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 the C Lazy U Ranch. With a little over 200 horses, we pair each guest with a horse that fits perfectly with their riding ability. For the duration of the week, horse and rider share a special relationship built on patience and mutual respect. Our wranglers guide the mountain trail rides and horsemanship classes for all levels.
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.
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
At the beginning of your stay members of our equestrian team will assign you a horse that will be your partner for the duration of your stay. With two trail rides available daily, you’re sure to get a lot of time in the saddle. While adults are led by our experienced wrangler staff, children and teens are led by their counselors. Our wranglers and counselors love nothing more than sharing time with you and lifelong friendships are often established.
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!
Working Ranch Ride
Open to all Basic Refresher, Instructional, Intermediate, and Advanced Riders
This working cattle ranch ride will head out to Wilson pasture (675 acres) to check on our head of cattle. With such a large pasture to explore, guests may spend up to half the experience searching for the cattle while ensuring our 5 miles of fence is intact. Once located, guests will assess the cattle for any injuries and potentially work to push the cattle to different areas of the pasture. Guests will enjoy a sack lunch and spend most of the day riding and working out in Wilson pasture.
Note: All riders should be comfortable with the walk, trot, and lope on uneven terrain and should be able to mount from the ground without assistance. Riders will be unsupervised at times during this experience.
Trail Rides
Trail rides are the foundation of our riding program and are offered for all levels of riders. Basic Refresher and Instructional ride types are designed to progress with the rider throughout the week.
A scenic ride, for those who just want to admire the landscape or travel at a generally slower pace. They are typically shorter in length than other rides. On this ride, you may make frequent stops for scenic breaks and picture-taking if desired.
This lope assessment is to ensure that all advanced and intermediate riders are matched correctly with their horse. Each advanced and intermediate rider must demonstrate that they can post the trot, sit the trot and lope all while respecting the horse. Riders will be asked to lope away from the group as well as lope toward the group. We are looking for riders to demonstrate control, soft hands, and a well-balanced seat and feel.
Note: Mandatory for all guests who wish to participate in Intermediate or Advanced Trail Rides throughout the remainder of the week.
A ride for those who have experience and are comfortable at a trot or lope. You generally enjoy slower and shorter lopes on this ride than you would on an advanced ride.
Note: to ride in this group you must pass the Lope Assessment on Monday afternoon.
For the experienced rider. Long lopes are offered when trail conditions permit, and a lot of ground is covered during the duration of these rides. riders must be proven proficient at the trot and lope, and can ride through a spook, bolt, etc.
Note: to ride in this group you must pass the Lope Assessment on Monday afternoon.
For riders that have trotted and cantered or loped before but want to be in a coached environment. This ride is geared toward riders who ride on vacation (either at C Lazy U the previous summer or on other equestrian vacations) but do not ride regularly at home.
This is an educational ride, which will gradually progresses as riders’ skill levels improve during the week. Riders start out at a walk then progress to a trot and lope by week’s end—based on comfort level.
