Horseback Riding Holidays in Texas

Ampascachi only offers horseback riding tours in Argentina.

Argentina is a country with an equestrian tradition.

Exploring it on horseback is an experience you will never forget.

Download the Ebook: Discover Argentina on Horseback

Texas, the largest state in the United States, is a perfect place to enjoy an equestrian adventure. Immerse yourself in the cowboy world for a few days and don’t miss the chance to feel like a real cowboy.

Texas: The Lone Star State

Located in the south-central region of the United States, Texas is the second largest state in the country, only surpassed by Alaska.

It borders the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico to the south, Louisiana and Arkansas to the east, Oklahoma to the north, and New Mexico to the west.

Its capital, Austin, is world-renowned for its vibrant live music scene. Thanks to its location in the Hill Country, it is also known as the “Outdoor Sports Capital of Texas.”

Other important cities in Texas are Dallas and Houston.

Houston

Throughout its history, Texas has been annexed by different countries, including Spain, France, and Mexico. In 1839, it became independent from Mexico and its flag, which at that time had two stars, changed to one, hence the nickname “The Lone Star State”.

The Geography of Texas

Texas’ geography is very diverse due to the size of the region.

The natural environments are rich: subtropical forests, prairies, arid and semi-arid areas stretch over hundreds of kilometers.

The terrain is organized in longitudinal levels, with the highest elevations in the west, where the highest point in Texas is located, Guadalupe Peak (2,667 m).

However, plains, hills, and plateaus are the dominant landforms.

In the Coastal Plain, most rivers flow southeast.

Between the coastal plains and the great plains is the “Texas Hill Country”, an area known for its high and rugged limestone or granite hills. It is the most fertile region of the state, characterized by rolling hills and large tracts of land used for farming.

Texas has numerous parks, including the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the mountains of Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend National Park

Horseback Riding in Texas

Texas is synonymous with ranches, rodeo, and oil.

It is the largest cattle state in the country and has always been linked to the cowboy world. The opportunities and variety of horseback riding holidays in Texas are limitless.

Thanks to its size and geological features, Texas contains diverse landscapes that closely resemble the south and southwest of the United States.

Although most people associate Texas with arid land, deserts cover only about 10% of the state, with most of its major population centers located in areas that were once covered by prairies and forests.

As you ride across Texas from one end to the other, you’ll notice the changing terrain, from coastal pine forests and swamps in the east to mountains in the west, with rolling plains and rugged hills in the center.

Choose Texas for your horseback riding holidays and be amazed!

And while you’re here, take the time to mingle with the locals, famous for their hospitality, generosity, and fiercely independent spirit.

Suggestions for Your Horseback Riding Holidays in Texas

In this state, with a great equestrian tradition, there are many equestrian tourism providers offering the chance to discover Texan lands on horseback.

Here are three of them.

Texas Ranch Life

Located just an hour west of Houston, in the hills of Austin County, they offer various activities, the most popular being open field horseback riding across more than 730 hectares.

For your accommodation, you can choose from 8 historic Texas houses, restored and luxuriously decorated, dating back to the 1850s, with original paint, German stenciling, antique furniture, oriental rugs, and Texan pieces.

In spring, the wildflower meadows covered with bluebonnet blankets seem to stretch endlessly.

The beautiful views, lively springs, limestone outcrops, and tall prairies make horseback rides on the ranch a favorite for all who visit this natural paradise.

At this ranch, you can relax while enjoying the wildflowers and breathing some of the freshest, purest air in the country.

Cowboy

Texas Ranch Life is a cattle ranch. It is home to horses, American bison, abundant wildlife, and one of the largest registered herds in the country, the “Longhorn” cattle breed.

Every day you’ll see cowboys riding and training horses, feeding cattle, and treating animals for injuries and illnesses.

If you wish, you can participate in some of these cattle activities.

Riding at the ranch

If you’ve come to enjoy a different kind of horseback holiday, your hosts won’t disappoint. There are special and personalized programs for groups.

Texas Ranch Life offers very well-trained, docile, and safe horses for you to ride and enjoy the experience. Horses are available for all riding levels, from beginners to expert riders.

For everyone’s safety, you cannot gallop in the meadow.

Horses are herd animals by nature, and if one starts running, they all want to run. This can create dangerous situations for less experienced riders who may be in the way.

If you’re interested, you can take private lessons in the arena to improve your riding skills, in a safe environment and one-on-one with your instructor.

For more information, visit: www.texasranchlife.com.

Hill Country Equestrian Lodge

Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers horseback rides or nature holidays in the heart of Texas Hill Country, with exquisite views in a peaceful and private setting.

They are located on the more than 100-year-old property of the original Britsch family ranch, in Bandera County. Upon arrival, your hosts will say “Welcome to paradise!”, proud of their place in the world, their horses, and their landscapes.

The trails wind through 2,400 hectares of oaks, yuccas, and wildflowers, while deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, and other wildlife share the surrounding countryside.

They offer traditional Texan accommodation in every detail, but luxurious and comfortable. With a personalized approach to every service and an interactive educational riding program that sets them apart from other ranches.

For guests who wish to bring their own horses, Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers beautiful, safe, and clean boarding facilities, with access to over 64 km (40 miles) of trails.

Their equestrian programs

Experience the magic of a true relationship between horse and rider with a personalized and educational approach to riding.

The ranch offers small personalized tours, private lesson programs for beginners, and multi-day horseback routes.

In their Riding Clinics they offer riding lessons year-round. These are 5- or 7-day courses. Students learn methods ranging from Join-Up to Centered Riding. Their goal is clear: to achieve the best relationship between horse and rider.

Another highly recommended activity is the Summer Riding Camp for Girls, led by Dianne Lindig, Texas’ riding instructor of the year.

These are one-, two-, or three-week camps, for all skill levels, Western or English. Limited to 12 riders, with a maximum of 3 per instructor. Each rider has an assigned horse, not shared. Or, if they prefer, they can bring their own horse.

For more information, visit: www.hillcountryequestlodge.com.

Rocking L Guest Ranch

Rocking L Guest Ranch is located about 80 km east of Dallas. They have 30 hectares (75 acres) where you’ll feel like a cowboy in an authentic “Western Town” setting.

Owners Brad and Alicia Larsen offer not only horseback riding routes but also the possibility to organize other family or corporate events.

They organize horseback rides along the trails, including a small picnic where you can enjoy, depending on the time, the sunrise or sunset.

They make their own saddles, the Western Saddle handmade with high-quality leather.

It’s a saddle that includes a goatskin pad, breastplate, headstall, and reins. These saddles are handmade with the best leather in Brazil and are available for purchase.

For the little ones, they organize Riding Camps during the summer months.

This program is specifically designed for riders aged 8 to 15 who want to increase their knowledge of horses. They receive daily practical and theoretical riding instruction with trained horses to facilitate learning for beginners.

Young riders benefit mentally, physically, and socially.

During the camp, in addition to improving their riding level, they do other activities such as canoeing, fishing, or basketball.

For more information, visit: www.rockinglranch.com.

The experience of a horseback riding holiday in Texas will allow you to ride through prairies, grasslands, forests, and the coast, crossing coastal swamps and pine forests, over rolling plains and rugged hills, or through the desert and the impressive mountains of Big Bend.

Are you also passionate about exploring the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a great equestrian tradition. Exploring it on horseback is a unique and highly recommended experience. In our ebook "Discover Argentina, Land of Gauchos, on Horseback" you’ll find our suggestions to enjoy Argentina on horseback.