Horseback Riding
While Three Bars Guest Ranch offers a variety of activities, our horseback riding program is in a class of its own. It was developed and is directly overseen by the Beckley family. No where else in the world will you find this combination of such great horses, beautiful riding terrain, and world-class horsemen with generations of experience preceding them.
Horse Selection
Three Bars Guest Ranch is home to over 120 head of horses. Our horse-to-guest ratio is over 2-to-1, allowing us to suit horses to each rider’s individual ability and experience level. Our horses range from the most experienced kids’ horses all the way through to horses suitable for experienced riders. So, whether you’re an old hand or someone who needs a helping hand, you can be sure to enjoy your time in the saddle. Your horse will be just that – YOUR horse for the week. He will be ready and waiting for you every morning of your stay, along with the saddle that suits you best.
The Rides
Rides are available every morning and every afternoon. All of our rides are small, 4-6 guests max, giving us the ability to tailor every ride to your specific interest. While it is always an option at Three Bars Guest Ranch, riding is never mandatory. Some guests never miss a ride while others only ride once or twice. Horseback rides are organized by the head wrangler during mealtimes. Ride options include family rides, adult rides, kids rides, walking rides, and fast rides. The first rides leave the corrals right after breakfast and return for lunch. Afternoon rides leave the corrals between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Fast rides are available to experienced riders after one full day of riding at Three Bars Guest Ranch. Once weekly, an all-day ride is offered. We also take an early breakfast ride once a week, where you can enjoy your hot breakfast out on the trail.
The Trails
Three Bars Guest Ranch is set in the Crown of the Continent and truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With over 75,000 acres to roam, there is virtually no end of possibilities for you to explore. The ranch is nestled up against the mountains with the St. Mary’s River running on the edge of the property to the North, and Perry Creek and the Perry Creek Valley run to the West where the ranch cattle run on open range for the summer. Whether you prefer a high mountain lookout or a cool afternoon ride by the river, you are sure to lose yourself in this remarkable landscape.
No Previous Riding Experience – No problem
If this is your first riding vacation, you will feel right at home. We offer horseback riding lessons to our guests and can accommodate all levels of experience from old hands to greenhorns. Our certified wranglers will work to make you comfortable and safe. Our #1 priority is always our guests safety.
Riding Requirements
Horseback riding is a very physical activity, one which requires balance, stamina and strength. Anyone who is physically fit can learn to ride. Kids must be at least 6 years old to ride at the ranch. It is mandatory that every rider wear riding boots, for safety. If you do not have riding boots, the ranch has cowboy boots for rent in the ranch store. These are perfect for children with growing feet. We highly recommend wearing a helmet when riding. We also provide helmets for anyone that would like one. Helmets are required for anyone 18 years of age and younger. Riders must not exceed a maximum of 260 lbs.
Riders wishing to go on loping rides must be physically fit enough to mount from the ground unassisted. Children under the age of 10 are not permitted on loping rides. Please contact the ranch for any specific riding question
Safety and Comfort
Your safety is our number one concern. Our Dude Ranchers Association certified wranglers are dedicated to making your vacation and riding experience as enjoyable as possible. We hand select horses for each riding guest. Careful care is given to every horse selection to make sure your riding experience is positive.
Beginner riders can move at their own pace – there is no need to be a pro to fit in. One third of our guests have never ridden a horse before, so our wranglers are well accustomed to new riders. The wranglers strive every day to improve your riding skills. “The best way for us to make you a safer rider, is for us to make you a better rider.” -April Beckley
For those interested, the ranch also offers a full lesson program. We also offer an al-a-cart private riding lesson program for those who want individual instruction.
The Horses
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
Three Bars Guest Ranch is home to over 120 head of horses that live on the ranch year round. Three Bars Guest Ranch owns all its horses and does not lease outside horses for the protection of the herd and of the riders. The herd consists of approximately 80 guest horses as well as 20 performance horses, brood mares and new foals each spring.
The Dude String
The horse-to-guest ratio at Three Bars Guest Ranch is over 2-to-1, allowing our wranglers to find you the perfect horse. During your stay at the ranch, your horse will be just that – YOUR horse. Once the wranglers have found your perfect horse, you will keep the same horse and tack for the duration of your stay. Horses range from kids’ horses to horses that are suitable for more experienced riders. Whether you are a beginner, or an accomplished rider, your perfect horse is waiting for you at Three Bars Guest Ranch.
“I own a lot of horses. But the most valuable horses I own are the kids horses. It takes a special horse for me to put a young person on. And I am fortunate to have some of these great horses.”
– Jeff Beckley
Performance Horses
Three Bars Guest Ranch is also home to Beckley Reining Horses. Jesse Beckley, professional trainer, rides and trains performance horses at the ranch on a daily basis. Beckley Reining is home to some of the finest Quarter Horse bloodlines in the world. Several of the performance horses are born and raised right here on the ranch. You can find more information on Beckley Reining horses at www.beckleyreining.com
Lessons
Three Bars Guest Ranch offers a variety of riding lessons for all riding abilities. While the wranglers strive to make you a better rider during every ride, you also have the option of taking a lesson in one of the ranch’s many riding arenas. The controlled environment of an arena and the supervision of an instructor, provide a great opportunity for riders to hone their skills.
Group Lessons
Group lessons for 4 or more are available at no extra charge.
Private Lessons
Private and semi-private lessons are also available, but at an additional charge.
“Whoever said a horse was dumb, was dumb.”
Will Rogers
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