Why We Offer Trail Rides | Experience, Safety and Learning on the Trail

Why I Offer Trail Riding Instruction

Trail riding is offered as a way to work with riders in situations that directly benefit their horses.

These trail experiences are not leisure activities or tourism-based rides. They serve as a practical learning environment where real decisions, personal responsibility, and the long-term effects of riding choices become visible and meaningful. Riding in real terrain reveals things that cannot be taught in an arena.

And yes — we enjoy riding. But the purpose is learning, awareness, and developing riders who take responsibility for themselves and their horses on the trail

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with several hundred horses and their riders on alpine trails in Europe — always with people riding their own horses. What became clear over time was that the horses themselves were rarely the source of difficulty. When challenges arose, they almost always stemmed from the rider’s decisions, preparation, or confidence.

That insight changed everything.

I stopped focusing on training horses — and began focusing on educating riders.

Colorado Trail Riding – Instruction in Real Terrain

In Colorado, we blend practical training with real-world trail experience.
Whether you join for a short instructional ride or a multi-day trail experience, the goal remains the same: safe, calm, confident trail riding based on rider responsibility and sound decision-making.

All trail activities are conducted as instructional, skill-based riding rather than guided tours. Riders actively participate in evaluating terrain, choosing lines, managing pace, and making decisions with their own horse.

Getting Started — Trail Ride Crew Support

When you register with the Trail Ride Crew, you take part in instructional trail riding sessions on varied Colorado terrain.

You can expect:

supervised, small-group riding focused on applying trail skills
feedback and mentoring from experienced riders when questions arise
an environment that encourages independent judgment rather than passive following

Riding remains rider-led, with support available as needed.

Horses & Equipment

Participation is intended for riders bringing their own horses and taking responsibility for their horse’s suitability, behavior, and condition.

In limited cases, experienced horses may be available for instructional use. These horses are handled under the same instructional responsibility model: riders remain responsible for their decisions and riding choices. Some horses are suitable for riders up to approximately 200 lbs; others are appropriate for lighter riders.

Ultralight Trail Philosophy

We ride ultralight — no pack horses.
All equipment is carried on the riding horses and kept to an absolute minimum, encouraging thoughtful packing, balance, and efficient trail travel as part of the learning process.

Rider Requirements & Responsibility

To participate, riders should:

saddle their horse independently
be comfortable at walk, trot, and canter
be able to mount from the ground (rock, tree, etc.)
understand basic trail safety

Trail sections may include walking depending on the terrain.
Riders participate with their own horses and remain responsible for their horse, their riding decisions, and their choice of line, pace, and whether to proceed through any section.

Participation is at the rider’s own risk. A signed waiver is required.

got to Booking Page