Horseback Riding in Texas
HILL COUNTRY RIDING |
Tucked away among the oak and juniper of the lovely, rolling Hill Country of Texas is a riding center where riders can take instruction or go for trail rides in the adjacent state park. The pleasant atmosphere of the ranch is in keeping with its tranquil setting as is the owner's quiet and gentle approach to horses and students alike. This is an ideal destination for those who seek a good winter climate in the US, excellent training in riding basics and tranquility.
CLINICS - The clinics are dedicated to the idea of enriching the experience between horse and rider by teaching the principles of good horsemanship from the ground through the saddle. Techniques ranging from Monty Roberts' Join-up to Sally Swift's Centered Riding are explored in depth to help students learn how the various aspects of good horsemanship work together to create the ultimate horse and rider experience. Improved skills, increased confidence and a renewed love of your sport are rewarding results of this clinic. We feel the clinic will significantly increase your enjoyment in taking other Equitours trips anywhere in the world. Topics of study include:
Psychology and ground work to give the basis for effective communication.
Improving the skill of the rider by developing a non-interfering, balanced seat through relaxation and proper biomechanics.
Effective cueing.
Helping the horse to develop and perform at its best by developing athletic movement in the horse through balance, flexion, collection and relaxation.
Putting it all together by applying the above principals to specific disciplines and situations.
Instruction can be given in either Western or English style and riders of similar skills are taught together with no more than two riders for one instructor. The clinic mounts are individually selected for their excellent dispositions, responsiveness, beauty and athleticism.
The clinic usually runs from Monday to Friday. The exact schedule is kept flexible to meet individual needs, but includes 2 hours of instruction in the morning and 2 hours of trail riding in the afternoon.
TRAIL RIDING VACATION – The riding center is located at the former headquarters of a century old cattle ranch in the heart of the Texas Hill Country which is justly famous for its unique natural beauty and excellent climate. Trails wind through 6,000 acres of rolling hills covered with live oak, juniper, yucca, mesquite, wild persimmon and many other trees and bushes. Deer, turkey, jack-rabbits and a great variety of birds populate the area. The pacing of the rides is moderate with trots and collected canters from time to time. Experienced riders will appreciate the ranch's well bred and well trained Quarter Horses and beginners can benefit from the brief instruction given before and during the ride so that they too learn to feel and connect with their horses. Groups are small with no more than five riders led by an attentive guide. You will traverse a wide variety of Hill Country terrain and take new trails each day. The package includes 2 hours of trail riding per day. Private lessons are available at extra cost.
LODGING AND MEALS – Guests stay in old style Texas cabins which have been recently built from native cedar and limestone and are in mint condition. They provide a luxurious and private sanctuary far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The cabins are strategically nestled among the oaks or perched among the junipers on the hillsides well spaced from one another. Each one welcomes you with oak floors, a spacious fireplace, central air and heat, kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom and wide porches from which to view the surrounding countryside. Meals are taken with your hosts in the main lodge where the atmosphere is informal, relaxed and friendly. Those who wish can make breakfast in their own cabin kitchens.
OTHER ACTIVITIES – The trails adjacent to the ranch are possible for hiking or biking as well as riding. Golf, fishing, tubing and kayaking are available nearby. The historic town of Bandera (formerly a staging point for the Lonesome Dove style great western cattle drives) provides shopping, dining, dancing and western style night life. Guests can enjoy the ranch Jacuzzi or have spa services (at extra cost).
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| Itinerary |
Trail Riding and/or Instruction:
One can participate in the clinics or simply do the trail rides. The clinics are limited to 4 participants and can be beneficial to riders of most skill levels. The principles taught are applicable to any riding discipline. Emphasis is on enhanced connection between horse and rider and on centered riding skills.The horses are superbly trained and highly responsive. A number of different trails can be taken at a walk, trot and collected canter. Your hostess, who is a native of the area, is thoroughly familiar with the varied and abundant flora and fauna to be seen on the trails as well as the country's history. Guests stay in beautifully designed, spacious cabins distant enough from one another for privacy. Meals are in the headquarters building which was the main house of the old ranch. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | At the ranch if you have a car, or the San Antonio Airport |
| Length of Ride | 7 days, 6 nights and 5 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate Novice Beginner |
| Riding Per Day | 2 hours instruction 2 hours trail riding hours |
| Tack | English and Western |
| Horses | Quarterhorse, Arabians |
| Weight Limit | 225 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | All year, preferably arrival on Sunday |
| 2008 Price | Clinic Price: $2,295
Trail Riding Vacation Price: $1,765
Children 4-12 yrs: 15% discount
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| Transfers | From the San Antonio Airport: $190 round-trip for up to 4 people. |
| Additional Information | Clinic Riding Per Day: 2 hours instruction, 2 hours trail riding
Trail Riding Vacation Riding Per Day: 2 hours trail riding
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