We have exciting and diverse horseback riding opportunities for you, whether you want to take the horse by the reins and enjoy the beauty, serenity, and wildlife of the Backcountry or if you want your children to learn riding skills and how to groom, feed, saddle, and bridle a horse.

Backcountry Wilderness Area Trail Rides

Hop on your faithful steed from Bear Creek Stables and take a horseback ride through the Wildcat Mountain Area of The Backcountry Wilderness Area. You'll have a chance to see the elk, deer, coyotes, raptors, and other plentiful wildlife of the Backcountry, all while experiencing nature the way the 'ol cowboys did. "Getting away from it all" doesn't have to mean a 2-hour drive into the mountains. You can "get away" right here in your own backyard!!

No prerequisites. Minimum age: 8

Rides are Thursdays-Tuesdays, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.

Tuesday - Saturday: 1 hour rides $35

Saturday evening and Sunday: 1.5 hour rides $50

Call 303-791-2500 for basic information and to sign up or sign up on-line.

Group rides get a 10% discount, non-profit groups get a 15% discount.

For group sign-up call or email Mark Giebel at 303-471-8885 or mgiebel@hrcaonline.org.

Waiver (pdf)

Lessons

Registration is accepted at any of the four HRCA Recreation Centers. For information about horseback riding call 303-471-8818 or email hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.

All lessons are at Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables,
7479 West Titan Road

Equipment and Clothing
Helmets are mandatory. Stockton’s provides ASTM/SEI approved riding helmets in all sizes. Wear jeans and sturdy boots to protect feet from horse hooves. Further instruction regarding footwear given to students as they progress. Bring water bottle, jacket, mittens or gloves, and wear sunscreen.

Liability and Emergency Release Forms
The stable requires a parent or guardian to complete a liability release and emergency contact form. Forms are provided on the first day of class. Please arrive 15 minutes early on the first day in order to complete these forms.

Kiddie Corral I (Ages 5-7)
Learn about horse behavior, grooming, feeding, and enjoy riding. Focus on safety while building confidence.

Kiddie Corral II (Ages 5-7)
For Kiddie Corral graduates. Build on skills learned in Kiddie Corral I, including grooming with a partner using a saddle and bridle, and learning to ride with reins. Class culminates in a fun obstacle race.

Kiddie Corral III (Ages 5-7)
For Kiddie Corral II graduates. Increase the skills learned in Kiddie Corral II. Each day will include an introduction to the trot and the class will culminate in a fun race.

Beginning Horsemanship (Ages 8-14)
Introduction to horsemanship for beginners. Emphasizes communication, grooming, and handling skills. Daily demonstrations and hands-on practice. Bareback riding, saddling, and the introduction of rein use will be covered.

Intermediate Horsemanship (Ages 8-14)
Prerequisite: Beginning Horsemanship. This is a more intensive western horsemanship course for Beginning Horsemanship graduates. Students will improve their ability to catch, groom, saddle, bridle and ride. The last day includes a trail ride.

Advanced Trail Class (Ages 8-14)
Prerequisite: 2009 Intermediate Horsemanship. Join us for three days of learning fundamentals of trail riding. Students will learn how to safely cross logs, water and other obstacles on horseback.

For information about riding lessons call 303-471-8818, email hgoetz@hrcaonline.org, or see the Activity Guide.