Horseback riding

[ksburens]

Hi, I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times before, but since I'm new I'm gonna have to ask again! Can anyone advise me on the best place in or near Branson (within 10 or so miles) to ride horses? My hubby and I are novice riders.

Thanks!
The Burens
*only one month 'til we're at SDC!!!! WHOO HOO!!!*

[ggh]

to bring your horses, and go on a trail ride, or ride on horses that are located in Branson over a preset path, or rent & ride at your leisure?

I'm afraid that leisure riding is limited (at least to my knowledge) in the near Branson area.

I believe there are a few preset paths that you can sit upon a horse and go for a horse ride, but from the way they looked last time I checked into them, the horses don't need riders to know where to go, and they were looking pretty worn - but it's been 10 years or so since I checked into them.

[ksburens]

Thanks ggh. We're interested in trail rides or other places where you're on a guided horse ride.

Thanks for your honest answers about the horse situation. I appreicate it!

[VBeason]

OK -- There was a place at Uncle Ike's Trading Post - trail rides -- horses aren't too bad -- but know the trail by heart - no spunk.

There used to be one off of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway (I'm talking about 10 years ago) that was very good -- polo ponies from Arizona. Always had fun there and the horses had some spunk -- not trail sour.

I do believe there is a ranch down there somewhere, I've seen the signs - I think on Bull Shoals side not too far from Forsythe, but there again, I'm not sure of the name of it, and I think it was like a dude ranch -- you could stay there as well.

Maybe someone like BransonMom can help with this one.

[ggh]

that the dude ranch is located near Theodosia, I cannot think of the name of the place, but a search for Dude Ranch and theodosia might turn something up -

I use to ride quite a bit, I enjoy riding but can't stand normal 'trail rides' where everyone is riding in a parade to get to tonights destination - my girls wanted to ride in Branson when they saw Ike's - and as I alluded to above, I wasn't impressed.

[VBeason]

To GGH -- that is the one I was thinking of. I just couldn't remember the town. I did see a new sign for horseback riding off the old shepherd of the hills expressway and want to check it out next time I go down in July. I know the guy that had that spot before, got run out of town for cruelty (after he lost his good forewoman). That one had good horses that they lodged there in the summer months from Arizona then loaded up in October and shipped back to Arizona for the Polo Season. They had spunk and were at least fun to ride -- had a mind of their own sometimes (I know one tried to rub me off and the toe of my boot left a permanent mark on one of the trees on the trail). Another one decided he didn't want to go up the hill and both of us went down about 6 feet -- needless to say, I got back on him and made him wait until all the other people had dismounted before I would dismount from him and let him feed at the hay. We were friends after that -- but again -- at least they had a little spunk and weren't "trail sour". I may have to check out the newer place. My husband won't like it since he doesn't like me riding at all - I fall off "gracefully". I'm not an expert rider but do enjoy it!

If you get down there before July, check it out and let me know what it looks like (if it is still there). I'll do the same when I go down in July.

[starcityranch]

Originally Posted by ksburens

Hi, I'm sure this question has been asked a thousand times before, but since I'm new I'm gonna have to ask again! Can anyone advise me on the best place in or near Branson (within 10 or so miles) to ride horses? My hubby and I are novice riders.

Thanks!
The Burens
*only one month 'til we're at SDC!!!! WHOO HOO!!!*

Star City Ranch is only 1 hour from Branson. You can camp, ride horses, hike, fish, bird watching all on 1247 acres. Check out the website, it is [url]www.starcityranch.com[/url] If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Happy Trails,
Tonia

[cangreja]

I know that they offer trail rides as well, but I have not ever taken one--I keep meaning to though, maybe when the kids are a little bigger.
ANyway, everything else I have done out at Dogwood has been top notch, so I can't imagine that this would be any different.

[KCTraveler]

My sister, mother and I rode at Canyon Creek on Saturday and it was wonderful! The horses were gentle and surefooted and experienced. The ride was beautiful with waterfalls and a ride down the creek a ways. My mother is 78 and hadn't ridden since high school and had no problems. We would go back there in a heartbeat-a good riding experience!

[VBeason]

I wish I could go again, but if I even think about it -- I think my hubby and my chiropractor would have me committed! I'm a very novice rider but I love it, but I have this bad experience of falling off from time to time when they decide to run and then stop on a dime! LOL! But I've been told I fall off very gracefully!

Glad you found a good place to go!

Vickie

[Lindsey]

Where is Canyon Creek located?

[minniemouse0956]

Here is the site
http://www.oldmatt.com/trail_ride.php
Here are the question I asked from a e-mail


-----Original Message-----
From: dreasons@oldmatt.com [mailto:dreasons@oldmatt.com]
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 2:47 PM
Subject: Re: Trail Ride hours

Hello! Our trail rides run from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday until Labor Day weekend.
No reservations are required.
Hope you have a good time and we are looking forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
Dusty Reasons
Public Relations
The Shepehrd of the Hills>

Original Message

We are planning to visit Branson soon, and we are interested in taking a
> trail ride.
>>
> Do we need reservations, or do we just come anytime during your hours?
>

[stlsports4ever]

We went to Shepard of the Hills horseback riding and it was a blast! The have some beautiful horses to ride and to pet. Also has pony rides for the kids and its a couple of dollars which lasts about 15 minutes. It was raining just a tad when we went and it was nice since it was a bit hot.

Mr. Mike