Our Horses and Horseback Riding
Central to Ranch Life
Horseback riding is our primary activity and mode of transportation. From beginner to advanced rider you can spend hours in the comfortable western saddle, riding trusty ranch horses. We want the horseback experiences to be fun for everyone…including the horse.
Essential
In these parts, horses and horseback riding are essential to our way of life. We feed’em, groom’em, ride’em and sometimes cuss’em…but we can’t get along without’em!
Experienced, Well Trained Horses
Our horses are very experienced and well trained. They have been exposed to riding in the wild around all types of game and cattle and in all kinds of weather. Unlike arena or stable horses, our horses live among predators and cattle and act and react accordingly.
Seems like a good horse can read the rider’s mind. They can’t! They are trained. Cowboys spend a lot of time training their ranch horses. They need a horse that is trained move where the rider wants it and when asked, and to stop quickly. A ranch horse needs to understand what the rider wants with minimum use of the reins to help the horse’s disposition and because the rider is using his hands for other tasks.
Safety First
Riding horses comes with inherent risks. Our goal is to have you enjoy this essential part of the western adventure while assuring your adventure is as safe as possible. Minimizing these risks involves understanding horse behavior and proper riding techniques. Guests at our ranch learn how to communicate with our horses using techniques that mirror natural horse interactions. Consistency in this communication is vital to maintaining our horses’ ability.
There’s Only ONE WAY to Ride a Horse!
The way it’s trained.
There are many styles of riding, each with its own purpose. At Concho Hills we believe there is only one way to ride a horse…the way the horse has been trained. On our ranch, you will ride horses trained for cattle work. Our horse’s training is deeply rooted in cowboy culture and the origins of western riding. The techniques and style of our riding draw inspiration from the Spanish Vaqueros, who taught the U.S. cowboys how to manage cattle. By emulating their style, (known formally as jineta or western reinsman, or informally as ranch riding), the horseman can establish consistent communication with our horses. This traditional western riding style involves loose reins and steering with legs and seat, allowing riders to use their hands for other tasks, like using a rope, opening gates, cracking a whip, or even playing a harmonica.
Cowboys use horses to manipulate cattle, access hard-to-reach places, and for transportation. Understanding animal behavior and how to apply and release pressure is crucial in directing their movement. Cowboys possess the ability to skillfully navigate obstacles and maintain precise positioning and distance from other animals and riders during long hours of riding. At Concho Hills Ranch, we offer an experience where you truly “ride a horse” rather than simply “going for a ride.” With no predetermined trails, our horses rely on the rider for guidance and direction. Consistency in communication is key.
But here’s the truth: western riding, like any worthwhile skill, takes time and dedication.
Experience Not Necessary
Don’t ride? Don’t worry! If you’ve a mind to, we have the ability to teach the basics of western riding. Sometimes being a beginner to western reinsman riding gives one an advantage compared to others trained in a different riding style. Riding is a skill and it takes time, practice, and some physical ability to become competent. So give yourself some time when booking your stay to be comfortable and safe in the saddle.
To resolve the dilemma of keeping our horses able to perform ranch work and that our guests may not have western reinsman riding experience or understanding, we decided to provide all our guests with our Intro to Western Reinsman Clinic.
Riding Ranch Style
At Concho Hills we have developed a riding program unique to this cowboy culture. It is an equine journey of learning, growth, evolving into competence and confidence. It’s about understanding the horse’s language, building trust, and learning to be the leader.
To accomplish this, you will begin to learn (if you don’t already know) to ride “ranch style” or western reinsman. In this style of riding, the horse understands what you want primarily from your position in the saddle and the use of your legs. Unlike other riding styles, our horses are mostly ridden with loose reins. You will learn why and how this helps the horse and the rider.
Intro to Western Reinsman Clinic
In this clinic, each of our guests, regardless of experience, learns or reviews how our equipment works and its effects on the animals. Our guests are fitted to the most appropriate saddle, reminded how to sit the western saddle, and the importance of an independent seat. We discuss horses, bits and rein control, and participate in a clinic in the round pen and arena as to how our horses have been trained. We know “every time you ride a horse you train a horse,” so we will be insistent that riders use techniques consistent with the horses training. That will enhance the horse’s performance, one’s safety, enjoyment, and the enjoyment of other riders.
Safety requires that our guests feel confident being able to turn the horse during a trot and canter before leaving the arena. Only AFTER being able to control one’s horse safely in the arena, do we take people out on the range.
For riders unfamiliar with our style of riding, it takes time to absorb the techniques and put them into practice. How much time it takes depends upon the individual.
Ridin’ the Range
You will apply your riding style and your skills on the range. The techniques don’t change. The way you ride on the range is the same as how you rode in the arena. You just have more things to look at and enjoy. Each ride builds confidence while improving your riding skills and horsemanship. As one’s competence increases, their enjoyment of the range increases.
Some guests have not used the muscles used for riding horses in a long time and can find themselves a little sore. We recommend less frequent riders to allow for shorter rides with breaks to “get back in the saddle.”
Horseback riding is a physical activity. Rider fitness is important for safety (yours and your fellow riders), reducing soreness, as well as being associated with reduced injury outcomes. Everyone should be physically able to mount and dismount their horse without assistance. We will provide you a list of exercises to help determine or improve your rider fitness.
Step Your Riding up a Notch
You might choose to try your hand at pole bending, barrel patterns, and a little competitive fun. Our staff is always willing to share their knowledge.
Riding is a skill and depending upon what one wishes to do on the horse, from cross country riding to working cattle, you will need to acquire the competence to accomplish the goal.
“It’s all about the horses”……and having FUN!
Riding Lessons and Tips
We teach a riding style passed down to us by Ed Krauss. Ed was a registered cutting horse trainer with the National Cutting Horse Association. It is with great sadness that our friend, mentor, and riding instructor Ed Krauss passed away in October 2019. We will miss him more than words can say. We have posted a Tribute to Ed Krauss here.
We will do our best to offer lessons using his style and wisdom.
Why not sign up for a week of immersive lessons?
YouTube Channel
If you are interested, you can view our YouTube Channel here: Concho Hills Guest Ranch YouTube. We are in the process of making some videos of riding tips, our ranch, and the area.