Highland Ranch Trail Riding

With over 100 miles of trails through giant old-growth redwoods, along the Navarro River, and back up to ridge tops overlooking the beautiful Anderson Valley our guests rarely ride the same trail twice. Guided trail rides go out twice a day and we accommodate all levels of riding. Safety is our number one priority. After all, riding should be fun!

Highland Ranch is known for its variety of activities available for adults and children.  We know that many guests come to Highland Ranch to take advantage of our excellent trail riding program, and we maintain a well-trained and cared for herd of geldings to ride on trails.

Typically there are two horseback rides a day leaving at around 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM, lasting about 1.5-2 hours.  We saddle ten to twelve guest horses per ride in two or three groups of six or less. Guests can expect at least one trail ride a day and often two.  The wrangler visits with guests at breakfast and at lunch to ascertain interest and riding level and we will always do our best to be sure that everyone has a satisfying and safe riding experience.

For groups booking the whole ranch, sometimes longer rides with a packed lunch (and more advanced rides to the swimming hole in the river) can be arranged when the schedule permits, usually only during summer months. Also, for more experienced riders, ask us about picking up the pace a little and we will do our best to gather a group of experienced riders and schedule a more advanced ride. 

There are a couple of things to remember and some gear you may want to bring with you to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:

• Please be straightforward about your riding level and experience. We have a variety of horses available and we want to make sure that you are matched with the right mount
• We recommend boots or walking shoes with closed toes and heels (sneakers, sandals, open-toe or other flat-soled shoes are not recommended). Long pants of a thick fabric such as Jeans, or something similar, work well
• We have riding helmets available and children seventeen and under are required to wear them. We strongly recommend that all riders wear a helmet. If you bring your own hat, a chin strap is also strongly recommended
• Children under eight years are invited to special rides led by a wrangler. Children eight and above who demonstrate an ability to follow directions, control their mounts and remain stable in the saddle may join their parents on some trail rides that will be modified for the safety of all riders
• Our ability to serve riders who weigh over 225 pounds is limited. Horses have practical weight limitations and exceeding these at higher speeds can cause stress and sometimes permanent injury to a horse. If your weight is over 225 pounds you will be invited on enjoyable and very scenic trail rides during which we will remain at a walk.

A Few Words about Experience Levels

We want you to come to Highland Ranch to enjoy yourself and ride to the best of your ability. Unless asked, we won't administer a riding test, although your initial ride at Highland Ranch is an assessment and is generally shorter than subsequent rides. We want to ensure that you are well-matched to your horse and that your ability to control your horse and remain stable and balanced is demonstrated.

Remember that riders of any experience level who haven't ridden in some time may take a while to become reacquainted with previously learned skills. Our team of wranglers is here to help and to ensure that all riders on a trail ride are riding within their capabilities and that everyone feels comfortable and safe. Guests wishing to learn more about riding may inquire about a lesson of individualized riding instruction during their stay.

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