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Horseback Riding Adventures
Sprucedale Riding Program: Horseback riding at Sprucedale goes far beyond a scenic trail ride. We’re passionate about helping guests become more confident, capable riders through an active program that meets you where you are. You’ll progress at a pace that fits your experience, comfort, and goals. With 75+ years in the guest ranch industry, we’ve refined a time-tested approach that builds a strong foundation and helps you keep moving forward in your horsemanship. Whether you’re brand new, returning to the saddle, or simply feeling a little nervous, our wranglers guide you through rides and arena exercises that build confidence, develop skill, and help you feel truly at home in the saddle. Safety is always first—and the fun is a very close second!
Full Ranch Experience: Open to All Riding Abilities
Sprucedale’s riding program is designed to welcome riders of all experience levels, from first-time riders to seasoned horsemen and horsewomen. Much effort is given to match rider to horse, taking into account riding ability, height, weight, and comfort level. This individualized approach creates consistency and trust between horse and rider, which is essential to meaningful horsemanship.
All rides are guided by experienced wranglers who prioritize the safety and well-being of both guests and horses. Their role goes beyond leading the ride, offering guidance, instruction, and insight that help riders gain confidence and understanding along the way. Most days include two riding opportunities, a morning ride and an afternoon ride, allowing guests to build skills progressively throughout their stay. Please note that rides and equestrian activities build upon each other as the week progresses. There are some rides later in the week that will require wrangler approval to participate.
During peak season, morning rides are offered for Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced, and Adult riders. Riders must demonstrate riding ability to go on the designated ride and must be 18+ to go on the Adult Ride, which is a mixed-ability ride. Children age six and older may participate in Beginner Ride, while younger children may enjoy short, led pony rides around the corral when available. Riding opportunities may vary by season, weather, and guest group to ensure the best experience possible.
View descriptions of our different riding levels.
Types of Rides You May Experience During Your Dude Ranch Vacations
FULL RANCH EXPERIENCE (JUNE-AUGUST)
AM Ride Options
- Beginner Ride (Beginner – Advanced Beginner Abilities)
This ride is ideal for younger riders and those new to horseback riding. It provides an introduction to horsemanship allowing riders to build comfort and confidence. At Sprucedale we have what we call “Ride Challenges.” These “Ride Challenges” allow individualized attention, training, and encouragement while you are developing your horsemanship skills. The benefit of the training on this ride can not be overstated! - Intermediate Ride (Intermediate – Advanced)
This ride builds off of the foundational training of the Beginner Ride. It also introduces more ability appropriate “Ride Challenges” and riding games designed to improve skill, balance, control, and communication with the horse. It is popular with experienced riders and also serves as a progression for beginners who are ready to grow their skills. - Adult Ride (All Adults Welcome –Completing Monday Beginner Ride Recommended) *Must be 18 or older*
This ride is a combination of the Beginner & Intermediate ride but reserved for Adults only. Adults have the opportunity for “Ride Challenges” built just for you. Additional support is available upon request. Sprucedale riding is built for adventure, but we have options to support chill riding requests. The Adult Ride is truly an awesome experience!
PM Ride Options
- Advancing Ride
The Advancing Ride is designed for riders who want to build on existing skills and take the next step in their horsemanship. Riders work on refining control, improving communication, perfecting posting ability, starting loping skills, and addressing individual needs. This ride is an excellent confidence builder and often serves as a bridge to more advanced riding opportunities. - Advanced Ride
All riders must be approved to go on this ride by corresponding Trail Boss. For your safety and enjoyment, riding skills on Sprucedale horses must be demonstrated prior to participating in this ride. The Advanced ride requires the desire and ability for adventurous trails and faster-paced riding. These rides may include loping and require strong balance, awareness, and confidence in the saddle. - Pony Rides – AM & PM as Requested and Available (Ages five and under)
Young children may enjoy short, led pony rides around the corral when available. These rides are complimentary and offer a fun, gentle introduction to horses. Parent or adult must walk beside child while on pony. Children ages six and older may participate in trail rides.
Full Ranch Experience Special Rides
- Thursday All Day River Ride
The All-Day River Ride is a guest favorite and a highlight of the week. Riders travel along a scenic trail to the Black River, where the group enjoys a picnic lunch and time to swim(weather permitting) or relax at a private mountain swimming hole. The ride offers a full day of riding, connection, and time immersed in the landscape. - Friday Culminating Events:
- Sprucedale Rodeo
As the week unfolds and riders continue to build confidence through daily rides, everything leads toward the signature Friday riding events, the Sprucedale Rodeo and the Loping Ride. These experiences bring together the skills, teamwork, and horsemanship developed throughout the week in a way that is energetic, celebratory, and rooted in ranch tradition. The day begins with the Sprucedale Rodeo, where guests test their skills in a series of friendly, timed events. Riders cheer one another on as they put their progress to the test, creating an atmosphere that is supportive, spirited, and fun. Winners are announced and recognized later that evening during the Rodeo Party, a relaxed celebration that brings everyone together to share stories and enjoy the close of an unforgettable week. - Loping Ride
For riders seeking a more energetic experience, the Loping Ride offers the opportunity to apply newly developed skills at a faster pace. Riders must first participate in an Advancing or Advanced Ride before joining this experience.
