Horseback Riding at the Paintrock
Horseback riding is central to a stay at the Paintrock. Rides are designed to show guests the full breadth of the ranch—its canyons, open country, creek bottoms, and high ground—while matching each rider with a horse, pace, and experience that feels appropriate and enjoyable.
Whether you’re new to riding or have years in the saddle, our wranglers curate a riding experience custom-tailored to each group.
Our Style of Riding
Horseback riding at the Paintrock is organized around small groups, careful matching of horse and rider based on experience and comfort level, and exploring different corners of the ranch over the course of a stay.
Rides typically take place in the late morning and early afternoon, with lunch packed and enjoyed out on the ranch. Guests are shuttled to and from the barn, and each ride is led by an experienced wrangler who sets the pace and route for the day.
Riding Locations Across the Ranch
During a stay, rides typically explore several distinct areas of the ranch, accessible directly from the corrals with no trailering needed. Each location offers its own landscape, terrain, and perspective on the land.
Riding for Different Experience Levels
Guests come to the Paintrock with a wide range of riding backgrounds. Our wranglers shape each ride to suit the group riding that day, allowing everyone to have a safe and rewarding experience.
Meet a Few Members of our Herd
The Paintrock herd is made up of ranch horses selected for soundness, temperament, and the ability to travel long distances comfortably. Horses are matched to guests based on riding experience, confidence, and goals for the stay.
Guests ride the same horse throughout the week, allowing time to build familiarity and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a required riding level?
In general, our ranch vacations and workshops welcome all levels of riders, from beginner to advanced.
The exceptions:
- Guests joining for Advanced Riders Week will need to be at an advanced level and comfortable at all gaits as well as riding out in open spaces as well as in groups.
- Our working ranch horsemanship clinic with Cam Schryver builds on horsemanship skills for those who would like to learn stockmanship and basic roping skills. While no experience with livestock is required, riders should be of an intermediate skill level and very comfortable on the back of a horse.
How many hours will I spend in the saddle?
Typical rides out on the ranch are approximately 5 hours long, departing basecamp at 9 a.m., having lunch in the field with your horse, and returning to camp at around 2 p.m.
If that's not enough for you, our rides during the Advanced Riders Week will be longer!
How are horses assigned?
You are matched with a horse based on information about your riding experience, confidence, and size collected during a pre-arrival call with our team. Guests ride the same horse throughout their stay, allowing time to build familiarity and trust.
Will we trot or canter?
That depends on the riding experience of the group, terrain, and conditions. Wranglers set the pace for each ride to ensure safety and enjoyment. Guests who are comfortable and experienced may have opportunities for faster gaits when appropriate.
I'm a beginner. Will I be expected to go fast?
No. Riding pace is always matched to what is safe and appropriate for each rider. Beginners are never pushed beyond their comfort or ability.
I'm experienced. Will I be bored?
Experienced riders are grouped accordingly whenever possible during Ranch Vacation weeks. When conditions allow, rides may include longer trots and canters and cover more ground.
Guests looking for a strongly riding-focused experience may want to consider our Advanced Riders Weeks.
Can I bring my horse?
Ranch vacation guests may bring and board their horses at the ranch for $25/night. We provide an outdoor stall with dirt floor and access to water. We require proof of Coggins/health certificate. Guests supply their own feed and must be accompanied by a staff member on all rides.
Do wranglers offer instructions or tips?
Yes. Wranglers are happy to offer horsemanship guidance and riding tips during rides. However, riding instruction is informal and situational rather than structured lessons. For those looking for maximum instruction, we recommend Cam Schryver's Fundamentals or Working Ranch Horsemanship clinic.
Is there a weight limit for horseback riding?
We cannot accommodate riders heavier than 230 lbs.
Is horseback riding the main focus of every stay?
Not always. Some stays include more riding than others, and some workshops include limited or no riding. Guests for whom riding is the primary goal are encouraged to choose a Ranch Vacation, Harvest Week, Cam Schryver Clinic, or Advanced Riders Week.
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