100 Horses. Let’s Ride.
Horseback Riding at Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado
The Vista Verde riding program offers fun-filled, informative clinics, in combination with adventurous trail rides that accommodate all riding levels.
We own the entire remuda of about 100 horses, and we match each guest’s personality with the perfect “horse-onality” to get you off on the right hoof, ‘er foot. Our riding program is about much more than beautiful trail rides; even those who have ridden all their lives have been known to learn or experience something new while at VVR.
These are Special Horses.
Summer & Fall Horse Program
It all starts with the quality of our horses and the care we give to their well-being. It takes a special horse to do this kind of work, as we need our ranch horses to have a variety of skill sets, while also being easy-going enough to have a different rider every week.
We chose horses for our herd who match up both physically and mentally to this kind of work, and their care is at the heart of our horsemanship program. Through our in-depth instruction and multiple horsemanship clinic opportunities, we teach you how to ride our horses the way we have trained them. This allows you to help them by reinforcing their training so they continue to be willing and happy partners, which then results in you having a better riding experience and your horse enjoying having you as their rider – everyone wins!
The Vista Verde riding program has helped our guests exceed their expectations in regards to how much they can learn in a week. By demonstrating how our wranglers train our young horses, to helping you learn how to better communicate with your own horse during one of our many clinics, you might find that you never want to leave the arena because you’re having too much fun!
Over the years, our wranglers have developed a variety of clinics to explore the different aspects of horsemanship, and we continue to adapt these clinics to cater to all riding levels. From basic horsemanship clinics, to more focused cattle work clinics, as well as some that are designed to bring it all together through fun games, you can expand your horsemanship knowledge dramatically through the week and develop a powerful connection with your horse.
Trail Riding in Colorado
Although there are plenty of opportunities to develop your horsemanship skills while at the ranch, there are also ample opportunities to hit the trail and enjoy the natural beauty of the Elk River Valley from the back of your horse.
During the summer, we start the week out with a riding orientation to get everyone on the same page and to help you understand how we handle our horses. Even experienced riders will learn something since every horse is different, and every training style is different. During the orientation, we will introduce you to your horse and let you get to know him or her on the ground first. After some basic training drills, we then climb up and head out on a short trail ride to ensure that you two are a good match.
Choose Your Own Adventure!
Most days include the option of heading out on the trail both morning and afternoon. Sometimes we have opportunities to pack a lunch and head out for an all-day ride, with a lunch break in a beautiful setting. The rides vary based on the ability of the riders, the weather and terrain, and the condition of the horses. We pair riders together who are looking for similar riding experiences to ensure everyone gets the type of ride they desire. Family rides are encouraged, and rides will be tailored towards the lowest level rider in the family.
New Draft Horse Driving Clinic!
Experience a deeper side of the Western way of life with Vista Verde Ranch’s Draft Horse Driving Clinic—a rare, hands-on opportunity for guests who want to expand their horsemanship journey beyond the saddle. It’s more than just a scenic wagon ride; this immersive clinic invites you into the authentic daily skills of a working ranch, where learning and connection take center stage.
In this educational experience, you’ll meet our beloved draft horse teams and gain real instruction in the art of driving. Guests will learn how to harness and tack a draft horse properly, understand the communication and trust required between the horse and the driver, and discover what it means to work as a team in true ranch tradition. With guidance from our expert wranglers, you’ll build confidence step-by-step—culminating in the unforgettable moment of driving the wagon yourself.
Our Draft Horse Driving Clinic is offered during the summer, fall, and winter seasons and is a meaningful extension of Vista Verde’s renowned horsemanship program. Whether you’re a lifelong horse lover, an eager beginner, or a family looking for an authentic luxury dude ranch activity, this clinic offers a unique chance to learn, grow, and experience the West in a way few guest ranches can provide.
Fall Cattle Round-up
Late in the summer, we head out onto over 16,000 acres of forested land to round up the cattle before the snow flies. The first part of the week is spent in the arena, honing each rider’s cattle working skills. Once everyone is ready to go, we head out into the National Forest to search out, round up, and drive in the cattle. This week is for those interested in an intensive, independent riding experience and a lot of time in the saddle.
Kids, Tweens & Teens
Just like the adults, the Buckaroos ride the same horse all week, developing a loving, trusting relationship. Our kids’ wranglers get the youngsters started in the arena, but soon move out on the trail with kids’ rides available daily. Alternatively, families have the option to ride together, and we always enjoy seeing families spending time together on the trail. In addition to riding, kids have the opportunity to learn how to groom and care for their horses under the careful supervision of their wranglers.
The tweens and teens have exclusive rides for their age groups and, like the little buckaroos, are always welcome to join their parents for rides. Not only do we offer adventurous and exciting trails for these young adults, but the program is designed to help them bond with each other and cultivate new friendships.
All the kid programs provide age-appropriate instruction for those who truly want to expand their riding skills while at Vista Verde.
Safety
All of us at the ranch consider safety to be one of the most important responsibilities to our guests, staff, and animals. As a general rule, horses can safely carry loads of up to 20% of their body weight, including rider, saddle, and tack. With that in mind, we do pay attention to the rider’s weight and adhere to a 250-pound weight limit for horseback riding at Vista Verde. Having said that, our wranglers consider several factors in determining whether or not an individual is too heavy or too big to ride, including: rider’s physical fitness, riding experience and ability, size of the horse, type of terrain, speed of ride, and other factors. We will exercise discretion when addressing these issues and reserve the right to prohibit riding, or restrict riding to level terrain or walk-only rides. Please do not hesitate to contact us to privately discuss specific circumstances.
Additionally, in order to ride, you must be able to mount and dismount independently. We do provide mounting blocks to help our guests and the horses for a more graceful and pleasant mounting experience!
Our Horses are Family.
Our Horses
As you can probably tell, we really care about our horses. They are part of our staff and family! We try to give them a wonderful life when they are at the ranch, and when the time comes that dude ranch life is too much for them, or if we have one that isn’t a fit for the kind of work we do here, then we do our best to find a good home for them.
With that in mind, we have a wonderful partnership with Drifters Hearts of Hope Horse Rescue in Franktown, Colorado. Drifters Hearts of Hope (DHOH) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to rescuing horses and working with special needs children. Horses that are ready to retire from dude ranch life and that we believe are healthy enough for a second home are taken to DHOH, where they are evaluated and adopted out to their new home.
Drifters Hearts of Hope created the Annie Project in 2017, with the intention of partnering with all of the Colorado dude ranches in order to provide ranches a safe option for retiring their horses. Because of dude ranch horses’s extensive training and experience DHOH is able to adopt horses out quickly. In return, the rescue receives a donation toward their cause for each horse, making it a win for both the ranches and DHOH. We are proud to be partners in this endeavor.
Get in the Saddle.
Winter Horse Program
Another element of our winter program is the horses. Whether you are coming with the focus of diving into our top-notch riding program, or just want to ride a bit to take a break from skiing, we’ll get you in the saddle, having fun and learning!
Each day we offer a mix of trail ride options and instructional clinics in our heated indoor arena. And what winter vacation in Colorado would be complete without a sleigh ride? Above all, it is simply amazing to watch the herd interact out in the winter pasture, observing the behaviors of herd dynamics and learning about the care that goes into maintaining a herd of 100 horses.
