Horseback Riding in Montana
Popular Pick
Experience horseback riding during your Ranch vacation
The Ranch at Rock Creek’s herd of over 70 beautiful horses await you. Part of the experience of our Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star luxury guest ranch is having everything for exceptional horseback riding at your fingertips.
Horseback riding has customizable options, like arena lessons, an obstacle course for younger guests, and dummy roping lessons done on foot. With wranglers ready to guide you through this essential ranch vacation experience, you can improve your skills as you see Western Montana between the ears.
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Half-day rides are considered one activity, while full-day rides will fulfill both activities for the day
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Over 70 horses – horses selected based on rider ability
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Safety is our top priority
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Must be 8 years old to trail ride; arena lessons are available for ages 4-7 in lieu of a trail ride. Children under the age of 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 at all times.
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Long pants are required for any horseback riding activities
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Diverse trail system and open land
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Half or full-day experiences; full-day experiences reserved for advanced riders and based on availability
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Must be 4-years-old for arena lessons; 1 hour arena riding lessons
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Tack and gear provided, although we recommend bringing boots if possible and all hats must have a stampede string if worn
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Private and community rides available, with a 1:5 wrangler to guest ratio
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Obstacle course designed for riders age 4-8
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Maximum weight limit is 240 lbs.
Horseback Riding Experiences
An Authentic Horsemanship Experience
With 6,600 acres to explore and miles of trails, there are always new adventures for all riding levels. Flat creekside trails are best for beginners while treks to peaks and rolling pine trails are enjoyed by intermediate to advanced riders. After you get fitted with boots, our wranglers ensure you are comfortable on a horse that matches your experience level. Each rider receives a comprehensive orientation on Western riding, safety and herd dynamics to prepare them for the trail, prior to departing for their horseback ride. Our small group size ensures we are not a nose-to-tail property. There are opportunities for trotting and loping on all trails, contingent on rider ability and comfort level. Longer half and full-day rides are offered for intermediate and advanced riders when scheduled in advance.
Horseback Riding Lessons
Enhance your riding acumen with one-hour arena riding lessons. Arena lessons are suited to children and adults at all riding levels. Riders of all disciplines can benefit from a personalized learning experience at The Ranch. Lessons are a great opportunity for beginner riders to gain confidence or for intermediate riders to discover new techniques. Arena games are created at the discretion of the wrangler to best suit the ability and comfort of the riders. Advanced riders can request a barrel racing lesson. Please note, all children under the age of 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 at all times.
Dummy Roping Lessons
Roping lessons are available to guests of all ages often following a trail ride. Guests will first learn the basics of building a loop and practice roping on foot using a dummy-steer. Roping is also available during special events and lawn games, as well as during the Ranch Rodeo. If you would like to include roping lessons after your ride, ask your wrangler so that they can reserve some time at the end of your activity.
Obstacle Course
Our obstacle course was made with younger guests, aged four to eight, in mind. Children can work on their skills through a fun thought-provoking obstacle course along Rock Creek. Riders will improve their abilities and confidence by making their way through steps, bridges, mazes and other obstacles under the instruction of our experienced wranglers. Please note, all children under the age of 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 at all times.
Wisdom from the Wild
From Our Activities Concierge
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The best souvenir is a great story.
Twice-daily activities are included in your stay. Our all-inclusive rate structure ensures that visits to The Ranch are memorable for their adventures and amenities, not their logistical challenges.
Horseback Riding
Frequently Asked Questions
We have over 70 horses. Our herd is primarily comprised of stock horses and draft crosses.
Children under the age of eight can take part in our arena lessons, obstacle course and adopt-a-horse activities. Guests aged 8-12 are permitted on trail rides with a parent accompanying them on their activity. Children participating in Stockmanship, Human & Horse Connection and community horseback rides must be over the age of 12-years-old. Please note, all children under the age of 12-years-old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 at all times.
Our maximum weight limit is 240 lbs., which is standard for guest ranches to ensure the longevity of the horse herd.
To allow each family an opportunity to ride as well as for the preservation of our land and horse herd, we are unable to guarantee multiple horseback rides during your stay.
We are not a traditional dude ranch, but rather an all-inclusive ranch featuring an activities program designed to give guests experiences and instruction for a plethora of Montana activities and hobbies. Our landscape is uniquely suited to fly fishing, hiking, sapphire mining, archery, shooting sports, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, disc golf, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross country and downhill skiing and much more. Horseback riding is only one small facet of the breadth of adventure available.
Community rides are now available on our activities schedule with groups of 5-10 riders and a 1 to 5 wrangler to guest ratio. This small group activity allows our guests to foster friendships in a fun and comfortable environment.
The length of the rides will be 1 to 1.5 hours and are ideal for beginning and intermediate riders over the age of 12. These rides begin at a specific time and after a 15-minute grace period, any guests that do not show up will not be able to go on the ride.
Please speak with your Ranch Ambassador about your preference for a community or private ride.
No, we do not allow guests to bring their own horse for health and safety reasons. Not all horses are familiar with our Western landscape and we do have wildlife on property. New horses do not acclimate appropriately during their time here. We also believe that a horseback riding vacation is an opportunity to experience new and different equine personalities.
No. We encourage all riders to experience Western riding traditions while in Montana.
The Ranch at Rock Creek is not a traditional dude ranch where your only activity is riding. We have 36 year-round Montana hobbies and activities included in our all-inclusive activities program. Today, as a guest ranch, we help preserve the legendary West by maintaining a horse herd, cattle herd, hay pastures and sustainable farming and recreation practices, in addition to our all-inclusive guest services. Our wranglers are exceptional horse men and women, who enrich our programs with their passion for ranch life. Even our Flint’s Forest Rangers Kids Club helps our youngest travelers learn of the traditions and horsemanship involved in running a ranch.
While most dude ranches operate solely in the summer, we are open year-round, offering outdoor Montana adventures like snowmobiling, ice fishing, shooting and archery, to name just a few. Our Western traditions extend beyond our horse barn to include a summer Saturday barn dance, Friday cowboy breakfast, poker tournaments, our Silver Dollar Saloon, five ranges for shooting, archery and ranch-to-table cuisine sourced from local farms and ranches.
There are few places in the world where you can wake up in Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star accommodations, dine on gourmet, locally sourced meals, learn to shoot a bow and barrel race and then relax for a Saddle Sore Soak at The Spa at Rock Creek. This contrast creates an unparalleled experience for our guests.
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