One of the most important aspects of our mission of preserving the Great American West is the longstanding tradition of our horseback riding program. Horsemanship is our legacy and continues to be the main activity at C Lazy U Ranch. With a plenty of horses to choose from, our wranglers thoughtfully choose a horse that fits their riding ability for each ride. This approach allows guests to enjoy meaningful time in the saddle while experiencing different horses throughout their stay. Our wranglers guide the mountain trail rides and horsemanship classes for all levels, fostering patience, respect, and confidence with every ride.
Horseback riders are divided into riding groups based on their ability and what they are interested in accomplishing during their stay. We offer everything from “Slow & Scenic” to Instructional to Advanced trail rides. All our wranglers are vetted, trained and dedicated to helping you get the most from your riding experience.
In summer season, everyone in the family practices and prepares for the famous C Lazy U Shodeo at the end of each week. Riders of all ages are split into their age groups to compete in various events to showcase their acquired horsemanship skills. Adults demonstrate their quality horsemanship and progress made during the week by guiding their horse through a challenging obstacle course. While the kids are the star of the show, adults are also encouraged to compete for the world-renowned Blue Ribbon, for bragging rights, and (most importantly) for glory!
The C Lazy U is one of the few working horse ranches that is celebrated world-wide for its horsemanship program, with guests and wranglers coming from all over the world to be a part of this proud tradition.
Horse Assignment
All horseback riding at C Lazy U is offered by sign-up. At the beginning of your stay, members of our equestrian team will get to know your riding experience, comfort level, and goals so they can thoughtfully match you with an appropriate horse for each ride. This process allows our wranglers to ensure the best fit for both horse and rider and gives guests the opportunity to enjoy riding different horses throughout their stay.
With two trail rides available daily, along with riding clinics and cattle sorting, guests can enjoy plenty of time in the saddle. Adults are led by our experienced wrangler staff, while children and teens are led by their counselors. Our wranglers and counselors love nothing more than sharing time with you, and meaningful connections—both in and out of the saddle—are often formed during your stay.
The Jingle
Wake up early and see our wranglers in action, bringing the herd in from pasture in an old west tradition known as “the Jingle”. Not one for early mornings? Watch the Jingle go out every afternoon. Our horses enjoy the ability to graze naturally spending their evenings and nights on hundreds of acres of open space. Check in with the Outfitter’s Cabin or the barn to learn the approximate times of the Jingle.
Horsemanship Classes
Our complimentary classes are offered several days throughout the summer weeks. Great for riders of all abilities, each class is designed to share our concepts of the basic foundations of good horsemanship and proper equitation by focusing on understanding the nature of the horse in order to achieve good balance, feel, and technique. Visit the Outfitter’s Cabin to reserve a place on the day (or days) of your choice, and get ready to start building a better relationship with your horse!
Cattle Sorting Ride
Open to all Advanced-Intermediate riders who participated in the lope assessment.
Our Cattle Sorting Ride is designed for our advanced and intermediate guests. Mount up and head to the pasture, where you’ll locate and gather the cattle, driving them into the arena. Once in the arena, you’ll team up to identify and separate a specific numbered cow into a designated pen. This activity emphasizes control and advanced riding skills, including maneuvers like turning on the haunches. It’s a thrilling and skillful experience that combines teamwork, precision, and horsemanship.
Trail Ride and Clinic Overview
General Program Overview
At C Lazy U, every trail ride and clinic is designed with safety, respect for the horse, and rider development in mind. Each ride will always be paced and structured to the rider or horse with the least experience or ability to ensure a positive, enjoyable experience for everyone. We prioritize strong partnerships between riders and horses, and we aim for our horses to enjoy their riders as much as our riders enjoy them. There is no running or racing on any trail ride. If at any time a rider becomes off balance, begins using their hands for balance on the horse’s mouth, or struggles to control their seat, the ride will slow down to protect both rider and horse. Our progressive ride structure is designed to build skills gradually, allowing riders to advance safely and confidently, while protecting our horses.
Trail Ride Descriptions/Rider Levels
(listed in progressive order of skill development)
This ride is designed for beginner, novice, or non-riders. It is a progressive learning ride created for those interested in developing foundational riding and horsemanship skills while increasing their confidence with horses. Riders will learn general horsemanship principles, horse communication, developing feel, and building a respectful partnership with their horse. Instruction includes proper position, balance, leg and rein aids, developing a correct seat, and learning how to post and sit the trot. Depending on each rider’s progression, the ride may include a short lope by the end of the week.
The Basic Refresher Ride is designed for advanced beginner riders. Riders at this level have ridden regularly within the past year or have previous experience at C Lazy U. They can steer a horse using a leading rein and leg pressure and can either post or comfortably sit the trot. Advanced beginners typically have good balance, a secure seat, and are comfortable leading a horse, mounting, dismounting, and walking or trotting on level or rolling terrain. They have a genuine interest in expanding their skills. This ride is intended for riders who have trotted or loped in the past but prefer coaching to further develop their riding and horsemanship while building confidence. Each outing will show progressive improvement and cover a lot of the same terrain as the intermediate and Advanced Trail Ride.
(Lope assessment required prior to joining this ride)
The intermediate ride is designed for riders who ride consistently. Riders at this level have a secure, balanced seat, can post and sit the trot, and understand how to ride with or without contact on the bit. They know the difference between a leading rein, direct rein, and indirect rein, and use their riding aids in a coordinated manner. Intermediate riders are capable of trotting for extended periods and loping on flat, even terrain. They are comfortable riding for four to six hours a day. This ride will include lopes that are shorter in duration than those on the advanced trail ride.
