horseback riding programs

Enjoy beautiful trails and horseback riding. Choose from relaxing walk only rides, walk & trot rides, and exhilarating advanced level walk, trot, & canter rides.  Each ride is approximately 45 minutes from mounting to dismounting. For your safety, each trail ride is accompanied by several experienced wranglers. Our herd consists of a mix of different breeds such as: Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, Paints, Percherons, Clydesdales, Haflingers, Icelandics, Morgans and Arabians. 

All-Inclusive package features one FREE RIDE per person per stay. Specials and sales such as the Family One Price does not include riding.

Pony Ride

A safe introduction for future horse lovers. Free pony ride for kids age 8 and under, each day. Walk our sweetest, child-friendly ponies and make lifetime memories. Pictures will be taken by our professional photographer and available for purchase in the lobby. 

Walk Ride

Great for all levels of riders ranging from beginners to advanced. A ride through the woods that is slow enough to take in the natural beauty of the surroundings and is ideal for first time riders or anyone that wants a relaxing, comfortable ride. 

Intermediate Ride

Walking & trotting. A fun, brisk ride that requires enough experience to be in control of the horse at all times. Riders should have approximately 10 hours of active saddle and riding time and be comfortable and confident with a faster horse stride.

Advanced Ride

Walking, trotting & cantering. A fast-paced, exciting ride for experienced horseback riders that are confidant and in control of their horse at all times and should not have to hold onto the saddle for balance. Screening for safety required.

Exclusive Experiences

COWBOY HORSEMANSHIP I

This half-day (3 hour) clinic covers everything Riders need to be “Trail Ready” and “Wrangler Wise” to better enjoy their horse-focused experiences! This clinic covers a variety of exercises, on the ground and under saddle, that will help the Rider take their skills to new levels. This clinic is perfect for the Novice Rider and ANYONE who wants to improve their ability to partner with a horse for a more enjoyable riding experience. Clinics can have up to four (4) Riders. Ages 10 and up. 

horse wrangler leading a horse on a lead rope, horse is brown with no saddle
cowboy on horse holding reigns, horse is on a tire with dirt in center with front hoofs

COWBOY HORSEMANSHIP II

OBSTACLE CHALLENGE: This half-day (3 hour) clinic covers all the skills a Rider needs to be confident around obstacles and obstacle challenges! Riders will develop Leadership and Control on the ground and under saddle as they refine their skills before moving out to the Obstacle Challenge Course where they will help their horse negotiate through a variety of obstacles and skill challenges! This clinic is perfect for Riders who have previous “horsemanship” experience or who ride at the “Intermediate” level here at the Ranch. Clinic can have up to three (3) Riders. Ages 12 and up. 

COWBOY HORSEMANSHIP III

TRAIL CHALLENGE: This two (2) hour Trail Challenge clinic will take your trail riding experience to new levels of FUN. Riders will experience all sorts of challenging natural terrain and obstacles as they pilot their horse through a variety of exercises that will refine their riding and improve their Communication, Control and Confidence. Riders will connect with their horses via groundwork exercises and then take to the woods as they “trail-blaze” through the rustic beauty of the Catskill Mountains. Perfect for Riders who have previous “horsemanship” experience or who ride at the “Intermediate” level here at the Ranch. Clinic can have up to three (3) Riders. Ages 12 and up. 

view from side of horse seeing just horse face and looking into woods on trail
horse and rider in arena with girl rider holding reigns and guiding horse

DELUXE PRIVATE LESSON

This 90 minute lesson is perfect for the novice rider and anyone looking to refresh their communication, control and confidence. This lesson is sculpted to fit the needs of the rider, no matter what their riding level. Groundwork and Riding skills will be focused on in the arena to help enrich and enhance your trail riding experience. Lessons can have up to three (3) Riders. Ages 9 and up. 

Specialty Experiences

Barn Buddies (1-hour)

Kids & adults enjoy up-close, hands-on horse grooming, saddling, feedings and tidying up.

Woman on top of hill sitting on tall brown horse taking in the view.
Horse-owner For A Day

Great for kids & adults thinking of getting their own horse and see what it takes.

Sunset Ride (2-hour)

Enjoy a quiet, exclusive trail ride away from it all, at one of the most beautiful times of the day.

Private Lessons

Private Trail Ride (45-mins)

A quiet, exclusive trail ride away from it all.

Riders on horses riding through tall grass.
Private Trail Lesson (45-mins)

A wrangler will show you the trails, at your own pace.