- Sprucedale Rodeo
All of the riding experiences listed above are part of the Sprucedale Horseback Riding Program, include inherent risk, and are offered exclusively to registered Sprucedale guests.
*All rides are subject to change based on weather, guest safety, and availability.
Sprucedale Ranch Riding Level Descriptions
Beginner
Beginner riders have no or little experience with horses in general. They may have been on a “trail ride” at a rental stable once or twice, but they do not know general horse handling or the basic commands to make the horse move forward, turn, trot, stop, or back unassisted.
Advanced Beginner
Advanced beginner riders have a little more experience with horses. They may have grown up around horses, taken some lessons, or used to ride as a child. They know how to ask the horse to move forward, turn, stop, and back. They may also be able to trot or canter/lope on an appropriate horse.
Intermediate
Intermediate riders have some basic experience with horses. They may have taken some lessons, or perhaps owned a horse as a child, recently, or currently. An intermediate rider may or may not be able to rise(or post) to the trot, but they can trot without bouncing and can stay comfortable with a canter. They should know how to ask and obtain a slow controlled walk, trot/jog, and canter/lope. They can change direction and circle their horse.
Advanced Intermediate
Advanced intermediate riders have taken lessons or trained under a mentor for an extended period, ride in a specific discipline (or have experience in several disciplines), and may compete. They have ridden several different types of horses. Their seat is secure, and they do not apply unintentional aids to the horse when they lose balance or become unseated. They know how to rise or post to the trot and can canter/lope confidently.
SPRUCEDALE RIDING RULES
- THE TRAIL BOSS AND WRANGLERS MUST BE RESPECTED AND LISTENED TO AT ALL TIMES TO HELP YOU LEARN, HAVE FUN, AND STAY SAFE. THE TRAIL BOSS HAS FINAL AUTHORITY ON WHO CAN RIDE, WHAT RIDE IS APPROPRIATE FOR RIDERS, & WHO CAN CONTINUE TO RIDE.
- You MUST have closed-toe shoes to be in the corral, around horses/cows, and/or while riding.
- You MUST wait for a wrangler before entering any corral or approaching any horse/cow.
- You MUST wait for a wrangler before mounting and dismounting.
- You MUST ALWAYS hold onto your reins while on horseback.
- You MUST keep at least one horse length between your horse and the horse in front or beside you.
- You MUST secure hats and other loose items while riding.
- DO NOT add or remove any article of clothing while on horseback without a wrangler’s assistance or permission.
- DO NOT attempt to stop and dismount the horse on your own. If you drop something while riding, or need to dismount the horse for any reason, you MUST ask a wrangler for assistance.
- DO NOT run your horse without permission & DO NOT run up on another rider or past another rider without permission and communication to other guests.
- You MUST stay caught up and with the ride; DO NOT hold back and DO NOT pass the wrangler leading the ride.
- DO NOT give unsolicited advice or criticism to other riders. Training and correction are to be given only by wranglers, or when specifically requested. Please ask wranglers for help and training.
- DO NOT allow the horse to eat or drink while on the ride.
- Please communicate any health issue indicators (lightheaded, dizziness, nausea) to a wrangler as soon as possible.
- Please communicate any rider or horse safety issues as soon as you see them to Trail Boss/Wrangler.
Horseback Riding FAQ's
How old must a child be to ride?
Children must be 6 years of age to ride on the trails. Young children may enjoy short, led pony rides around the corral when available. These rides are complimentary and offer a fun, gentle introduction to horses. Parent or adult must walk beside child while on pony. Children ages six and older may participate in trail rides.
Do I get the same horse all week?
Yes – unless you request a change or a change is needed.
Can I Ride With My Child?
No. Unfortunately, our insurance does not allow riding double.
Will we move cows during my stay?
Depends on what time of year your reservation is scheduled.
Will I get to lope??
We do have a loping advanced ride, but you will need to be cleared for that ride. This is also subject to change.
What other activities does the ranch have to offer?
We offer cow milking, colt leading, fishing, cornhole, basketball, volleyball, hayrides, western line dancing, bonfires, and a variety of indoor and outdoor games. Activities may be subject to change depending on availability or weather conditions.
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Just your casual Tuesday at 8,500 ft
Nothing like a real working dude ranch where you ride, eat, and live like a cowboy. 🤠 if you’ve been dreaming about trading your desk for the saddle, this is your sign. would you do it?