Horseback Riding Vacations in Texas

Texas: The Lone Star State

Located in the south-central part of the United States, Texas is the second largest state in the country, second only to Alaska.

Texas shares borders with the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican border to the south, the states of Louisiana and Arkansas to the east, Oklahoma to the north and New Mexico to the west.

Its capital, Austin, is renowned for its vibrant live music scene. And, thanks to its location in the Texas Hill Country, Austin has also made a name for itself as the “Sports Capital” of Texas.

Other major cities in Texas are Dallas and 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, came to have only one, hence its nickname the “Lone Star State”.

The Geography of Texas

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

The state is a crossroads where different types of habitats meet: subtropical forests, grasslands, arid and semi-arid areas.

The topography is organized in levels of longitudinal orientation and the highest elevations can be found in the West, with the state’s highest peak – Pico Guadalupe (2,667 m).

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

In the Coastal Plain most of the rivers flow in a southeasterly direction.

Between the Coastal Plain and the Great Plains is the “Texas Hill Country”, where the rugged hills that give the Hill Country its name are composed of granite and limestone. It is the most fertile region of the state and varies from being completely flat to having rolling hills, which makes it ideal for farming.

There are several national parks, such as Guadalupe National Park and Big Bend National Park.

Horse riding in Texas

Texas is synonymous with ranches, rodeo and oil.

It has the most cattle in the country and has a rich history of cowboys. Therefore, you have endless opportunities here for your riding holidays.

Due to its size and geological features, Texas contains different landscapes common to both the US southern and southwestern regions.

Although most people associate Texas with arid regions, less than 10% of the state’s total land area is desert and most of its big population centres are in areas of former prairies, grasslands and forests.

Travelling from east to west in Texas, you can observe terrain that ranges from coastal pine forests and swamps in the east, to mountains in the west, with rolling plains and rugged hills in the centre.

Spend your horseback riding vacations in Texas – it will surprise you!

And once you are here, take your time to mingle with locals, who are famous for their hospitality, friendliness and fiercely independent spirit.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Texas

With a long equestrian tradition, Texas offers a wide range of riding holiday outfitters – a great opportunity to discover this land on horseback.

These are only three of them.

Texas Ranch Life

Just an hour west of Houston, in the rolling hills of Austin County, they offer different activities, including open range horseback riding over more than 730 hectares.

You can choose between eight authentically restored and luxuriously appointed historic Texas homes dating back to the 1850's, featuring original paint, German stencilling and furnished in antiques, oriental rugs and Texas pieces.

Beautiful native pecan bottoms, live springs, limestone outcrops and tall prairie grasses make horseback riding over the ranch a favourite for all guests visiting this natural paradise.

At the Ranch, you are invited to come relax as you take in the wildflowers and breathe in some of their fresh country air.

Texas Ranch Life is a working ranch. Is the home to quarter horses, American bison, abundant wildlife and one of the country's largest registered “Longhorn”.

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

If you want you can participate in cattle drives and ranch activities.

Horseback riding at the Ranch

If you have come this far, there must be a reason – enjoying a different horse riding vacation and your hosts won’t disappoint you. There are special and personalized programs for groups.

Texas Ranch Life provides well-trained, friendly and surefooted horses for guests to ride and enjoy this experience. Horses are available for all skill levels from beginners to accomplished riders.

But for the safety of everyone riding, they do not allow guests to gallop, trot, or canter out in the pasture.

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.

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.

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

Hill Country Equestrian Lodge

Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers the ultimate horseback riding or nature vacation in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, with exquisite vistas, and a quiet, private environment.

Located at the 100+ year old headquarters of the original Britsch family ranch in Bandera County. When you get here, the hosts will tell you “Welcome to paradise!” proud of their place in the world, of their horses and the landscapes surrounding this beautiful ranch.

Trails wind through 2,400 hectares (6,000 acres) of live oaks, yucca, and wildflowers, while deer, wild turkey, rabbits, and other wildlife share the surrounding countryside.

Their authentic yet luxurious accommodations, their personalized approach to service, and their interactive, educational riding program set the ranch apart from the rest.

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

Their equestrian programs

Experience the magic of a true relationship between horses and riders from a personalized and educational approach to riding.

At the ranch, you can find small personalized rides, private lessons for beginners and multi-day horse treks.

In your Horsemanship clinics are offered throughout the year. They are courses of 5 or 7 days. Students learn to draw upon methods ranging from Join-Up to Centred Riding and beyond in order to achieve the ultimate horse and rider relationship.

Another recommended activity is The girls’ summer riding camp, conducted by Dianne Lindig, best of Texas Riding Instructor of the Year.

They are camps of one, two or three weeks, for all skill levels, Western or English. It is limited to 12 riders, with a maximum of 3 per instructor. Each guest usually rides the same horse throughout their stay or, if they prefer, they can bring their own horse.

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

Rocking L Guest Ranch

The Rocking L Guest Ranch is located approximately 80 km east of Dallas. Provides an authentic “Western Town” atmosphere on 30 hectares (75 acres) of land.

Its owners, Brad and Alicia Larsen, offer not only horse riding but the possibility of custom events such as weddings, family reunions or company parties.

Custom activities can include horseback riding and trail rides, including a picnic where you will enjoy your ride to a quiet, secluded spot at sunrise or sunset.

They make their own Saddle, their famous Western Saddle made by hand with high quality leather. The saddle includes a goat skin pad, breastcollar, headstall and reins. All tack are made by hand with the finest leather in Brazil. These Saddle are for sale.

And, for the little ones, they organize Horsemanship Camps in the summer.

This program is specifically designed for riding ages 8-15 who want to increase their knowledge of horses. Their low ratios ensure that every camper gets extensive, daily hands-on training and instruction with the horses.

Young riders benefit mentally, physically, and socially.

Campers will increase their knowledge of horses and enjoy other activities, such as canoeing, fishing or basketball.

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

The Texas horse riding vacation experience offers horse rides across prairies, grasslands, forests and coasts, traveling along coastal swamps and pine forests, rolling plains and rugged hills, or through the desert and mountains of Big Bend.

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.