Jr Wrangler Lesson (15-20 mins)

Kids 5-8, one-on-one instruction to learn basics of riding.

African American man in straw cowboy hat and sunglasses petting a horse's nose.
Sr. Wrangler Lesson (15-20 mins)

One-on-one instruction to become more confident rider.

Kids' favorites & Fun extras

Meet Our New Filly, Juniper

Kids get up close and personal with our newest addition to the family.

Horse Lover’s Extras

Education Sessions, Stable Tours, Horseshoeing Demos + More

Roping & Lasso

Have fun learning how to lasso like a real wrangler. 

  • A safety check is required before any ride that is faster than slow pace. Minimum age is 9 years old and at the discretion of the Stables Manager. 
  • No open toe shoes allowed. Long pants are recommended.
  • Trail Ride times are scheduled by the Stables Manager.
  • A safety check is required before each ride faster than a walk where riders demonstrate safe riding at a trot or canter.
  • All tickets expire after 1-year from purchase date
  • Rider Weight Limit: 275 lbs.
  • Qualified individuals have one trail ride included in their package.  Riders age 9 years old and over receive one trail ride per stay.  Kids age 8 & under receive one free pony ride per day.
  • For any additional information regarding the horse program, please contact our Stables Manager.
  • Programs and rides are subject to availability and weather conditions. In extreme heat or cold, all rides will be walk-only.
  • To ensure the safety of our horses and guests, the Stables Manager can reschedule or cancel rides. We do not ride in a thunderstorm or high winds.

