The Colorado Horseback Riding Experience

There are many beautiful horseback riding ranches and resorts in Colorado. Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting out, you'll be sure to find one that is accommodating to your level of skill and interest. Following are a couple of places you might want to check out.
The North Fork Ranch was established in 1985 and 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. They are 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.

North Fork Ranch offers a wide variety of activities including all inclusive vacation packages. There is something for everyone with 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 also offer several children's activities that include pony rides, a petting zoo and a kid's rodeo!

You choose from several different horseback rides led by one of their experienced wranglers through the stunning mountains and valleys of North Fork. Riding options including a Lunch on the Trail Ride, a Champagne Brunch Ride and an Overnight Pack Trip. They even start with an orientation and instruction for their inexperienced guests who haven't done much horseback riding.

The ranch prides itself on providing a safe and fun atmosphere and welcomes families with children of all ages including infants. They also offer lower seasonal weekly package rates during May 27 - June 24, 2006 and August 19 - September 2, 2006. 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.

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 even have professional cowboys that 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 and you can email them at arsriding@adelphia.net.