Horseback Riding Considerations

As horseback riding is the focal point of a guests’ experience at Triangle X Ranch, we want to ensure our guests have a memorable and pleasurable riding vacation. Open communication is a vital part of ensuring we can provide each guest with the experience they have been dreaming of. We will do our best to present an accurate description of what can be expected, and in return we ask that our guests be honest with us regarding information pertaining to their safety.

We ask that each guest be upfront and honest with us about his or her age, weight, and riding ability.

1. 1. This is for not only your safety but also that of other guests, wranglers and our horses.
   2. The upper weight limit for riding horses is 250 pounds. This limit is imposed for the safety of our horses, and also for the safety of the rider.  Exceptions to this policy are only made in rare circumstances.
   3. Presenting a conservative report in regards to your riding ability is often times the way to go, as the terrain we ride in is typically unlike what guests have experienced in the past.
   4. Please review our Essential Eligibility Criteria to ensure your are capable of the criteria set forth.

If it is your first time to Triangle X Ranch or you have not visited us recently, regardless of your riding ability, you will be assigned to one of the following lesson rides to start your stay. All lesson rides go out on the trail, so you will not miss any of our beautiful scenery. Lesson rides give you the opportunity to build upon any skills you may already have while you acclimate to your horse, our riding program, terrain, and elevation. All of our rides, both instructional and non-instructional will start out on a more conservative note, and gradually increase in intensity as guests are ready.

• We find that our riding is very different from what most people are used to, therefore we take a very conservative approach to the rides we assign new guests to, as we want riders to have a solid understanding of what riding in the Tetons consists of before adding speed. There is a lot of riding to be done and it is always best to take your time and work back into it. Do not be pressured into going on a ride you are not ready for, as it can greatly increase the risk of injury.

• First time guests and those who have not stayed with us recently are not permitted to select which ride level they attend. We have a process for assessing each rider, and if the initial ride assignment is above or below the rider’s ability level a new assignment will be made. As a general rule, all first-time guests should expect to start out on walking rides, and potentially walk for the entirety of their stay depending on ability and the length of their stay.

Walking Lesson

• This ride is for those guests who have very little to no riding experience, those with moderate experience who are riding with us for the first time, and riders who have extensive previous experience but no longer ride consistently. It will begin with a ground lesson, and will progress to cover the basics of recommended riding techniques for our program. All riders assigned to this ride should expect to walk through at least the first two days of their stay. In order to progress out of Walking Lesson riders must be able to complete the following criteria:
  • Manage proper rein length throughout the entire ride.
  • Keep heels down regardless of terrain.
  • Maintain correct arm, leg, seat and upper body posture.
  • Able to regulate their horse’s speed in order to maintain proper spacing.
  • Dismount and remount at the break spot.

Trotting Lesson

• At this level guests will continue to perfect and then begin building on the skills they learned in Walking Lesson. Guests on this ride should plan to remain at a walk through their first day of riding, but have the potential to progress to a trot if they wish to do so and their wrangler feels they are capable. In order to progress out of Trotting Lesson riders must be able to complete all Walking Lesson criteria at a walk and trot as well as the following additional criteria:
  • Maintain balance and rein control throughout walk to trot and trot to walk transitions.
  • Must be able to walk and trot without relying on the horn, mane or reins for balance.
  • Demonstrate ability to control their horse’s trot speed in order to maintain appropriate spacing and allow for a gait that is easier to balance.

 Loping Lesson

• This ride is designed for those riders who wish to continue perfecting their horsemanship and balance at the walk and trot as well as learning to lope. In order to pass this level the Advanced Skills Check criteria must be met.

 Advanced Skills Check

• This ride is for first time ranch guests who arrive with significant experience, are currently riding on a consistent basis, are able to mount and dismount unassisted and are very comfortable on a variety of horses, at all speeds and on varied terrain. This ride will start out walking and progress to trotting and loping as the wrangler feels guests are ready. All criteria must be met in order to go on a Medium or Fast ride. If not all of the following criteria are met, riders will be asked to attend a few lesson rides before reassessing:
  • Ability to maintain full control of their horse’s speed at all three gaits.
  • Can maintain proper seat, hand and leg posture and keep heels down at all three gaits.
  • Can lope comfortably without holding the horn, pulling on the reins for balance or bouncing/losing their seat over varied terrain.