Horseback Riding Vacations in New Mexico

Why visit New Mexico on horseback?

Horse riding holidays in New Mexico are not only incredible opportunities to get acquainted with ranch life and western riding, but also to learn about an important part of the history of the United States.

There is so much to see in New Mexico, from the wonderful Carlsbad Caverns to the Black Range Mountains and the brilliant gypsum dunefields of White Sands National Monument.

From a cultural point of view, New Mexico is equally diverse, with large populations of Native Americans, Mexicans, Hispanics and European Americans. Guests of New Mexico vacation dude ranches have a unique opportunity to explore this land and gain insight into its culture.

During your New Mexico horse riding holidays, you can choose from a wide selection of activities:

• Explore the outlaw trails of Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid on horseback.
• Head into the canyons that once sheltered the great Apache warrior Geronimo in the 19th century.
• Stand in forests of Ponderosa pines.
• Delve into the wilderness of the Black Range Mountains.

Become a ranch hand and take part in rugged cattle drives in search of new pastures, or ride along kilometres of fence looking for breaks in need of repair.

Immerse yourself in and western riding and ranch life and discover the Old West as you calmly ride through its magical trails.

Some equestrian tourism outfitters in New Mexico

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration.

Burnt Well Guest Ranch

Burnt Well Guest Ranch is situated in warm and sunny southeastern New Mexico.

Their cattle are Angus cross with the bulls being pure Angus with some Brangus Plus bulls. Besides, they have a small sheep herd which are Ramboulett cross. They eat and serve their own natural beef and lamb.

You’ll feel like in John Wayne country.

There are no set schedules. Flexibility is the key here and guests are the focus of attention of all the members of this enthusiastic hosting team.

With their ranch horses, mainly Quarter horses, and with the guidance and supervision of their experienced wranglers, you can get immersed in the day-to-day operations of an authentic working ranch in this part of the United States.

Equestrian Activities

They have a wide range of horses to accommodate all riding levels. There are full-day rides in open grasslands or through intricate mountain trails, and they even offer a 6 day package.

And if this is your first time riding, their well-trained instructors will teach you all the basics so, within a few days, you can start enjoying this pleasing activity.

For more information enter the web: burntwellguestranch.com.

Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch

This is a small family guest ranch in New Mexico. It is located in the mountains in the beautiful Gila National Forest of 13,500 km² (3.3 million acres) in southwestern New Mexico.

They have just 4 rooms and their maximum capacity is 12-16 guests. Is open from March through mid-November and it has a magical and private atmosphere, where the service is personal.

The horses at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch are their passion and sustenance, and that is what most riders who had the chance to stay in this ranch highlight - they especially like the way their horses are loved and treated.

Their horses are simply amazing – well-trained and responsive – perfect for those wanting to see it all in long riding days.

At the ranch there are no lines or schedules. You can ride as much as you want or not at all, the choice is yours.

You will ride horseback through incredibly deep canyons, crystal clear streams, open meadows, tall ponderosa forests and up on high hills where the views go on forever.

Other activities that guests enjoy are seeing 1,000 year old archaeological sites right near the ranch, campfires at night, fantastic stargazing, unguided hiking, roping lessons, photography and swimming in the creek.

For more information enter the web: geronimoranch.com.

Creek Ranch

It is located in Pecos Valley, south of Santa Rosa, in a small village called Puerto de Luna. They are livestock breeders (mainly Angus mix and Simmentals) on a 3,300 hectare (8,200 acre) ranch.

You will be their special guest and participate in the everyday activities of Claudia and Andrea, the managers; Joe, their foreman and ranch manager; and Rob, your riding guide.

They offer several equestrian route and program options:

• The rides have many different settings – green and flexible along the boundless Pecos River or the Carrizo Creek; dusty and dry in the upper part of the property.
• Their rides will take you into steep red bluffs, rough canyons and deep arroyos, flowing everywhere. This is the typical scenery of the American Southwest.
• A very special program for children.

There are horse rides available every day, even on Sundays.

This is where Billy the Kid once wandered.

The old farm houses and a cemetery are the proofs of when the Wild West was at its peak, and you can still sense its spirit as your four-legged friend, the horse, tamely takes you around these trails.

They are mostly trail rides, but from time to time you will have to work the cattle together with this team of ranchers. They are counting on you!

For more information enter the web: www.creek-ranch.com.

New Mexico is the right place for an incredible horse riding holiday adventure. You have stunning scenery, unknown settlements of ancient cultures, high mountains, the Rio Grande, and trails where Billy the Kid, among others, once rode. In conclusion, an experience that will change your life.

Do you also love the idea of exploring the United States on horseback?

Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in North America and keep feeling the cowboy spirit as you ride through these lands. In this eBook, you will find our trusted operators and their riding programs in the United States, Mexico and Canada.