Horseback Riding

Welcome to the Corral at Tarryall River Ranch!
Here at Tarryall we have well trained, well loved horses to accommodate every level of riding! Looking for something for your little one? Check out the Tarryall Buckaroo Ride, which is designed for youngsters between the ages of 4 and 10. Older cowboys, ages 7+ and up, can choose from our list of trail rides featuring varying lengths and difficulties, If you are desiring a unique horseback riding experience, then take a peek at one of our more specialized activities such as cow penning or private riding lessons. Regardless of your comfort level or experience around, or on a horse, the Tarryall Corral has something just for you!
With the first flurries of snow we bring our 2024 season at the barn to a close! We met many wonderful guests this year as we explored the beauty around Tarryall. Thank you to all who joined us, we look forward to seeing you again in 2025!
Day Trip Rides
Looking for an adventure, but not interested in an overnight stay? Tarryall River Ranch offers horseback rides for off-site guests on a daily basis. Our team of wranglers know the trails, so you can trust that your ride will be perfect for your group regardless of your experience level. All of our rides are available to be booked by day visitors subject to availability.
Ride the trails

The Tin Cup ride is a ride that starts on an Old Stagecoach Road and turns off to climb to a breathtaking overlook. The 2.5-hour ride is $115 per rider and the 4-hour ride is $200 per rider.

The Pasture River Ride is an hour and a half long ride perfect for beginners. The ride goes through our horse and cattle pasture to the Tarryall Creek.

The Tarryall Buckaroo Ride is an experience that introduces little buckaroos to being around horses and begins to familiarize them with horse etiquette. We start with a 15 minute horse handling mini-lesson, then lead them on a gentle ride around the ranch and partially up a trail.

The Stagecoach Loop ride is a one hour ride that transports the rider to yesteryear. As we ride up the Old Stagecoach Road, one can imagine how the Colorado Territory looked in the days of Jim Bridger and Kit Carson.

Our Canyon River Ride is a half-day ride that explores the shoulder of Tarryall Mountain and curves around into the river valley where Tarryall Creek joins the South Platte River.

Our Tarryall Loop ride is a one hour ride that lets the rider commune with nature. This is a forest ride that has a few more hills and hollows where the rider can explore the flora and fauna of Pike National Forest.

Our Extended Stagecoach Ride is an hour and a half long and combines the nostalgia of the shorter Stagecoach Loop ride with a small climb that leads to a surreal vista.

The Stagecoach and Tarryall Loop Combination is an hour and a half ride that combines the nostalgia of the Old Stage Road with the winding trails of the forest.

The Pikes Peak Lookout ride is a gentle two hour ride that proceeds through forests of Ponderosa Pine and Aspen groves as well as high mountain meadows, culminating with a spectacular view of America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak.

Our Lizard Rock ride is beautiful, but not for the faint of heart. It is a 2.5 hr ride that begins by riding through a Ponderosa Pine forest laced with intermittent Aspen groves.
Horseback Riding Lessons
These one-on-one lessons start with the premise that horseback riding is a partnership between horse and rider. Our instructors begin by teaching basic horse handling and horse psychology (being able to read and understand the horse) and move on to a centered riding approach.
Some of our lessons include:
Private Riding Lessons
Private Riding Lessons: These one-on-one lessons start with the premise that horseback riding is a partnership between horse and rider. Our instructors begin by teaching basic horse handling and horse psychology (being able to read and understand the horse) and move on to a centered riding approach. This means being able to do toe touches, sit ups, push ups, etc. on the horse both while stationary and in movement. We then progress to trail lessons, intermediate and advanced arena riding, and working cattle. Lessons cost $100 per hour and are available to adults and children ages 7+. Helmets are required for any riders 12 years or under.
Semi-Private Riding Lessons
Semi-Private Riding Lessons: These lessons follow the same outline as the private riding lessons, but instead of receiving one-on-one instruction, students share their time with other riders. Each lesson can accommodate up to four riders and costs $85 per hour, per student.
Cow Penning Lessons
Cow Penning Lessons (1 hour): Are you a proficient rider looking for an extra challenge? These hour-long lessons teach you how to track a cow and maneuver it into its pen, but more importantly, they teach you how to listen to your horse, trust its lead, and move in tandem with its movements. It’s a great exercise in horsemanship, and you’ll have a lot of fun as you learn! These lessons are $100 per rider and require a minimum of 2 riders, though we recommend 4 riders for the best experience.
Faith-Based Equine Therapy
Information coming soon.

COWBOY DAN
Dan grew up on a farm in the Amish country of the Midwest, where he came to love horses. After attending Black Hawk College and graduating with a Degree in Horse Science, Dan attended Southern Illinois University and worked as an Adjunct Professor of Equestrian Science, later teaching Equestrian Science for Eastern Arizona College. Since that time Dan has worked as a wrangler and teamster at guest ranches in Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Texas.
Dan is also a man of faith who is licensed and ordained as a pastor and is certified in Faith Based Equine Assisted Philosophy and Trauma Recovery and has used this background to help those in need. It is his personal belief that God uses the connection with horses and nature to minister to the hearts of people.
For the last 30 years, Dan has been using his education, knowledge of natural horsemanship, and expertise to develop his own practical slant on training horses and assisting riders in the development of horsemanship skills. Today Dan oversees the equine program for Tarryall River Ranch and ensures that your time in the saddle will be a positive experience!
Equine Pricing
Equine Activity Pricing – per person
Ride | Rate |
Little Buckaroo Ride: | $60 |
1-hour Ride: | $85 |
1.5-hour Ride: | $100 |
2-hour Ride: | $110 |
2.5-hour Ride: | $130 |
Ride | Rate |
Half-day Ride (includes sack lunch) | $200 |
Semi-private Lesson | $85/hour |
Private Lesson: | $100/hour |
Cow Penning: | $100 for 1 hour |


Equine Booking policies
Waiver:
- We ask that all guests fill out a waiver before riding. Please fill out our horse-riding waiver here.
- A credit card is required to hold your reservation.
- Rides may be cancelled up to 48 hours beforehand with no charge.
- Rides cancelled at or after the 48 hour mark will be charged the full cost of the ride.
Important Equine Policy:
- Trail rides can be enjoyed by riders aged 7 and up.
- Helmets are required for riders under the age of 12 and are optional for all other participants.
- For the health and safety of our horses, we require all our riders to fall within the height/weight ratios shown in this chart.
Church Ministry Sponsorship
At Tarryall, we recognize that not everyone who would benefit from time at our ranch is able to afford the cost. We have a limited number of scholarships available, but also rely on the generosity of others. If you, or your organization, would like to give the gift of a ranch stay, please fill out our Sponsorship Application.
