Ride and experience Texas like a real cowboy

By: Pablo Imberti Posted: 04/02/2022

In this article, we want you to discover Texas, a state with great equestrian tradition, where you can visit the city of Bandera, known as the cowboy capital of the world.

Equestrian Tradition in Texas

Horseback riding traditions in Texas are century-old and horses have played a key role in Texas history since the times of the Spanish conquistadors.

For a long time, horses were Spaniards’ best kept secret because they were a significant military asset to control their colonies.

The Spanish monopoly was broken in the 17th century, when the Indians rebelled against the Spanish rule. They took hundreds of horses with them and other horses ran into the wild. In that way, tribes of indigenous people were able to have their own horses.

Comanche Indians became skilled riders and fierce warriors on horseback, and they controlled a large part of Texas for more than a century.

Then, there was the cowboy era and the large cattle drives from Texas towards the north. They became famous thanks to countless films, books and songs.

Texas has the most cattle in the country and has a rich history of cowboys. Therefore, it’s the right place to go if you want to learn how to work cattle.

you can improve your riding skills and learn to bond with your horse. You can also gain speed, agility and strength. That man-horse pairing is perfect and here in Texas you will be able to achieve it.

If you want to find the perfect horseback trip in Texas, we will offer you some information regarding two options for your horseback riding vacations.

Texas Ranch Life

Located in between Houston and Austin, right in the heart of Texas, on this Ranch you can go riding where the wide open coastal prairies melt into the expansive rolling hills of Austin County.

With 9 houses available for rent, guests can enjoy the property's natural beauty in solitude while experiencing the life of a real Texas ranche.

They offer different activities, such as horse riding, cattle drives and ranch work, fishing, hunting, archery and mountain biking.

Your Hosts: the Elick Family

This working ranch is home to quarter horses, American bison, abundant wildlife and one of the country's largest registered "Longhorn".

Equestrian Activities

Open range horseback riding over the ranches is one of the most popular ranch activities of our guests.

Texas Ranch Life provides horses for all skill levels, from beginners to accomplished riders.

Horses are by nature herd animals, and if one begins to run, they all want to run. This can create dangerous situations for less experienced riders who may be along for the ride. For the safety of everyone riding, we do not allow guests to gallop, trot, or canter out in the pasture.

Guests can arrange private lessons in the arena to further explore their horsemanship skills in a one-on-one environment, where there are no risks.

Ranch Work Demos

Texas Ranch Life is a working Texas longhorne ranch. That is, their cattle are characterized by their spectacular horns.

Daily there are cowboys riding and training the horses, feeding the livestock, treating the animals for injuries and disease and managing the ranch.

Overnight guests have the opportunity to experience Texas history in the making when they stay at the ranch and observe the action.

Groups can also come out for day visits for pre-arranged demos of ranch work and cowboy skills including roping, bronc riding, cattle herding and cattle drives, steer doctoring, cutting, team penning, cattle branding and bronc breaking and training.

TRL Horse breeding and sales

John and Taunia Elick have been breeding American Quarter horses for over 30 years.

Our current stud, Fancy Twisted Rebel, is our best yet. His success in the cutting pen, coupled with his temperament have made him a perfect match for our high bred mares.

Visit their web site if you want to get more information about this family, their horses and programs in Texas, go to http://www.texasranchlife.com/

Hill Country Equestrian Lodge

Located in Bandera County, the Britsch family ranch offers the ultimate horseback riding or nature vacation in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Here, trails wind through 6000 acres of live oaks, yucca, and wildflowers, while deer, wild turkey, rabbits, and other wildlife share the surrounding countryside where you ride.

Strategically nestled among the oaks in the valley, and perched among the junipers along the hillsides to provide ultimate privacy, they offer two types of accommodation: private cabins and fully equipped suites.

Horse care on the ranch

They are very proud of their horses, every individual in their herd has been selected for his or her beauty, athleticism, training and disposition.

On these horses, you can enjoy your rides or take your riding lessons. Mandy, Muchacha and Calcetines are the names of some of them. If you want to see them, go to their website.

And if you want to bring your horse, Hill Country Equestrian Lodge provides the highest quality overnight boarding.

Our cedar barn features 12 x 12 stalls with automatic fly spray system, automatic waterers, and lots of natural light and ventilation, thanks to its raised center aisle design.

The Lodge's covered round training pen and split-rail riding arena are also available for guests' use.

Equestrian Activities

At Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, they take horseback riding seriously. They believe a great part of the pleasure of riding is the magical interaction that occurs between an rider and a horse.

That’s why they take the time to give each rider a brief tutorial before you leave the corral, and they continue to help you with tips all along the way.

Their groups are also kept small- no more than 5 riders per group- so that they can do more creative and challenging things on the trail without sacrificing safety.

You don’t have to have a great deal of riding experience when you arrive, just a willingness to learn and to be attentive throughout the ride.

They have horse riding lessons throughout the year, pso those who wish to further improve their horsemanship skills while they’re here have the chance to do so.

When the horses are not busy serving their guests, they keep them in good form through regular work-outs and tune-up training. This keeps them fresh, responsive, and fit.

Family activities

In addition to its trademark horsemanship program, Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers the following outdoor, interactive family activities. Parents are invited to join in the fun!

• Nature Photo Safaris: for kids of all ages, teaches them how to take a good picture, the importance of composition and light, and how to spot fossils, plants, and animals unique to this area.
• Fossils hunts: for guests of all ages. Instructions are given to help them recognize and identify their findings, which they may take home with them.
• Star-gazing parties: taking advantage of the ranch’s brilliant night sky. Constellations are identified, and details viewed on the moon and certain planets.
• Animal trackers: trackers is a weekly course of exploring for and identifying the tracks of the varied wildlife that inhabit the ranch. They then make molds of their selected tracks, which they may take home as mementos of their nature experience.
• Horse Care Course: is a free course where children learn about the care, nutrition, and proper handling of horses. Participants receive a certificate upon completion.
• Whole Horsemanship Program: includes English and Western style riding lessons with the select group of beautiful, well-trained horses. Guided trail rides, caringly lead by experienced guides at a pace appropriate to the riders’ skill level.

For more information about this interesting Equestrian Tourism offer, go to their web site: http://www.hillcountryequestlodge.com/

/ Photos: www.texasranchlife.com, www.facebook.com/texasranchlife/photos/?ref=page_internal & www.hillcountryequestlodge.com /

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don’t know how to book it?

Download our free eBook "How to plan your next horseback trip" and learn all you need to know when choosing the right holiday and outfitter for your next equestrian adventure.

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