Montana by Horseback

There are countless ways to enjoy the rugged beauty of Montana’s wilderness, but none can re-create the visceral experience of a trail ride on horseback.  A cornucopia of sights, sounds and smells envelop a rider as they travel seldom-visited paths, kicking up dust behind them. Sage releases its aromatic goodness into the air as hooves trod across it, mixing with the sharp scent of conifers and unsoiled air. During one of these journeys, a much more diverse cross-section of wildlife is likely to make appearance, as a horse makes much less threatening sounds than an internal combustion engine. Exploring the wild in its most raw state is an unbelievably enjoyable activity for anyone. A horseback ride across Montana is a transformative experience.

Many styles of horseback tour exist, from the lax and meandering to the just-escaped-with-your-life adventure. Rides can be as short as an hour-long jaunt, to weeks-long adventures involving packhorses, tents, found food, nights spent under the stars, and innumerable miles covered. Some Montanans use horses as implements for work, and some strictly for fun. It’s not necessary to be an old hand or a rancher to enjoy a horseback tour; there are many talented guides waiting to share their love of the wilderness with the public.

One important aspect of a horseback tour is the type of horse it is taken on. Just as there are many models of cars, each with their own specific characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses, there are many different horse breeds with their own associated abilities. Each breed of horse compliments a different riding style. Quarter horses are great for ripping up a steep grade at a pace bordering insanity, but tend to wear out on long distance rides, and can’t carry a huge amount of weight. Draft horses are strong enough to tear the rear axle off a truck, but will not be winning any barrel racing competitions.

No matter what style of Montana horse or horseback tour sounds most appetizing, there’s a lifelong memory waiting at the end. The only bad ride was the one not taken.