Winter horseback riding at C Lazy U Ranch offers a magical, gentler way to connect with our Rocky Mountain landscape. From November through April, rides move at a walk-only pace—prioritizing safety, horse welfare, and snowy footing—on our two maintained trail areas. Shorter outings (45 minutes to 1.5 hours) let you soak in the winter wonder without the summer hustle.
Outdoor Horseback Riding
At the ranch, horse and rider safety always comes first. That’s why we maintain two dedicated trail areas, carefully packed down for reliable footing.
To ensure confident steps through snow, we outfit our select winter horses—about 50 beginner-friendly mounts from our 200+ herd—with special cleated shoes for superior traction, much like cleats on soccer or football boots grip the field. Rides stay at a walk-only pace, nose-to-tail, matching the least experienced horse and rider.
Once you’re on your horse, take in the dazzling snowfall and winter wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may see a herd of elk, a moose, or a scampering fox. A soft blanket of snow creates amazing snow and ice formations you won’t see anywhere else, and you’ll be surprised at how many footprints you may be able to spot.
Trail rides may be canceled in high winds or extreme cold—though Colorado’s abundant sunshine keeps this rare.
What To Wear For Winter Horseback Riding
Stay cozy on your winter ride with Colorado sunshine, your horse’s natural warmth, and the right winter gear. To get you started, here are some of the essentials you’ll need to keep yourself warm: long underwear under jeans or snow pants, pack or snow boots with a heel (no flat sneakers or standard snow boots), plus gloves, hat, and scarf.
We’ll see you soon on the ranch!
