Horseback Riding Vacations in Idaho

Idaho: “The Gem of the Mountains”

Idaho is a state located in the Northwestern United States. Has a rugged and beautiful geography stretching from British Columbia to Nevada and Wyoming.

The Rockies cover a significant portion of the far-eastern border, where as Hells Canyon, the country’s deepest river gorge, is located along the borders with Oregon and Washington.

This state stands out because of its unexplored, vast territories of wild nature and great mineral richness. Of its total extension, 7 % was declared natural area, where cougars and bears live.

The largest western white pine forest in North America can be found in Idaho.

Known as “The Gem of the Mountains”, Idaho produces 72 types of gemstones, including rare star garnet, amethyst, ruby, and diamond. The state is also known for mining silver, zinc, lead and travertine, a type of marble.

The old mining town of Silver City looks almost exactly the way it did more than a hundred years ago.

Idaho can be divided into three geographical regions:

• The Rocky Mountains: they rise across the north and centre of the state. It includes Borah Peak, the state’s highest point and the "panhandle" in the narrow, northernmost part of the state. This region also has deep river-cut canyons and glacial trenches.
• The Columbia Plateau: it spreads across the southern part of the state.
• The Basin and Range Province: it lies in southeast Idaho, with green valleys and plateaus.

The capital city, Boise, lies at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The Boise River flows through it and it’s a popular rafting and fishing destination.

Explore Idaho on horseback

Your horse riding holidays in western Idaho will be an unforgettable experience and, at the same time, as diverse as the history and culture of this particular state.

Idaho is a charming place for horseback riding vacations and staying on a ranch is the best way to see it. All of them are ready and willing to show you every single incredible corner encountered at every step of the way, wherever you ride.

Go riding through open grasslands and forest trails. Head for the mountains or follow a riverbed, spending a week as a real cowboy.

The Rocky Mountains lie across Idaho. In this region, there are some important Indian reservations made up mainly by Kootenai, Shoshone and Delaware tribes.

The history of the ranches in Idaho dates back to the times of the American Indian tribes and their relationship with the first cowboys who came here.

Idaho ranches where you will feel like a cowboy

We have selected for you these ranches in Idaho, where you can enjoy some exhilarating rides and experience authentic cattle work on a dude ranch.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch

Located in Harrison, near Coeur d'Alene, this ranch has 239 Hectares (590 acres) of private property and valid state permits to move around 1,200 km² (300,000 acres) in the nearby area.

It provides full-service, all-inclusive holidays available from May to October.

Their riding options

They offer a wide range of guided adventures and programs. They cater for all tastes and levels of riding, with well-appointed accommodations and first rate western hospitality.

You can find the right program for you – full programs for beginners and a number of training courses for advanced riders.

You will be assigned a horse and a saddle according to your preferences for your entire stay.

The ranch even has a specific children’s program filled with outdoor activities including rides. It’s available for ages 3 and up.

For more information enter the web: redhorsemountainranch.com.

Diamond D Ranch

Located in Stanley, Idaho, this premier all-inclusive guest ranch.

Diamond D Ranch sits in the Frank Church Wilderness, on the largest wild area of the 48 American states, with approximately 9,700 km² and surrounded by the Salmon River Mountains.

It offers several activities interesting such as horseback rides, fly fishing, hiking, gold panning, swimming and evening activities.

Their horseback rides

There is an abundance of landscapes and wildlife to be explored on horseback, and many creeks and mountains where you can go for a hike or a horse ride.

They organize a several riding activities such as day horseback rides. Two guided trail rides are offered most days, with lunch in the middle of the trail.

There are also all-day guided tours in some incredible places such as Mystery Lake, Owens Hotsprings and Summitt Ridge.

Their standard travel packages go from 3 to 5 days, but if you book in advance, they can adapt their activities to your needs.

For more information enter the web: www.diamonddranchinc.com.

McGarry Ranches

The McGarry Ranch is actually two ranches, located in southeastern Idaho, in the upper Snake River Valley. Included in the property used for cattle operations are 223 km² of land.

Theron McGarry, the owner, is a lifelong cowboy and fourth generation rancher. Together with his wife started the guest ranch which continues on with their family today. They only allow 10 guests per week, so they can get to know each guest individually.

Their horses are the renowned Quarter Horses.

Every day you can visit on horseback the area where cattle are, in this vast valley located in south eastern Idaho, along the Snake River. Our cowboys will help you to learn to rope, work cattle and ride safely.

You will learn that the bond between men and horses is beyond what you have always imagined, and that working together can strengthen that bond and bring us closer to horses’ essence.

A day at the McGarry Ranch

Breakfast is served at 7 am at the ranch house and during that time, Theron and Derk Morton prepare the plan for the day. Then, you all go to the corrals to catch and saddle the horses.

Once up in the mountains, you’ll work the full herd as it was done 150 years ago.

You and this group of American ranchers will make sure that mothers are feeding and taking good care of their calves. You’ll work under the supervision of their vet and help him with sick or injured animals.

At noon you will have lunch in the mountains. Days end at about 5:30 pm. Then, you can rest after a comforting homemade dinner. When you wake up, there will be another day full of intense activity ahead.

For more information enter the web: www.mcgarryranches.com.

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

This ranch is located in northern Idaho’s scenic Panhandle, about 25 kilometres northeast of Sandpoint, a beautiful city that lies on the shores of the spectacular Lake Pend Oreille.

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is a fifth generation cattle ranch operating on the same ground since 1940. This historic family owned and operated welcomes riders all year round.

Horseback riding is their main offer and if you are looking for accommodation in private cabins in the forest, they have four to choose from. They are perfect if you want to relax and unplug after a day of rides, surprises, enjoyment and learning.

The property has 445 hectares (1,100 acres) and there are hundreds of hectares (thousands of acres) of adjacent land for riding. You’ll never ride in the same trail twice.

Their horseback routes include excellent horses (athletic and well-trained), comfortable customized saddles and many other activities developed for your safety and enjoyment.

Their riding options

• Full-day or half-day rides.
• Galloping rides across immense meadows.
• Evening rides ending in an dinner surrounded by beautiful landscapes, enjoying the starry sky.
• Private riding lessons for all riding levels or group lessons.
• Family rides with suitable staff such as guides, who can take good care of your children.
• Rides for experienced riders.
• Children-only group rides.
• There are 5-day (or longer) routes including camping in a different place every night.

You have to come and let this friendly family help you; tell them what you came here for and how much you know about horses and riding. They will find the riding program that best suits your possibilities and aspirations.

For more information enter the web: westernpleasureranch.com.

In Idaho, an endless amount of landscapes and wildlife are at your disposal, waiting for you to discover them on horseback. Besides the cattle ranches where you can live as a true Wild West cowboy, making your horseback riding vacations in Idaho a very exciting adventure.

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

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