Equestrian Lodge 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. Riding Clinic Guest Ranch Family Vacation Riding with fishing options Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Ranch near Bandera Airport:   San Antonio International Airport (SAT) Transfer: -- Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: $96  

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Arrival can be any day of the week

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.

                                            Bandera area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	63	67	75	81	86	92	95	96	90	82	72	65
Average Low Temperature (°F)	34	38	46	53	62	68	70	69	65	55	44	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	17	20	24	27	30	34	35	36	32	28	22	18
Average Low Temperature (°C)	1	3	8	12	17	20	21	21	18	13	7	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	5	4	6	5	4	3	5	5	4	4

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The weather is fairly mild year-around. Rain is more common in the springtime.

The best time to visit is in Spring and Fall with the weather typically resting between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius (70 to 80°F). Abundant wildflowers dot the countryside in the Spring, (dependent upon rainfall), while Fall color decorates the hills and canyons by late October or November.

Summer is usually hot with high humidity.
Winter weather is generally temperate, full of crisp days perfect for outdoor activities.

 

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date cheryl francis 12/22/2009 karen goslin 11/26/2002

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.

Tack:		English or Western
Horses:		American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas & Paints
Pace:		level of client, walk trot, canter 2 hours riding per riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(1 to 5 out of 5)    All riding levels
Age:		Min 5	Max 75
Weight:		Max 225 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 1	Max 4

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.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).

Passport Note

(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.

(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.

(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).



The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.

ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

 

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:

1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.

Visa Note

(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.

Validity

Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.

Applications to:

Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).

Working Days Required

Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/2
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes