Colorado Horseback Riding

Whether you're an experienced horseback rider or just starting out, you'll be sure to find a place that is accommodating to your level of skill and interest in Colorado. Following is information on a few of them.

Academy Riding Stables in Colorado Springs offers one, two and three hour rides along the scenic trails of the historical Garden of the Gods. The stables are open year-round and provide guided leisure trail rides for riders of every level of experience. They are very customer-oriented and want to be sure you have the best experience possible so a professional cowboy will match you with a horse that best suits your abilities! Children under 8 are welcome to ride and the stable provides pony rides for the younger ones - they even get to choose their own pony.

Academy Riding Stables recommends that you make reservations and you can get to their website at www.academyridingstables.com. They also have a toll free number you can call which is 888-700-0410 or email them at arsriding@adelphia.net.

The North Fork Ranch is located along the serene North Fork of the South Platte River. Very close to Shawnee, it is about an hour's drive from Denver and one and one-half hours from the Denver International Airport. It is a 520 acre ranch that sits at an elevation of 8100 feet and is connected to the Pike National Forest, Lost Creek Wilderness and Mt. Evans Wilderness.

They offer all inclusive vacation packages with a wide variety of activities including horseback riding, trail rides, hiking and other activities such as fishing and rafting. Additionally, the activities extend well into the evening with hayrides, campfire sing-a-longs and square dancing. They even have several children's activities that include pony rides, a petting zoo and a kid's rodeo. Visit their website at www.northforkranch.com for additional information. You can also contact them by calling their toll free number at 800-843-7895 or email at info@northforkranch.com.

If a romantic getaway is what you're after, the Inn at Cascade might be of interest to you. They offer a wonderful 3 day excursion that begins with lodging in a southwestern suite of your choice, a romantic 'snack' and a nearby wine tasting. On the second day, you'll have the choice of two different 'adventures' - one being the 'Paddle-n-Saddle'. This combines a half day of white water rafting with a riverside lunch with a two-hour horseback ride though the beautiful mountains of the Arkansas River Valley. After a gourmet breakfast on the third morning, relax as the Cog Railway takes you on a scenic journey through Pikes Peak. To end your perfect weekend, you will receive a two-hour massage upon returning to the Inn. The Inn's web address is www.inatcascade.com.