Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Our goal at the CM Ranch is to enable all of our guests to have an enjoyable stay, including safe and pleasant memories on horseback. It is not necessary to know how to ride before coming to the ranch. It takes but a short time to learn the basics, and excellent instruction is provided to further your horsemanship skills each visit to the ranch. If you’re a first-timer, or it’s been a while, a session in the arena is necessary to set you up for a confident week on horseback. Each person is furnished with a horse matched to his or her ability, and a comfortable western saddle. The CM has an exceptionally fine string of horses, suitable for the beginner or the expert rider. They are well adapted to mountain terrain. We are passionate about respectful and harmonious horsemanship, and the wranglers are dedicated to the safety of each guest. We accomplish this through educating ourselves, and you.

Riding is available twice a day Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Join us on Wednesday for the breakfast ride, and Thursday for the all-day ride. You will enjoy riding in the company of experienced wranglers who are devoted to the safety of our guests and horses, and are happy to share their knowledge of the history and geography of the area. The head wrangler does a very good job of grouping riders together based on ability. If riders of different abilities want to ride together, the ride will progress at the level of the lowest riding ability. We adapt the pace of rides appropriately to the terrain while keeping the safety of our horses and riders our first priority. Weather plays a role in when, where, and at what pace we can ride. Qualified riders may trot and lope with their wrangler in appropriate areas. Please be advised, if you are looking for loping/cantering rides that go on for hours, the CM Ranch is most likely not a good fit for you.  During your stay you may want to participate in the weekly gymkhana, or join other guests for an early morning breakfast ride.

A variety of day rides with picnic lunches is part of the weekly program. You can climb to different high elevations, enjoy dramatic views and fields of alpine flowers, and have a chance to see several species of big game animals. Whiskey Mountain, adjacent to the ranch, is home to the largest herd of Big Horn sheep on the North American continent. You might take a fishing expedition on horseback up the valley, or cross the Wind River, and spend a fascinating day exploring the colorful sandstone mesas and canyons of the Badlands.

Please be advised that a certain degree of physical fitness is required to safely ride a horse. Riders need to have enough core strength to maintain a centered and balanced position while riding. Please understand that some rides are challenging, and riders must trust our expertise in determining suitable and safe rides for our guests. It is also important to keep in mind that age can limit our riding abilities as we get older. Much consideration is required to manage expectations, and acknowledge limitations. For the safety of our guests and our horses, there is a weight limit of 250 pounds. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.