Riding horses is the highlight of a ranch holiday and we have a beautiful, well-loved and well-trained herd available to suit your experience. Our horses come in all shapes, sizes, ages, colors and temperaments. We have Quarter horses, Arabs, Appaloosas, Standard Breds, Morgans, Paints, Thoroughbreds and some mixed breed, all-around great saddle horses. You'll be treated to your own horse for the duration of your stay, with extra care taken in giving you a mount that matches your abilities and personality.

You and your horse will be spending a lot of time together while you're at the ranch. The best way to get to know your new pal, other than spending hours in the saddle, is to take part in the daily care of the animal. You'll be taught basic horse care and how to saddle your own horse each morning. Right after breakfast and when you return to the barn at day's end, you can groom your mare or gelding. Most people catch on right away and especially enjoy this opportunity to feel at one with their horse.

Spend your first day learning the lay of the land. Natural western horsemanship and wilderness tips will be the main agenda. After that you can ride as little or as much as you like for the rest of your stay - on miles of trails that meander out from the ranch through 80,000 acres of pristine rangeland. Pine laden paths lead through sun dappled aspen groves, old growth forests that stand in silent splendor and enchanting wild flower meadows. Explore a hidden river canyon, search through an old homestead, check on the ranch cattle, or meditate in the quiet serenity of a secluded, backcountry lake.

One of Siwash’s most famous features is that after some introductory riding with a guide, and by demonstrating a basic understanding of the wilderness setting, accomplished riders may ride on their own if they choose. Otherwise, a guide is always available for small group rides (maximum 6 guests) where the route and duration of ride will be in accordance with guests' wishes — with no boring nose-to-tail rides!

All guests will have the pleasure of personal riding and outdoors instruction, and first-time riders and those with less experience will be encouraged to progress at their own pace. They as well, might soon find the freedom to ride without a guide. All guests are welcome to practice walking, trotting and loping (cantering) their horses.

You can have a private day exploring on your own or come along on one of our special guided trips - ride down to the Bonaparte river for swimming, climb our favorite mountain bluff for a spectacular, panoramic view of the entire range, or traverse a deep canyon to enjoy the breathe-taking scenery of Crater Lake and its accompanying waterfalls.

Riders are welcome to take a break at any time. Spread out on a sunny knoll and delight in the honeyed scent of clover - carried on a breeze so soft, it caresses your skin. Nature's symphony is all around. Hear the call of a loon, the howl of a coyote, or the gentle hum of gossamer-winged dragon flies buzzing by. A delicious picnic lunch will be tucked into your saddlebags if you choose to roam the range all day. On cooler spring and fall days, we'll often stop along the trail and build a campfire at lunch time.