3- Day Montana's Hidden Gems Ride

Children 7 and older can begin to ride on trails. If you are considering long, strenuous rides however, please contact us in advace to discuss your interests and family’s riding ability. We want to make sure the ride is a good fit for your group and a positive experience for young riders. We do not allow double riders or children in backpack carriers.

Regardless of your riding experience level, participants in our pack trips must be 102 kg or less. Imposing a weight limit is not a matter of prejudice, it is a means by which to ensure rider safety and the welfare of our horses. There is a scale at the corral in order to enforce this policy, refunds will not be issued to guests that exceed the maximum weight. You must be able to mount the horse from the ground and therefore must be physically capable of mounting a horse without the aid of a mounting block.

It is a common misconception that horseback riding is easier than walking. Horseback riding uses a tremendous number of muscles, many of which you may not be accustomed to using on a regular basis, so in some ways it can actually be more strenuous than walking. While you may not feel the “cardio” and shortness of breath as in walking or hiking, your core muscles and leg muscles will need to maintain a tone throughout the ride to keep yourself balanced. Soreness in the knees, seat, and back are not uncommon on longer rides. Fortunately soreness dissipates quickly after dismounting.

For summer trips there are a variety of options close to our location in the Swan Valley, like a VRBO with 2 geodesic domes plus a log cabin on 10 beautiful and peaceful wooded acres. There are hotels in Bigfork and Kalispell, lodges and camping in Swan Lake. Just ask for all the details!