Colorado Horseback Riding at the Home Ranch
Riding at Home Ranch is a fully interactive experience. This is not a nose-to-tail place! We delight in our well-broke, quality horses and enjoy sharing our love of horses with you.
The Home Ranch is about horses and people. We are dedicated to seeing that you have a wonderful time with-and on-your horse. We've spent 25 years putting together a superb herd. We raise our own and buy a select few to meet specific needs in our program.
Our riding is suitable for everyone. We're eager to share our love of horses with our guests at every riding level from beginner to advanced. First-time riders, world champion cowboys, Olympic medalists, and everyone in between have ridden the Home Ranch trails. Our wranglers and instructors specialize in helping beginners to gain confidence and have fun in a non-intimidating setting. Advanced riders appreciate the quality of our horses and enjoy our challenging classes and cattle-working activities.
At the Home Ranch you can ride with whomever you want. We generally divide our rides into groups of 6 or fewer, unless guests request larger group rides. Some of our lessons have only two or three riders. Keep in mind that rides are grouped by ability and desire and that we adjust each ride to accommodate the least-confident rider.
A word about safety: we do everything in our power to provide a safe and fun riding experience. Many have asked about our position on wearing helmets. We think wearing a helmet is a personal choice and if you have any concerns we encourage you to get your own before your ranch vacation. Be sure to get a precise, professional fit from a qualified dealer. We recommend Stateline Tack or Dover Saddlery- you can locate stores on the Internet.
Beginners
We happily work with beginners every week. Monday morning starts with an introduction to your horse and a comprehensive orientation. Our capable wranglers guide you through your first ride and build your confidence throughout the week on a trusted, proven trail horse. We ride at your ability level, being respectful of your concerns and feelings. The week will unfold into a natural progression of confidence-building experiences. We are sure your horse will be a new friend at the end of the week. It always happens!
Kids' Riding Program
We love kids and our goal is to create positive horse experiences that produce happy, secure young riders. Kids at Home Ranch can ride with one another or with their parents in family rides. We make their time fun and interesting by playing horse games and setting up challenges along the trail. Our energetic kids' wranglers are excellent with kids and horses alike.
Trail Riding
Our riding program is focused on what you want to do. When you come to the barn, you can decide if you'd like to take one of our daily trail classes or if you'd like to go fast, slow, high, low or anything in between. We offer a large variety of options everyday, including the popular lunch or all-day rides. We can ride to the top of Home Mountain and get a stunning view of the continental divide and 12,000 foot Mt. Zirkel, or ride through lush green meadows near the valley floor. One of our most popular rides meanders alongside the lovely Elk River. It's common to see mule deer, elk, antelope, coyote, fox, sharp-tailed grouse, sand hill cranes, hawks and an occasional bear on our rides. It is always a privilege to see wild animals, one we never take for granted.
Cattle Herding
We keep a small herd of steers on the ranch to enhance your ranch experience. Herding cattle is a favorite activity for many ranch guests. During the week, you can herd them from pasture to pasture or around our outdoor arena in preparation for team-penning competition. Many guests love to learn how to move cattle in a quiet and efficient manner--the way real ranchers do!
Classes
If you're interested in improving your horsemanship skills, you'll enjoy the varied classes we offer during the week.
Saddling and grooming
Saddling your horse correctly is important to ensure a good fit and top performance of both you and your horse. This class takes you through all the steps of preparing to ride, from grooming to saddling your horse. We discuss safe ways of approaching and moving around a horse.
Ground School
This is an excellent class for all levels of riders. We offer the basics of communication through body language and open up a whole new world of understanding between you and your horse. The horse will respond to your movements as you lead him through exercises in all directions and at various speeds. Later these movements can be transferred to riding. We teach you how to separate your horse's fore- and hindquarters, pivot, and move in all directions. The class is a marvelous way to establish a great rapport with your horse.
Horse Psychology
This class can be done in the round pen or on the trail. We talk about the basic instincts of the horse and what has helped him survive all these millions of years. Various exercises will demonstrate how the horse wants to respond to you as his leader as part of these natural instincts.
Trail Class
Trail rides can offer many opportunities for horse and rider that can be used as learning experiences. We cover such challenges as crossing fallen timber, riding in a straight line, opening and closing a gate while horseback, balancing as you ascend and descend, timing turns with body movement, moving a specific foot, and riding your horse away from the herd. You are encouraged to practice these maneuvers on every ride as well as in our outdoor obstacle course.
Team Penning
Ever have a hankering for herding cattle? It's more fun - and more challenging - than you might imagine. It is also the most popular activity on the ranch. You learn the rudimentary skills in a few classes during the week, and then apply your skills during the team penning competition Saturday morning. This good-natured contest is a highlight of the week, both for participants and cheering observers. Winners of this timed event receive awards at the Saturday night campfire.
