Whether you’re a beginner rider or a seasoned equestrian, coming out to the ranch is a great way to progress your skills in the saddle no matter your baseline. During a typical stay, we offer trail rides and clinics that help riders progress during their one-week stay with us but, as all of us horse lovers know, it might leave you pining for just a little bit more. That’s why we are so excited to revive our 4-night horsemanship clinics for a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to care for, train, and progress a ranch horse. This clinic will take place during a four-night fall stay from October 31-November 4 (with the potential to add more dates) led by Director of Horse Operations, Kaulana Papalimu (KP). KP, inspired by trainers like Buck Brannaman, has developed a style of training based on forming a partnership between horse and human through progressive training and communication. Great for new horse owners, potential horse owners, or guest ranch fans looking to dive a little deeper into horsemanship and really hone their skills.
Our horsemanship program has always been a cornerstone of the guest experience. The four-night all-inclusive horsemanship clinics are $3,350/person and limited to 15 adult guests—which includes luxury accommodations, all meals plus house beer and wine, transportation to and from Steamboat Springs, plus all horse clinics (including an assigned horse from our herd for the duration of the stay).
Participants of the horsemanship clinics can expect to learn the basics of starting a horse, nuances of groundwork and lunging, team driving, roping and the different loops used, moving different parts of the horse while in the saddle, as well as things to look for while vetting and shoeing a horse. While there will be plenty of knowledge shared in clinic-type settings, guests can come expecting to be completely hands-on with their assigned horse for the week.
Join us at the ranch to discover the joy of horsemanship in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit vistaverde.com or contact our front desk at [email protected]; 970-879-3858.