Horseback Riding

Just picture it: you’re gently swaying to your horse’s rhythmic walk as it picks its way up the trail, past a shimmering stream, under the flashing light of quivering aspens, and across a flower-filled meadow. Or perhaps your dream includes participating in a cattle drive—just change the scenery and you’re there.

Wind River Country’s horse vacations are suitable for all riding abilities and most ages. Your hosts have mastered the art of matching horses to riders so that you’ll be challenged in a way that is fun, rather than scary. And horses can cover a lot of territory in one day, allowing you to explore a lot more country than you could do on foot.

If you are only passing through and don’t have time for a dude ranch or guest ranch experience, some outfitters offer day rides to give you a taste of the western experience. It’s a great way to see the country and to participate in an enduring part of the area’s culture.

If you don’t think you’re up for riding yourself, but are intrigued by Wind River Country’s cowboy history, make sure you go to one of the many rodeos when you’re passing through town. You’ll get to watch calf roping, bronc and bull riding, barrel racing, and if you’re lucky wild horse races—all of which provide plenty of excitement and entertainment for most armchair cowboys. There’s a rodeo in almost every town sometime during the summer. And every Friday night, Dubois hosts a summer weekly rodeo that’s jam-packed with action. Check out our 2010 Rodeo Schedule.