There’s no denying that horses played a powerful role in shaping American history. To this day, these mighty, compassionate animals hold a special place in the heart of New Mexico. We welcome all riders to experience one of the last strongholds in the American West on the New Mexico horseback riding adventure of a lifetime! Read on for three essential tips that will prepare you for your journey. For an even more personalized vacation, our ranch owner, Meris, will send you a free guest ranch itinerary. Submit your preferred travel dates and how much you’d like to ride, and we’ll create a customized trip for you within the next 24 to 72 hours!
Get Your Guest Ranch Itinerary
3 Tips for Your New Mexico Horseback Riding Adventure
1. Get to Know Your Horse
Horses aren’t just a part of history. They are an important part of life to this day on many ranches like Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch! By taking the time to get to know your horse, you will gain a new respect for your equine partner as they carry you on their back through the rugged terrain of the Gila National Forest. Unlike many dude ranches, we get to know our guests on a personal level so that we can match everyone with their ideal horse. Your hosts and wranglers, Meris and Seth will be happy to give you pointers along the way to improve your riding and your relationship with your horse. You’ll also have plenty of one-on-one time with your horse, so you can brush and feed them if you’d like!
2. Ride in Comfort
Before you ride, come prepared with the proper clothing and gear. The last thing that you want is to get too hot, cold or uncomfortable during the middle of your ride. Because of varying elevation and daily temperature swings in the mountains of the Gila National Forest, we recommend wearing light layers. Long sleeves are good protection from the strong sun. You’ll want to wear comfortable jeans and riding or cowboy boots with a heel and a smooth sole. We also recommend pantyhose or padded bike shorts to help prevent chafing. The proper clothing always makes for a much more enjoyable ride.
For a full list of items to pack (and what not to bring), take a look at our dude ranch vacation packing list.
3. Choose Your Ranch Wisely
When it comes to planning your guest ranch vacation, remember that not all ranches offer the same level of western hospitality and personalization. Always verify that the ranch is a member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, like Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch. Membership in this association means that a ranch meets the highest standards of excellence in the dude ranch vacation industry. See what some of our guests have said about their experience on Trip Advisor or watch the Taylor family’s video testimonial!
Enjoy Unlimited Riding at Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch
After a day exploring the region’s history and culture by horseback, extend your cowboy adventure into the night. 
Join us for an authentic Western meal and a campfire beneath the stars. With the beautiful surroundings of the Gila National Forest, you’ll never experience anything more dazzling than how brightly the stars shine at our ranch. Unlimited horseback riding in the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest, three home-style meals a day, and comforting amenities are always included with your stay.
If you are ready to start planning your New Mexico horseback riding vacation, remember your customized itinerary. We hope to host you soon!