Equestrian Lodge

Introduction
Texas USA
Located in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country near Bandera, the Equestrian Lodge offers first-class accommodations and quality horseback riding - hacking or clinics!
The lodge lies on the northeast boundary of the Hill Country State Natural Area - a 5,400 acre primitive area, which boasts two live streams and 35 plus miles of riding and hiking trails. An ideal place for horseback riders as well as a peaceful retreat for bird-watchers and nature-lovers of all types. Guests of all ages and skill levels will find the Lodge's specialized horseback riding program rewarding. Unlike many guest ranches, the Lodge's horses are not de-sensitized "dude string" horses, but rather gentle, responsive mounts. Group rides are kept small- no more than 5 riders- to allow guests to ride according to the group's skill level. Less experienced riders are tutored before and during the rides, making it a rewarding learning experience. Skilled riders will appreciate the lodge's well-trained and athletic mounts. The Equestrian Lodge features daily trail rides and specialized instructions in its equestrian facilities - offering private and group instruction to it's guests, in such disciplines as Western Horsemanship, English Equitation, Reining, Cutting, Dressage, and Combined Training.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride where all nights are spent at the same location.

Description
You will sleep in authentic pioneer-style cabins, built of limestone and cedar, which provide guests with comfort and sanctuary from the rigors of modern-day life. Strategically nestled among the oaks in the valley, and perched among the junipers along the hillsides, each accommodation welcomes guests with oak floors, central air and heat, and abundant wood-sash windows and spacious porches from which to take in views of the surrounding countryside and wildlife.
When you're ready to take it easy, slip off to the Cowboy Cool Pool, or the Jacuzzi Under the Stars, or schedule yourself a massage, facial, or other spa service in the privacy of your accommodation. Or simply sit and watch the horses graze from the porch of your very own cabin or suite, read by your fireplace, or count the stars as you sit by a glowing campfire.
All accommodations have a fire ring and outdoor seating area, with firewood provided for evening campfires. All accommodations are non-smoking, except for the exterior front porches.
Pets are permitted only with the prior permission of the owners, and in accordance with the rules of the ranch's pet policy, available upon request.
WIFI is available at the office and dining room. Laundry is available at no extra cost.

Room Options



Suites (1 pax)
Our suites consist of a bedroom with queen bed, sunroom, kitchenette, and bathroom with tub/ shower combination.  A spacious front porch is shared with the suite next door. No interior space is shared (bathrooms are private).

Cabins (2+ pax)
Each of our private cabins has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living/ kitchen/ dining area with floor to ceiling limestone fireplace, and a spacious front porch. The entire cabin is reserved for a single party.

Room Occupancy
No single supplement fee.



Meals
All meals are included from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on the last day.

Please have dinner on your way in as the kitchen is closed on Sundays.

The packages include breakfast foods, stocked in your accommodation.
Breakfast is in-room, with breakfast foods amply stocked in the fully equipped kitchen of each accommodation, for guests to enjoy at their leisure.

 Meals feature fresh, home-cooked dishes mixing the casual gourmet and traditional Texas style of cuisine.

Beer and/ or wine are included with dinner but guests are also welcome to bring their own alcohol if they want.

Dietary Restrictions
If you have special dietary requests, please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding Level
Guests of all ages and skill levels will find the Lodge's specialized horseback riding program rewarding. Less experienced riders are tutored before and during the rides, making it a rewarding learning experience. Skilled riders will appreciate the lodge's well-trained and athletic mounts. Each guest usually rides the same horse throughout their stay, and everyone is invited to help with grooming, feeding, and care of the horses. The Lodge's excellent horseback riding program makes equestrian activities a favorite pastime. Guests may take lessons, clinics, or private guided rides on the lodge's well-trained horses, or bring their own horses and ride at will through the hills, canyons, and streams of the ranch and the adjoining state park.
* weight limit for jumping lessons is 180 lbs

Pace
The ranch holiday package includes a leisure trail ride of 2 hours per day (not including arrival and departure days). Alternatively you can chose 1 instruction session in trade for the 2 hrs of trail (on availability only, so best to order in advance).
Multi-day Private Cutting and Roping Clinics are now available by reservation. This is a fabulous opportunity to receive private instruction, and lots of time with the cattle while enjoying a great vacation! Reservations in advance are required.

