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Why Advanced Horseback Riders Love C Lazy U

August 5, 2021

With 8,500 acres of untouched American West to roam, Advanced Horseback Riders have made C Lazy U Ranch a favorite vacation destination for exceptional horseback riders around the world. Led by our Director of Equestrian Operations, Ami Cullen, horseback riding at C Lazy U is one of the most special explorations our guests have ever experienced. 

Advanced Rides at C Lazy U

Our Advanced Horseback Riding program offers three choices to our guests:

  • The Advanced Ride
  • The Intermediate Ride
  • The Basic Ride Refresher

The Advanced Ride Program is for riders who likely own horses, know the “riding” lingo, and are on the trails between 3-4 times a week. C Lazy U has one of the most experienced horseback riding ranch staff in the country. Our staff is ready to meet our guests on the first full day following their arrival for an informal “interview.” Don’t worry – we just want to make sure we have all of the important information about each guest in order to match them with the right horse. Guests will be riding the same horse all week, so having that connection is key. 

To make sure our guests have been paired with the right horse at C Lazy U, the first ride might be a little slower, but once we see that visitors and horses are comfortable with one another, it’s time to “go!” And with 8,500 acres of trails to ride, our advanced riders are sure to have a memorable experience in one of the most majestic settings in the country. 

The Intermediate Ride at C Lazy U

The Intermediate Ride is for guests who perhaps rode as a child and may only horseback ride on vacation now. They are familiar with trotting, but wish to maintain a slower pace than the advanced ride, while at C Lazy U. We use the same trails as those on advanced rides and do six or seven shorter lopes. 

Whether our guests are Hunter Jumper riders or grew up doing Western Pleasure, relax knowing that one of our over 200 horses at the C Lazy U Ranch is just for you. 

The Basic Ride Refresher

If you grew up riding or had trotted or loped in the past, but want a little bit of instruction, the Basic Ride Refresher is for you. Ami and her experienced team offer a program that includes some coaching, along with trotting and cantering. They will also work to make sure your seating is correct. 

C Lazy U’s Basic Ride Refresher is also a good option for guests who are newer to horseback riding.  

group trotting with horses

Horsemanship at C Lazy U

For guests who are looking for something to do in addition to daily trail rides, C Lazy U Ranch offers horsemanship clinics. Horsemanship is the most important thing to us and we are always putting the horses’ best interest first. Part of horsemanship is knowing that our guests are riding well and riding comfortably. Our Horsemanship clinic is designed to improve people’s riding experience. When it comes time for C Lazy U guests to go home, we want to make sure that their horse is in a great place for the next rider. 

Ready to schedule your all-inclusive horseback riding ranch vacation? Contact us today

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Nothing connects you to the cowboy lifestyle quite like saddling up for the first time. You feel the smooth leather of the saddle, hear the creak of your boots in the stirrups, and sense the quiet strength of the majestic creature beneath you. Only at C Lazy U Ranch can you experience the authentic thrill…

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From the Horse's Mouth

I'm still blissed out after our weekend at the ranch. Philip and I have traveled all over the state and truly, it was one of the best trips we've ever had. Thanks so much for extending the experience to us. Although ranch stays are trending and there are so many options in Colorado, I don't think I really understood the allure until visiting for myself. For one, I'm so glad we went in the wintertime. In chatting with the staff (who were all fabulous — service was a big stand-out feature), I got the impression that January-March is a quiet season. But man, are people missing out. We saw so much wildlife, enjoyed guided experiences with such intimate groups, and had a level of privacy I've never come across at an all-inclusive resort. The activities were abundant, the facilities and rental gear were high quality, and the food! The wine pairing dinner was an unexpected surprise and again, so intimate and enjoyable. The whole experience was such a treat. Thank you again. High praise all around. There's really so much to love about the destination.

~ Abigail B., 01-24-2025

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