Heading out on a solo horse riding holiday? Choose wisely.
Horse riding vacations for single travelers are like horses grazing in a pasture. The ranches look glossy and beautiful in the brochure, but until you walk into the pasture and ride that horse, you don’t really know what you’re getting.
As an equestrian travel expert, I’ve taken the guesswork out of selecting the best horse riding vacation for singles. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite solo horse riding holidays.
What Single Equestrians Want on Vacation
When I visited Kay El Bar Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona, I interviewed Rebecca Goodwin, a horse enthusiast from the United Kingdom. Rebecca, or Bex as she’s called in England, was looking for a place to ride where she would feel safe and surrounded by fellow horse-lovers. She wanted a supportive and friendly atmosphere and was looking for a ranch holiday that came highly recommended from an equestrian travel writer, such as myself.
If you’re like Bex, read on for singles-focused travel advice!
Ranch Vacations for Women
Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana
Vacationing at the Triple Creek Ranch (Photo Credit: Nancy D. Brown)
I met Barbara Barrett back in 2011 during a Klicks for Chicks ride in the Bitterroot Valley of Darby, Montana. Barbara, co-owner of the Relais & Chateau Triple Creek Ranch is not only a confident cowgirl, she’s an accomplished business woman.
A champion of women, Barbara based her all-women western riding adventure, Klicks for Chicks, after the men-only Desert Caballeros ride in Arizona.
What’s to Love:
- Riding in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountain Range
- Return Each Evening to Gourmet Dining & Luxury Cabins
- Fireside Awards Ceremony in Barbara’s home, friendships celebrated
Know Before You Go:
- Start saving your pennies, Klicks for Chicks is a click above luxury
- You’ll be able to purchase a custom made cowboy hat
The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
Participating in the Resort at Paws Up Cattle Drive (Photo Credit: Nancy D. Brown)
The Cowgirl Spring Round Up is an annual event for women looking to surround themselves with Cowgirl Hall of Fame honorees.
Limited to 50 women, this intimate yearly gathering at The Resort at Paws Up near Missoula, Montana, offers cattle drives, photography workshops and female-bonding at its best.
What’s to Love:
- Riding 100 miles of trails & private access to Blackfoot River
- Spa Town in White Tents – Do I have your attention?
- Equestrian Manager Jackie Kecskes & the Mustang Rescue Program
Know Before You Go:
- If you can’t make it to the Cowgirl Spring Round Up, this ranch offers many special events
- Family-friendly dude ranch with glamping
Heading to the Treasure State? Find out what to wear horseback riding in Montana.
Covered Wagon Ranch, Gallatin Valley, Montana
Space and connection at Covered Wagon Ranch (Photo Credit: Nancy D. Brown)
If you want to go horseback riding in Yellowstone National Park, Covered Wagon Ranch delivers!
This all-inclusive guest ranch is family owned and operated. On my visit, I experienced all female wranglers; impressive equestrians.
What’s to Love:
- Custom trail rides on some of the best horses with excellent female wranglers
- Small group trail rides; solo travelers welcome
- Picnic lunch out on the trail or ½ day rides
Know Before You Go:
- Fly into Bozeman, Montana & rent a car
- Bring your bathing suit for the hot tub or a dip in the Gallatin River
Greenhorn Ranch, Quincy, California
Hitting the trails with Cajun (Photo Credit: Nancy D. Brown)
Located in California’s Lost Sierra, Greenhorn Ranch is an all-inclusive dude ranch, open year-round.
General Manager Jill Rivoli is a horse whisperer and team builder driven to provide a first-class experience for the solo traveler.
What’s to Love:
- Small group rides ½ day or all day
- Lope/canter rides for accomplished equestrians
- Riding instruction offered in fenced arena for all levels
Know Before You Go:
- Fly into Sacramento, California & rent a car
- Request a room in the lodge if traveling solo, rather than cabin
Ruby’s Horseback Adventures, Bryce Canyon, Utah
Riding through Red Canyon (Photo Credit: Nancy D. Brown)
Ruby’s Grand Adventure is a four-day horseback ride offered several times a year. I have two hip replacements and was worried if I was up for the challenge. The wranglers and co-owner Brady Syrett were attentive and gracious. Challenging rides, gorgeous scenery and authentic cowboy culture.
This is one of the few riding vacations I’m aware of offering the option to bring your own horse or ride one of their horses.
What’s to Love:
- Ride through slot canyons, hog backs, Red Rock Canyon
- See Butch Cassidy’s hideout
- Breakfast & dinner with live entertainment
Know Before You Go:
- Fly into Las Vegas, Nevada & rent a car
- Bring your own horse, or they supply horse & tack
Make your list and check it twice with our guide to what to wear horseback trail riding.
Alisal Guest Ranch, Solvang, California
Embracing beauty and tranquility (Photo Credit: Alisal Ranch)
While it’s been several years since I’ve ridden at Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang, California, the all-inclusive dude ranch is popular for girlfriend getaways. I also recently received information on a Women’s Equine Retreat.
Note: The Unbridled Retreat does not require horse experience.
What’s to Love:
- Woman-only retreat limited to 12 guests
- Santa Ynez Valley wineries
- Breakfast ride or wagon ride to Alisal Adobe
Know Before You Go:
- Fly into Santa Barbara, California & rent a car
- Hands-on interaction with horses
C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado
The herd comes home (Photo Credit: C Lazy U Ranch Website)
Experience a body, mind, and equine yoga retreat in the Colorado Rockies. While I have attended an equine yoga retreat with Cathy Woods, I have not yet ridden at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby.
Cathy has taught yoga retreats at many equestrian facilities and offers a safe and welcoming environment for the solo traveler.
What’s to Love:
- 3-night women’s retreat experience
- Yoga classes, workshops, trail rides & arena work
- Celebrating 100 years as a Colorado Guest Ranch
Know Before You Go:
- Fly into Denver, Colorado & rent a car
- All riding levels welcome
Research, Book, Enjoy!
Whether you’re looking for a solo horse riding vacation or a woman-only equine retreat, hopefully this Horse Rookie round up serves as a useful starting point for blue-ribbon U.S.-based riding holidays.
(For international horseback riding vacation ideas, please visit Writing Horseback.)
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- Ranch Roundup: 10 Best Horseback Riding Vacations in Montana
- Rookie Rundown: What to Wear Horseback Riding in Montana
- Adults Can Go to Horse Camp, Too!
- Seas the Day: Do Horses Know How to Swim?
- Packing for Paradise: What to Wear Horse Riding on Vacation
- Big Sky Yoga Retreats Review: Loved It So Much I Moved Here
- B Luxe Cowgirl Yoga Retreat: What Each Day is Really Like
- 8 Best Horse Cameras (Action, Helmet, Trailer, Barn, Drone)
- Equestrian Adventuress on Riding Horses in Ireland
About Nancy D. Brown
Nancy is a freelance writer specializing in luxury and equestrian travel. She has written for Shape magazine, Alaska Airlines, Diablo magazine, At Home Tennessee magazine, Chicago Tribune, Oakland Tribune, San Jose Mercury News, 7×7 magazine and inflight magazines, among others.
Additionally, she owns and operates What a Trip and Writing Horseback. Her What a Trip blog features insider travel tips, while Writing Horseback is a guide to horseback riding vacations. When not on the road, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and Labrador Retriever. Connect with her on Instagram and Twitter.
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