Horses
Unlike many guest ranches, the Lodge's horses are not de-sensitized "dude string" horses, but rather gentle, responsive mounts.
We’re proud of our horses! And no wonder! Every individual in our herd has been selected for his or her beauty, athleticism, training, and disposition. And that makes your riding experience here one you will find no place else. From show records to pedigrees, to exceptional versatility, every one of them has something very special to offer its lucky rider. And you needn’t worry that this is a “bait and switch” routine. These are the actual horses on whom our guests take their lessons or clinics and enjoy their rides

Non Riders
Non-riders are welcome on this trip and can take part in many non-riding activities such as fossil hunting, hiking or birding. In addition, many activities can be done in the area nearby such as cycling, golfing and fishing.

Itinerary


The Lodge's riding program is superior, with appropriate mounts for riders of all skill levels:
- Experienced riders will appreciate the Lodge's well-bred Quarter Horses which have been individually selected for their excellent dispositions, responsiveness, beauty, and athleticism.
- Beginners will appreciate the brief instruction given before and during each ride, so that they, too may learn to feel and connect with their horse.

Group rides are small and caringly lead by knowledgeable guides at a pace appropriate to each group. Riders experience a wide variety of terrain, and trail routes change each day.
You may take lessons, clinics, or private guided rides on the lodge's well-trained horses, or bring your own horses and ride at will through the hills, canyons, and streams of the ranch and the adjoining state park. Private lessons are always available for riders of all ages 7 and over. While we do not offer a separate children's program, families find this the perfect place to spend quality time together.

When you're ready to take it easy, slip off to the Cowboy Cool Pool, or the Jacuzzi Under the Stars, or schedule yourself a massage, facial, or other spa service in the privacy of your accommodation. Or simply sit and watch the horses graze from the porch of your very own cabin or suite, read by your fireplace, or count the stars as you sit by a glowing campfire. 



Non-Riding Activities
For your hours out-of-the-saddle, hiking, biking, birding, and wildlife watching are great ways to pass the time. Feel free to hunt fossils on the ranch, or fish in its stocked watering hole. Golf is available nearby, as is swimming, tubing, and kayaking in the spring-fed waters of the Medina River. The legendary town of Bandera, which marked the beginning of the Great Western Cattle Trail in the mid-1800's, offers a historical driving tour, shopping, dining, and Western-style night life. Colorful weekly rodeos take place from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. The historic towns of Comfort and Fredericksburg offer a glimpse into German Pioneer Culture and History, and ample antiquing within an hour's drive. San Antonio, with its famous 18th and 19th century Spanish Missions, River Walk, the Alamo, Sea World, and Fiesta Texas are also about an hour away.

Non-riding activities included in the package:
- Swimming in the non-heated pool and use of the hot tub
- Fossil hunting
- Hiking
- Birding
- Star-gazing

Non-riding activities with extra charges:
- Bike rentals
- Fishing (seasonal) for $50 per day.
- Tubing and/ or kayaking (seasonal) for about $25 per person for a 2 to 3 hours.
- Golfing for $36 weekdays or $45 weekends including a cart. Clubs are available to lend.

We recommend non-riders to rent a car so that they can go explore the area. There is a second beautiful state park 25 miles from the ranch which also has ample hiking, in addition to the one next door to the ranch.

Rates and Dates for Equestrian Lodge

Dates Note: Arrival can be any day of the week

Other Info
Meeting: Ranch near Bandera
Airport: San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
Transfer: --

Climate:
                                            Bandera area