Travel with Our Horses

To use a Painted Bar Stables there is an expectation that you not only will be a regular rider at our stables able to demonstrate riding skills required for such a trek, but regularly ride the specific horse (and a back up horse) on a regular basis in order to make sure that you are familiar with that horse.
The reason we require this is that we don’t want to get far from home and have people (or horses) be frustrated or over their heads with a new relationship. Additionally, just because you can ride doesn’t mean you know your horse. Knowing what’s normal helps to prevent veterinary injury, metabolic issues, reduce drama riding in group settings, and increase confidence and safety when dealing with the expected and unexpected.

Lesson and Riding Requirements

Right now our policy is that people need to practice on the horse they are taking for a minimum of 4 weeks in lessons before the trip. Lessons will include a mix of riding on trail and in the arena.

Additionally, anyone riding a Painted Bar Stables horse must participate in at least one group 2 Hour Ride or Distance Riding Coaching Session with their horse to learn how their horse behaves and understand herd dynamic expectations for the trip.
Leasing Memberships

A free leasing membership for one month for use on the 1º and 2º horse is included in the price for the trip. This program allows riders to ride independently on their own both in the arena and on trails as approved by staff. However, to be able to take advantage of membership rides students must have taken a private lesson to get this approval to join the program.

Expectations for Riders

You are expected to know what is normal for your horse in order to help to prevent veterinary injury, metabolic issues, reduce drama riding in group settings, and increase confidence and safety when dealing with the expected and unexpected.

All riders are expected to have the following skills: 

  • Able to ride 15+ miles per day 
  • Trotting for extended distances 
  • Cantering easily
  • Mount from the ground unassisted or with a simple leg up
  • Tying quick release knots
  • Tacking horses unassisted
  • Personal Liability Insurance for actions by yourself or your mount.

Expectations during the trip:

All riders are expected to have a basic level of independence for self care and horse care.

  • Feed their mount pre-portioned grain twice daily
  • Provide horse a constant source of hay in designated areas or hay nets
  • Keep water buckets for their horse at a consistent level. This may include hauling and carrying water buckets.
  • Groom horse daily, including picking feet before and after every ride and checking for loose shoes

Endurance Race Requirements

To use a Painted Bar Stables horse in a competitive Endurance event it will be assumed that the rider not only knows their horse and is capable of riding the distance but that they also understand the rules, logistics and protocols of participating in an Endurance Race. Additional they will be expected to understand basic health issues, especially those that can be exacerbated while riding in an endurance race. As a result, we require:

  • Must Participate in 8 Weekly Riding Lessons prior to competition, 5 of which on your assigned horse
  • Must Ride one of the Designated “Spare Horses” in order to make sure you have an alternate horse in case your horse comes up lame.
  • Must have Participated in a mandatory Vetting Curriculum:
    • Attend mandatory Vetting Class Series, missing no more than 2 classes
    • Distance Riding Camp
    • Approval by Staff on Veterinary Knowledge and Skills
  • Must choose one of the following plans: 
    1. Riders planning to ride without an escort must maintain a membership for at least 4 weeks prior to their race in which they can ride 2 hours per week independently in order to be fit and ready for their race.
      • Riding Membership is included in the cost of most Endurance Travel Trips, unlike the recreational EquiTravel trips.
    2. Riders planning to ride with an escort from Painted Bar Stables Staff must take at least 3 distance riding classes a month before their race. At least 2 of those classes must be with the staff member that will be their escort on the race.