The Bullet Points:

• Family-Friendly Horseback Trail Ride
• $90/pp
• One hour horseback ride
• Beginner horseback ride

Participant Requirements:

• No prior experience necessary
• Ages 6+ (ages 6-14 must be accompanied by an adult)
  • Ages 6-17 MUST wear helmets
• No double riding
• Must be able to steer your own horse
• Call (970) 657-5463 for questions or special accommodations

You should bring:

• A bottle of water
• Sunscreen
• Closed-toe shoes
• Pants or calf-length shorts
• Appropriate layers (hoodie and/or rain jacket)

Reminders about your trail ride:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled ride time! Rides leave promptly at the scheduled time.
• Approximately 15 minutes (or less time if necessary) getting your group onto your horses!
• Approximately one hour exploring the trails on horseback!
• A photo opportunity for you and your steed!

Whether this is your first time on a horseback ride, or just the first time in a long time, this is the trail ride for you! This beginner- and kid-friendly horseback ride (just 30 minutes from Fort Collins, Colorado) is suitable for ages 6+. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the horseback ride. Tattered Saddle does not support double-riding (which means two people sharing one saddle!) so each person, young and old, must steer their own horse. But don’t worry – we’ll show you how!

How should I prepare for my first trail ride?

After checking in at the office, you and your fellow adventurers will be helped onto your horses. The wranglers will teach you the basics of communicating with your horse (stop, go, left and right), and then – led by your guide – you will set out as a group to enjoy the mountains and valleys near Fort Collins, Colorado. 

The trail ride leaves from the Stables at Gordon Creek by Tattered Saddle in Livermore, Colorado – only 35 minutes from downtown Fort Collins and 20 minutes from beautiful Red Feather Lakes!

Out here, wildlife sightings (such as coyote, and deer) are not unheard of. In early spring you may occasionally see elk and the hawks and eagles frequently swoop overhead year-round. 

Helmets are not mandatory for adults. However, children are required to wear an appropriate, equestrian helmet. At the Stables at Gordon Creek by Tattered Saddle, helmets are provided, for no additional fee.

Joining our one-hour trail ride is based on your ability to get on the horse with our instruction, and your willingness to follow direction on the trail. If you think you can do those things, we’ll take care of the rest!

A word about the weather during your horseback ride

Mountain weather can change frequently – from cool mornings, to hot afternoons and into sudden rainstorms and the occasional wind. Since we are not very good meteorologists, we simply recommend that anyone visiting the area bring appropriate layers of clothing with them on their Colorado vacation. Typically a hoodie or a rain jacket is sufficient.

Customize this horseback riding experience

Tattered Saddle is all about turning your ride into your ride.

Want to add champagne and flowers? A charcuterie board? No problem! We can add time to your experience, transport a “bring-your-own” picnic, and even arrange a photographer! Simply take a look at our private ride packages and give us a call at (970) 657-5463 to customize this experience and make it the highlight of your Colorado vacation.

Other horseback experiences

The family-friendly trail ride is a lot of fun, but if you are looking for something with a little more flair you should know that the Stables at Gordon Creek by Tattered Saddle does offer several other horseback adventures throughout the day. 

• A more unique experience, while still being beginner-friendly, is the “Sunset Ride.” If you’ve never seen the Colorado sunset from the back of a horse, here’s your opportunity! There are few things more memorable than the sky streaked with color, the grasses blowing around you, and the company of a kind horse. 
• For those who get a lot of enjoyment out of bonding with and pampering their horse, the “Scratch and Ride” is a great experience. Available only in the mornings, this beginner-friendly trail ride has an extra half-hour built in to allow you to groom and saddle your mount before we even get out of the stable! Don’t know how to do any of these things? No problem! We’ll teach you everything.
• If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, our “Advanced Riding Adventures” are probably more your speed. These trail rides (or arena sessions) are an hour long and give participants a chance to pick up the pace. Riders must pass a brief riding skills check upon arrival to participate. The scenery is still beautiful and you will still get a photo opportunity on the ride.
• Tattered Saddle offers one of the only meal rides in Eastern Colorado. However, if you are picturing a crumpled brown-bag lunch and a log to sit on, think again: the “Charcuterie Picnic Horseback Ride” is the western, trail-riding equivalent of a fine-dining experience. The picnic is catered by local, professional charcutiers and served at a western-chic tablescape set in a secluded meadow.