Horseback Riding in Texas

Hill Country Instructional Program

Overview

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, and tranquility.

One can participate in the horseback riding lessons in Texas or simply do the trail rides offered. 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.

Guests stay in beautifully designed, spacious cabins distant enough from one another for privacy.

Most meals are in the headquarters building which was the main house of the old ranch.

  • Overview:
    The horses are a variety of breeds. They are selected for disposition and responsiveness in the ring and surefootedness on the trail. The tack is either English or Western. Instruction in the round pen and arena will be in the discipline you request.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Quarterhorse, Thoroughbreds
  • Trip Pace:
    slow to moderate
  • Tack:
    English and Western
  • Weight limit:
    200 lbs
  • Hours of Instruction:
    2 hours instruction 2 hours trail riding
  • Instruction and Training:
    The clinic usually runs from Monday to Thursday. 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.
  • Types of Instruction:
    Centered Riding Instruction, Clinics and Lessons, Horsemanship Skillbuilding

This ride is an ideal destination for non-riding spouses. 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.

At the ranch if you have a car, or the San Antonio Airport through a local taxi service - an out of pocket expense.

Itinerary Summary

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.

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

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.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and changes may occur at the hosts' discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Jan 7, 2024
Jan 12, 2024
Jan 21, 2024
Jan 26, 2024
Feb 4, 2024
Feb 9, 2024
Apr 7, 2024
Apr 12, 2024
Apr 21, 2024
Apr 26, 2024
May 12, 2024
May 17, 2024
Jul 14, 2024
Jul 19, 2024
Jul 28, 2024
Aug 2, 2024
Sep 15, 2024
Sep 20, 2024
Oct 13, 2024
Oct 18, 2024
Oct 27, 2024
Nov 1, 2024
Nov 17, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
Dec 8, 2024
Dec 13, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,980
  • Non-rider Rate
  • $1,550
  • Single Supplement
  • No charge for a single cabin
  • Transportation
  • Guests are welcome to rent their own vehicles at the San Antonio Airport or be in contact with a local taxi company for the trip to the ranch, cost is about $180 one way for the drive out to the ranch.
Additional Pricing Information:
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.


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Do you have questions about this ride itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right ride for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the ride consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

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1.800.545.0019

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Contact Biggi Hayes

The hosts were great! As an instructor, the owner is fabulous, one of the best teachers of best principles I've encountered. I went with my 11 year old niece and we were both engaged and really learning and having fun the whole time. The horses were lovingly cared for. When I mentioned the trainer's name to friends 60 miles away, they said she is one of the most well-respected instructors in the region. I'm glad of that because her approach is wise and experienced and she herself is a highly skilled rider.

Marsha Elleston, 2011