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We are happy to announce that adults weekend is sold out for October 2-4! @pineridgeduderanch
We are happy to announce that adults weekend is sold out for October 2-4! @pineridgeduderanch
LOCAL MID-WEEK HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS & CLINICS at PINE RIDGE DUDE RANCH Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is pleased to offer our local community a great opportunity to enrich its horsemanship and riding experience! Come for lessons and clinics at our beautiful facility and get top notch instruction in a FUN and RELAXED setting! No matter what your riding experience level Pine Ridge Dude Ranch has a Lesson or Clinic program to meet your needs! Located in the heart of the Catskills, in Kerhonkson, New York, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch offers incredible trails, inviting accommodations, fantastic food and brings the “Best of the West in the East” to you! DELUXE PRIVATE LESSON: This formatted 90 minute lesson is a
LOCAL MID-WEEK HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS & CLINICS at PINE RIDGE DUDE RANCH Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is pleased to offer our local community a great opportunity to enrich its horsemanship and riding experience! Come for lessons and clinics at our beautiful facility and get top notch instruction in a FUN and RELAXED setting! No matter what your riding experience level Pine Ridge Dude Ranch has a Lesson or Clinic program to meet your needs! Located in the heart of the Catskills, in Kerhonkson, New York, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch offers incredible trails, inviting accommodations, fantastic food and brings the “Best of the West in the East” to you! DELUXE PRIVATE LESSON: This formatted 90 minute lesson is a "one-on-one” or group experience sculpted to fit the needs of the Rider(s) no matter what their skill level. Groundwork, work under saddle in the arena and (if applicable) on the trail may all be experienced. COWBOY HORSEMANSHIP CLINICS: This formatted THREE (3) HOUR clinic session ideal for small groups up to six (6) Riders, sculpted to fit the needs of the Rider no matter what their skill level. Groundwork, work under saddle in the arena and (if applicable) on the trail and our Obstacle Course (if applicable) may be experienced. GROUP PRIVATE TRAIL RIDES: A 45 minute guided trail ride in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. The ride is catered to the least experienced rider. Advanced, Intermediate & Beginner rides are available. Minimum of 4 riders. AVAILABILITY: Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays. Weekends are available for day pass and overnight guests vary so please contact Pine Ridge Dude Ranch for more details! Riders will use PRDR horses and tack. Spaces and availability is LIMITED and these sessions fill up FAST so reserve your space soon! Be sure to check out our Facebook Page and Website for all the latest on our many special events and fall weekend specials! To take your horsemanship and riding to a whole new level please contact our Reservation Team at (845) 626-7345 or email Pine Ridge Dude Ranch at reservations@pineridgeduderanch.com today to reserve your Lesson or Clinic space! We look forward to riding with you!
September 25-28, STAY 3 NIGHTS GET KIDS HALF PRICE & A FREE ROOM UPGRADE. @pineridgeduderanch
September 25-28, STAY 3 NIGHTS GET KIDS HALF PRICE & A FREE ROOM UPGRADE. @pineridgeduderanch
We are going to have a Wrangler photo contest. Each week we will be posting 3 pictures from different wranglers. Your participation will determine who the winner is by the number of likes and shares. This first series is from Joanne. Enjoy! @pineridgeduderanch
We are going to have a Wrangler photo contest. Each week we will be posting 3 pictures from different wranglers. Your participation will determine who the winner is by the number of likes and shares. This first series is from Joanne. Enjoy! @pineridgeduderanch
THE THREE L’s APPROACH It is often said that riding horses is “simple” but it is not “easy.” Truer words have not been spoken! The horse is a “simple” creature in its needs. The horse wants consistency, leadership, fairness, clarity and kindness. The horse wants to “get along” with its human partner. Humans oftentimes ‘’over complicate” the communication process when interacting with horses, which leads to frustration and anxiety in both the horse and the human. Humans can be effective leaders when in the saddle by applying the “Three L’s” approach when requesting movement or control from the horse. The “Three L’s are LOOK, LIFT and LEG. When requesting a movement from the horse the human needs to LOOK in the direction they wish to go, and twist their shoulders in line with their eyes in order to create a pre-signal for the horse. “Where the eyes look, the body follows.” As the human “LOOKS” with their eyes, head and body in the direction they wish to go, they need to “LIFT” (not pull) the reins upward along the line of the horses shoulder and then point with their thumb (if riding in one hand) or pinkie finger (if riding in two hands) in the direction desired. As the human “LOOKS and LIFTS” to cue a direction, they need to apply the opposite LEG to the horse in a squeezing motion with their calf. Here is an example of the how to use the “Three L’s”: If the human wishes to go to the right, they look to the right with their eyes, head and shoulders, lift the right rein (if in two hands) or both reins (if in one hand) along the line of the shoulder and point to the right as the squeeze the horse, using the calf muscle in the LEFT leg in a “toe in/heel out” position. By looking, lifting and using the leg in this manner the human can firmly and fairly request a movement that is clearly understood by the horse. Like all aspects of horsemanship, the Look, Lift and Leg approach takes feel, timing and experience. Once the human understands and applies the “Three L’s” approach they will find a new level of clarity, confidence and fun when in the saddle!
THE THREE L’s APPROACH It is often said that riding horses is “simple” but it is not “easy.” Truer words have not been spoken! The horse is a “simple” creature in its needs. The horse wants consistency, leadership, fairness, clarity and kindness. The horse wants to “get along” with its human partner. Humans oftentimes ‘’over complicate” the communication process when interacting with horses, which leads to frustration and anxiety in both the horse and the human. Humans can be effective leaders when in the saddle by applying the “Three L’s” approach when requesting movement or control from the horse. The “Three L’s are LOOK, LIFT and LEG. When requesting a movement from the horse the human needs to LOOK in the direction they wish to go, and twist their shoulders in line with their eyes in order to create a pre-signal for the horse. “Where the eyes look, the body follows.” As the human “LOOKS” with their eyes, head and body in the direction they wish to go, they need to “LIFT” (not pull) the reins upward along the line of the horses shoulder and then point with their thumb (if riding in one hand) or pinkie finger (if riding in two hands) in the direction desired. As the human “LOOKS and LIFTS” to cue a direction, they need to apply the opposite LEG to the horse in a squeezing motion with their calf. Here is an example of the how to use the “Three L’s”: If the human wishes to go to the right, they look to the right with their eyes, head and shoulders, lift the right rein (if in two hands) or both reins (if in one hand) along the line of the shoulder and point to the right as the squeeze the horse, using the calf muscle in the LEFT leg in a “toe in/heel out” position. By looking, lifting and using the leg in this manner the human can firmly and fairly request a movement that is clearly understood by the horse. Like all aspects of horsemanship, the Look, Lift and Leg approach takes feel, timing and experience. Once the human understands and applies the “Three L’s” approach they will find a new level of clarity, confidence and fun when in the saddle!
Goldie & the Cupid Shuffle! Check out our Line Dancing Harvest Weekend September 25th where Kids are Half Price. Rooms are filling up fast. For more information visit www.pineridgeduderanch.com @pineridgeduderanch
Goldie & the Cupid Shuffle! Check out our Line Dancing Harvest Weekend September 25th where Kids are Half Price. Rooms are filling up fast. For more information visit www.pineridgeduderanch.com @pineridgeduderanch