We have exciting and diverse horseback riding opportunities for you, whether you want to take the horse by the reins and enjoy the beauty, serenity, and wildlife of the Backcountry or if you want your children to learn riding skills and how to groom, feed, saddle, and bridle a horse.

Backcountry Wilderness Area Trail Rides

Hop on your faithful steed from Bear Creek Stables and take a horseback ride through the Wildcat Mountain Area of The Backcountry Wilderness Area. You'll have a chance to see the elk, deer, coyotes, raptors, and other plentiful wildlife of the Backcountry, all while experiencing nature the way the 'ol cowboys did. "Getting away from it all" doesn't have to mean a 2-hour drive into the mountains. You can "get away" right here in your own backyard!!

No prerequisites. Minimum age: 8

Rides are Tuesdays-Sunday, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Tuesday - Saturday: 1 hour rides $35

Saturday evening and Sunday: 1.5 hour rides $50

 Call 303-791-2500 for basic information and to sign up or sign up on-line.

Group rides get a 10% discount, non-profit groups get a 15% discount.

For group sign-up call or email Mark Giebel at 303-471-8885 or mgiebel@hrcaonline.org.

Waiver (pdf)

Lessons

The HRCA and Stockton's Plum Creek Stables, and have partnered to offer diverse riding lessons: 

Kiddie Corral I - Beginning (ages 5-7)
Learn about horse behavior, grooming, feeding, and enjoy riding. Focus on safety while building confidence. 
 
Kiddie Corral II - For graduates of Kiddie Corral I (ages 5-7)
Builds on skills learned in Kiddie Corral. With a partner groom, saddle, bridle, and learn to ride with reins. A fun obstacle "race" at the end of class. 
 
Beginning Horsemanship (ages 8-14)
Introduction to Horsemanship for beginners. Emphasizes communication, grooming, and handling skills. Daily demonstrations and hands-on practice. Bareback riding, saddling, and the introduction of rein use. 
 
Saturday Weekly Riding Lessons (ages 10-Adult)
This is a group for first timers through intermediate riding ability.  Improve on horsemanship skills from grooming to the high speed canter.

For information about riding lessons call 303-471-8818, email hgoetz@hrcaonline.org, or see the Activity Guide.