High Country Ranch Ride
If it’s horses you love, look to the Pine Ridge
People looking to ride the range and experience the ways of the Old West need look no further than the Pine Ridge region of northwest Nebraska.
The High Country Ranch Ride (HCRR) accommodates those who want to relive the Western tradition of traveling the country by horseback.
The trail ride spans about 25 miles on private land, and takes about three days to cross. Riders can expect to have horses cross streams and need horses that can tolerate rain slickers.
Jim Lees, with 25 years experience with the United States Forest Service that includes more than 10,000 wilderness miles on horseback in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska, is also the trail boss.
Riders will get a good feel of the Old West lifestyle through meals, entertainment and sleeping arrangements. All meals are provided.
Trail riders are treated to entertainment including cowboy poetry, storytelling, local history and homespun music in the evenings and while on the trail.
The ride isn’t completely “roughin’ it.” Each night, riders sleep in bunkhouse-style accommodations. Hot showers, towels and bedding are provided.
The first trail ride is scheduled for June 14-17. Another is scheduled for September 13-16. Other rides may be scheduled later or upon request.
Customers must furnish their own horses, tack, hay/ feed, personal overnight effects, rain gear and water bottle/ canteen.
For more information, go to HCRR’s Web site at www. nebraskahighcountry- ranchride.com.
Find out more:
For more information about Nebraska’s Oglala National Grasslands, call the Pine Ridge Ranger District office in Chadron at 308-432-4475.
For information about area camping opportunities, call the Nebraska National Forest office in Chadron at 308-432-0300.