Whether you own a horse or have never sat in a saddle, Northern Colorado offers countless opportunities to ride. From beginner lessons to scenic trail rides and welcoming clubs, there’s something for every skill level.
It’s never too late to learn
Longtime horseback riding instructor Lisa Ski teaches beginners at Willow Creek Ranch between Loveland and Fort Collins. It doesn’t matter whether her clients have a goal of riding recreationally or a dream of competing someday: Everyone starts with the basics.
“You’ll get on the horse the first lesson, but most of your time will be spent learning how to catch, lead, groom and tack up,” she says. “With each lesson, you’ll spend less time on the ground and more time in the saddle.”
Riders begin on a lead line—a long rope attached to the horse’s bridle on one end and held by the instructor on the other—and learn how to mount, stop and steer with their legs. Once they can turn on their own, they move on to independent riding.
At Paradise Ranch in Fort Collins, Ariel Hug teaches beginner through advanced lessons. Like Ski, Hug starts riders on the ground. Both believe that finding the right instructor takes a clear understanding of your goals.
“Be honest with yourself about what you’re hoping to accomplish and find a trainer who understands your needs,” Hug says.
Ski recommends meeting instructors, watching lessons and observing teaching styles before committing. Just as important is evaluating the condition of the horse and barn.
“We strive to keep our barn clean and our horses fat,” Hug says. “Keeping them in tip-top condition, physically and mentally, is what keeps my business running.”
Lisa Ski (center) at a horse show with some of her students.
Try out a trail ride
If you’re looking for a one-off experience, a trail ride outfitter may be the perfect fit. Many ranches offer trail rides that cater to all experience levels, making them ideal for families, groups and solo riders.
Tattered Saddle operates out of The Stables at Gordon Creek in Livermore each summer, offering everything from “scratch-and-rides,” where guests wanting to spend hands-on time with horses can groom them and saddle up before riding, to picnic rides featuring elegant charcuterie lunches from Fort Collins’ Get Plattered.
Guests wanting just a taste of the riding experience can take a standard, one-hour ride suitable for ages 6 and up, while experienced riders can opt for an advanced, loping ride. Private, customizable packages are also available for guests with something special in mind. Co-owner Kyle Wanless says he’s even had guests create their own proposal rides.
The 80-acre property features grassy meadows, creeks and rolling hills guests can ride through, along with cabins, an RV park and a restaurant for guests wanting to extend their stay.
In Cheyenne, Terry Bison Ranch offers one- and two-hour trail rides for ages 8 and up. Both options allow guests to ride through rolling pastures out to bluffs where elk herds are frequently spotted, coyotes lurk nearby and bison graze in the distance.
The property, which once served as a battle site for native tribes, was visited by Theodore Roosevelt during his presidency and still houses original 1800s-era railroad tracks.
“When you ride with us, you’re not just sightseeing,” says general manager Erin Grey. “You’re experiencing the wild heritage of Wyoming.”
Riding is more fun together
Even for experienced riders with their own horses, going out alone can feel intimidating. Riding groups, clubs and events offer ways to build skills while finding support and camaraderie from fellow equestrians.
For those wanting to try horse showing, the Johnstown and Greeley Saddle Clubs are open to all ages and host affordable, low-pressure shows with classes in both English and Western disciplines. Club members can also attend social gatherings to meet other horse enthusiasts and learn more about the art of riding (johnstownsaddleclub.com; greeleysaddleclub.us).
Riders looking for a place to practice and hone their skills on their own horse can head to Double Check Arena in Eaton, which offers open ride hours nearly every day of the week (facebook.com/doublecheckarena).
If you’re looking for other riders to explore new trails with, Facebook is a great place to start. The group Beer in 1 Hand – Reins in the Other lets members organize casual rides and invite others (tinyurl.com/4kwddcha).
Northern Colorado Equestrians on the Trail is a group for horse enthusiasts to share photos, stories, upcoming clinics and events (tinyurl.com/49ttdk88).
Founded in 1973, the Larimer County Horseman’s Association continues to host monthly trail rides along with clinics and other events. The group promotes new trails and helps educate trail users on safe interaction with horses (larimerhorseman.org).
“Trail riding is the most peaceful thing on the planet,” says Bonnie May, trail ride leader for the association. “Meandering through the woods and enjoying the camaraderie of other riders—it’s my yoga.”
Terry Bison Ranch. Photo by Erin Grey.
What does it cost?
Private lessons in Northern Colorado range from $60 to $100 per hour, depending on where you go. Semi-private lessons are usually anywhere from $50 to $85 per hour.
Going Out on Your Own?
Check out one of these top picks:
Red Mountain Open Space
799 Red Canyon Road, Wellington
For a combination of red rock scenery and quiet, crowd-free trails, Hug recommends Red Mountain Open Space. It’s home to over 15 miles of multi-use trails and connects to other open space areas. The parking lot offers designated trailer spots (larimer.gov/naturalresources/parks/red-mountain).
Mount Margaret Trail
20198-20892 Red Feather Lakes Road, Red Feather Lakes
May recommends this trail for its diverse landscape, comparatively low bike and foot traffic and the option to ride to Dowdy Lake. The main trail is just over seven miles out and back with connections to other trails. Five trailer parking spaces are available onsite (fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/recreation/mount-margaret-trailhead).
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
10184 County Road 32C, Loveland
Ski’s favorite place to hit the trail is Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. While the area sees larger crowds due to its proximity to Loveland and Fort Collins, it features ample trailer parking and 20 miles of trails to spread out on. Riders can take in views of the foothills as they go through open meadows and up into the forest, or they can make it an educational outing by checking out the historic cabin and teepee rings on the property (fortcollins.gov/parks-and-natural-areas-directory/natural-areas/bobcat-ridge-natural-area).
PRO TIP
Get started on the right hoof by learning the Ask, Tell, Demand cues utilized by many trainers and riding instructors. A full visual can be found on Ski’s website: noholeshorsemanship.com/educational-materials.
