Yoga and Riding Weekend Clinic

October 16th - 19th, 2008

Join us for an enjoyable and enlightening weekend, designed for all levels of riders and yogis!

Click here for details of the Yoga and Riding Clinic

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 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM.  We saddle 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.

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. 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 wont 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.

back to top

Riding Program Extras

Riding Instruction

Previous trail riding experience is not necessary to ride the trails at Highland Ranch. However, all guests may request an initial brief helpful riding lesson free of charge. Additional lessons may be available as time permits. In addition, private and small group lessons for adults and children with Crystal Switzer, the Director of our Horsemanship Program, will allow you to focus on your riding skills, improve your overall riding ability and increase your comfort level on the trails.

Private Lesson (1/2 to 1 hour) are $85 (May be split between 2 people at $45 each)

Small Group Lesson (2 to 5 riders) are $45/person

Private Trail Rides and Beach Rides

All speciality rides are guided and offered when schedule permits. These rides are reserved for riders who have demonstrated an ability to control their mounts in a variety of circumstances. No guarantee of availability should be assumed prior to a riding assessment by the Director of the Horsemanship Program.

All Day Beach Ride includes lunch (2 riders max.) $275 for 1 rider, $350 for 2 riders

Four Hour Private Trail Ride with six riders maximum including a packed picnic lunch is $125 for 1 person and $75 for each additional person.

Possible private rides include rides to the swimming hole for bathing and a picnic on the Navarro River or all-day rides into the Mendocino Coastal Range "backcountry" for a more adventurous experience with outrageous scenery.

All private rides are designed to accommodate individual needs and riding abilities. Those guests interested in getting more information about riding instruction and private rides may contact Crystal Switzer directly at (707) 489-9210.

back to top