Horseback Riding at Smith Fork Ranch Colorado Dude Ranch

Special Horseback Rides

Horseback riding, like any sport, is physical, and involves a great deal of coordination and timing to effectively learn to “speak horse.” Among our wranglers, we have several highly-trained lesson instructors, with backgrounds ranging from roping, dressage, hunter-jumper, eventing, and western pleasure. Together with their expert instruction, you will quickly find yourself riding more comfortably and securely than you ever have before.

Additionally, the ranch offers a permanent Trail Obstacle Course located outside the arena. With obstacles ranging from beginner to advanced, use this time outside the arena to fully prepare for the challenges of the trail. You’ll find yourself amazed at your new skills and confidence by the end of the week!

•Lessons are offered Tuesday through Thursday during the week.•Lessons progress at your individual learning pace, and are best utilized one-on-one. Lessons are limited to two riders per instructor, provided they are working on the same goals.•All wranglers are certified and trained in the Secure Seat Method. While many teaching methods simply teach you to balance on top of the horse, the Secure Seat Method develops your ability to move in tandem with the horse, thereby keeping our four-legged friends more comfortable under saddle. •By riding correctly, your horse will move more freely and relaxed, making a more comfortable ride for you!•Challenge yourself on the Trail Obstacle Course! Once you’ve conquered the sitting trot, test you and your horse’s trust by crossing bridges, opening gates, handling and carrying objects on horseback, and safely moving across obstacles. These tests will help you become truly secure before moving on to difficult mountain terrain!

Here at SFR we emphasize natural horsemanship and the importance of developing mutual trust and respect between horse and rider. There is no better way to develop these bonds than to practice them in our 250 foot arena! By team penning cattle, barrel racing, playing a rousing game of "steer soccer" or by receiving private western instruction from our wranglers, we are sure to bring out the horseman in everyone!

Our herd consists of 45 horses, mules, and ponies. We have Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, and many crosses-- we've found it's not the breed that matters, but the attitude that makes the difference. Year after year our horses make us proud by safely scaling the mountain trails and wading through water crossings with our guests. We take a lot of pride in our horses, our wranglers, and our incredible safety program!