could become misplaced during travels.
Beginners looking to ride horses for the first time will benefit from participating in a basic trail ride as it helps them become acquainted with its rhythm and practice controlling its reins. Your wrangler will instruct you to rise with each two-beat gait of the horse’s two-beat gait gait before sitting when walking begins. Posting, which involves moving legs backward and forward in tandem to guide it forward or backward, is also recommended as beginners are less likely to fall off without proper instruction from their guide.
Some beginners may try to communicate all their movements using only their hands, but it’s important to remember that horses are highly intuitive animals. If you become nervous as a beginner rider, your horse may sense your stress and become more reactive; to keep calm and relax. Beginning riders should wear a helmet and hold onto either the horn or front of their saddle in case they need assistance stabilizing themselves.
Longer trail rides require that you are able to control the horse with both legs and seat. Before embarking on any rides that involve posting, it’s crucial that your horse be properly conditioned by riding multiple times each week for at least an hour and increasing it gradually over several weeks. This will build both riding endurance as well as being an easier partner for the mount; long trail rides can be stressful on both of you!
Trail Rides for Intermediate Riders
Advancement to an intermediate level can be an exciting moment in any equestrian’s journey. At this stage, self-discovery and growth occur at an incredible rate, leading to deeper connections with horses, refined skills, and increased body awareness. By setting goals, exploring new disciplines, prioritizing fitness training, and perfecting techniques you can elevate your riding abilities significantly.
As part of this stage, you’ll learn that effective communication is the cornerstone of a harmonious partnership between horse and rider. This involves making adjustments to timing, softening cues and rewarding responsiveness from your horse as well as tuning into its body language – such as flicking ears or shifting weight – as you tune into this deeper level of communication – creating trust and elevating the riding experience to an entirely new level.
An advanced trail ride offers those who have been riding for five or more years the opportunity to advance their riding experience and canter at will; you will always ride privately so as to ensure a safe and pleasant experience. Canter speeds may vary depending on horse and trail conditions at the time of your ride.
Glacier Creek Trail offers the ideal experience for riders of all ages and skill levels, providing a smooth and enjoyable journey that begins at Sprague Lake and continues over Storm Pass Trail before crossing Boulder Brook back to your stables.
Experience the breathtaking Colorado wilderness and create unforgettable memories on this guided trail ride, whether young or old. Young or old alike are sure to gain a deep appreciation for nature and all its incredible residents that call the Rocky Mountains home. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and insect repellant, and ensure your physical fitness meets minimum standards as this activity could aggravate neck, hip or back problems that might otherwise prevent participation.
Trail Rides for Advanced Riders
Experienced riders can explore the alpine wilderness on multi-day group packhorse treks led by Bogong Horseback Adventures. Rides range from three-hour trail excursions to nine-day treks covering some of the region’s wildest mountain terrain. At High Country Harvest festival, they also provide special stay and ride packages featuring local produce, wine and native foods.
These trips can include overnight stops at various bridle tracks, camping sites or even old cattleman’s huts that once catered for multi-day packers. When hiking the mountains it’s always wiser to start early and plan ahead, as doing so allows you to be safely below treeline before any storm arrives. Remember also to respect permanent residents in the park such as horses or wildlife that reside there permanently – leave horses alone!
As with any outdoor activity in the high mountains, it is vitally important to stay aware of weather and bushfire hazards. Be sure to keep tabs with both the Bureau of Meteorology and Country Fire Authority for updates regarding fire warnings as well as advice for safe hiking or horseback riding in this region.
Back to Basics
No matter your riding level, learning to relax and trust in your horse should always be your top priority. When tension builds up between riders and horses, they become harder to steer and control and put too much strain on joints and spine.
Remember, while horses may seem like willing partners in these circumstances, they are still wild animals who will react accordingly to your emotional state. Therefore, it’s essential that you remain calm and in control throughout your ride so as to enjoy a smooth and pleasant experience.
Grandfather Stables provides lessons tailored to riders of any ability at Grandfather Stables. Their trainers have experience working with riders from around the world and can help develop your relationship with your horse, but stress that no matter how hard one practices they can’t become great riders overnight; what’s important is being patient and learning from each experience that arises.