(Lope assessment required prior to joining this ride)
A ride suited for more experienced riders; this outing covers a lot of ground and may include extended trots and lopes when trail conditions allow. Participants typically own a horse or ride regularly and are comfortable handling a green or inexperienced mount. They are confident riding a forward horse in both open and wooded terrain and know how to apply aids with independent use of hands, seat, and legs. They are also competent in managing a buck, bolt, or spook.
The Slow Scenic Ride is suitable for riders of all levels who wish to enjoy a relaxed, slow-paced walk through the mountains while taking in the ranch’s history, landscape, and wildlife. Riders may learn about local flora and fauna, observe native wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This ride offers opportunities for photos, quiet reflection, and leisurely enjoyment.
The Family Ride allows family members ages six and up to ride together. This ride is always paced and structured to accommodate the rider with the least experience, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing. Families can enjoy time together on the trail, take photos, and build horsemanship skills in a relaxed atmosphere. While Friday Morning serves as the main opportunity to ride as a family, additional openings are provided on Friday Afternoon and Saturday Morning.
Clinic Descriptions
Limited space. Advanced sign-up required.
Open to Intermediate and Advanced adult riders.
(Lope Assessment for teen riders age 16-17 takes place Tuesday morning.)
This clinic ensures that riders have the skills, balance, and control necessary for safe and enjoyable loping on the trail. Riders will demonstrate proper riding position, soft hands, an independent seat, and correct use of rein and leg aids. The assessment includes maintaining the horse on the rail, understanding and identifying correct leads, and showing the ability to both post and sit the trot. Riders must also demonstrate effective rein control and confidence riding independently. This clinic helps determine appropriate trail-ride placement and ensures the safety of both rider and horse during faster gaits. If Barn Management feels a rider would be more successful at a different level, they may be placed on Basic Refresher Trail Rides. This is done with the goal of ensuring safety, building confidence, and creating the best possible riding experience for both horse and rider.
Held in an arena setting on Monday morning, this clinic is catered to hesitant or nervous riders to help them gain the confidence to hit the trails. Guests will focus on the proper communication of basic cues to their horse such as moving forward, stopping, and turning in a calm and educational environment. Guests will be introduced to use of the leading rein and correct application of leg pressure. Proper position and balance will be emphasized. This clinic is ideal for those requiring instruction and practice to build their confidence before heading out on the trail.
Held in an arena setting, this clinic helps riders develop foundational horsemanship and riding skills. Guests learn proper position, rein and leg aids, balance, steering- all in a calm, progressive environment designed to build confidence. This clinic is ideal for those wanting focused instruction.
Part II builds on the skills introduced in the Beginner Riding Clinic, offering riders a chance to continue developing confidence, balance, and communication with their horse in an arena setting. Riders will refine their steering, posting and sitting trot, rein and leg aids, and overall body position. This session also incorporates circle work, ground poles, and exercises that improve rhythm, control, and coordination. Depending on rider readiness, the clinic will introduce the basics of the lope in a supportive and encouraging environment. This clinic is ideal for riders who want to continue progressing and prepare for more advanced instruction or trail riding.
Designed for riders with a secure seat who want to further advance their skills. Loping may be introduced along with ground poles, exercises for balance and rhythm, transition work, correct leads, simple changes, rollbacks, turn on the haunches, and turn on the forehand. This clinic focuses on improving communication, confidence, and precision between horse and rider.
This clinic focuses on refining advanced maneuvers, improving timing, and enhancing feel and communication. Riders practice advanced control, loping work, more challenging transitions, rollbacks, stopping, and precision maneuvers—all with an emphasis on soft, correct horsemanship rather than speed. A great clinic for riders preparing for the Shodeo.
Available for ALL Adults (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday);
Available for Teens that have passed the Lope Assessment (Wednesday and Thursday)
Designed for all riding levels, this clinic gives guests a taste of cowboy and cowgirl life. Riders gather cattle, move them to the arena, and work as a team to sort and cut individual cattle from the herd. Maneuvers such as rollbacks and turns on the haunches may be used. This slower-paced clinic emphasizes teamwork, communication, trust between horse and rider, and developing accurate, thoughtful horsemanship.
Inquire at the barn. As part of your scheduled trail ride, riders will travel to Shorty’s Arena to practice trail obstacles such as bridges, teeter-totter, balance beam, pivot box, and ground poles. All levels are welcome. This clinic focuses on communication, control, confidence, and correct use of riding aids while navigating obstacles in a supportive environment.
Available for All Adults (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday)
This is not a riding clinic. Guests will learn the foundations of horsemanship from the ground—understanding horse communication, herd dynamics, and how to move a horse’s feet through intention and body language. A round-pen demonstration is included, and some guests may even have an opportunity to work inside the pen with a horse. Guests will also practice halter and lead-rope work. This clinic emphasizes leadership, non-verbal communication, emotional awareness, and how horses mirror human energy—skills that apply both in and out of the saddle and in everyday life.
A relaxing, hands-on opportunity to learn how to properly groom a horse while understanding basic anatomy and horse care. Guests can unwind, connect with their horse, and enjoy quiet time in the barn while learning essential skills.
30 minutes — $90 per person
Private and semi-private lessons offer guests the opportunity to receive focused, individualized instruction tailored to their specific goals and skill level. These fully customized 30-minute sessions allow riders to work on whatever they wish—whether it’s building confidence, improving balance, refining communication, or practicing specific maneuvers. Private lessons provide one-on-one attention for the most personalized experience, while semi-private sessions allow guests to ride with a friend or family member in a supportive, shared environment. Whether you want to advance your horsemanship, develop stronger control, or simply make the most of your time in the saddle, these lessons offer a fun, effective, and rewarding way to elevate your riding during your stay at the ranch.
