platte ranch riding stables

Three years ago during our mom and daughters' tri-annual "Girls Go West" trip we went horseback riding at Platte Ranch. We had such a wonderful time riding with our guide, Shawn, that we decided to ride again that same week. In late August, three years later, we again traveled to CO from the east coast and enjoyed a half-day ride at the Platte Ranch. We were so happy that Shawn was still there, as was my favorite horse, Cotton. Needless to say, we had another wonderful time. Shawn went above and beyond to insure that we were comfortable on our horses and were all having a good time. He made several stops during our ride to offer us water, ask if we wanted to put on or take off our jackets, and made it a point to stop at a scenic spot to take several pictures of us with our cameras and iPhones. In addition, Shawn was extremely patient with our various degrees of riding ability and was very informative, offering information about the herds of pronghorn deer and elk that we saw during our ride. We are already talking about our next trip, and Platte Ranch and Shawn will definitely be included in those plans. Thanks for another wonderful day! Carole, Donna & Cheryl

I went riding with the Platt Ranch folks this past weekend. Had a great time and all staff were very professional and educational about riding horses. I felt like John Wayne for a day! Open range riding, galloping across open fields chasing coyotes! I wanted to increase my knowledge for upcoming Elk hunting season and they spent a great deal of time during and after the ride answering my questions and teaching me about horse riding and handling. I will definitely be going back for future rides solo and with family and friends. They really do adhere to their motto "To greet as guests and leave as friends." Thanks Amy, Josh, Tigger, Mike and Wendy!

Four middle-aged (ouch!) women from Texas hit Colorado!! Our "Girls Week" began with an amazing ride at Platte Ranch. We were greeted by warm and friendly folks who immediately made us feel like we were right at home. Paperwork was done quickly and we were soon on our horses. Since no one else was scheduled at our time, we would be having our own private ride. We were briefed on horses' temperaments, the "dos/don'ts" while on a horse and what we could expect along the ride. This was not a "nose to tail" ride. However, our guys were always nearby. Tigger and Josh were EXCELLENT guides: great personalities, very knowledgeable about the area/history and were always keeping an eye on each of us. The scenery was magnificent (understatement). I honestly hated to see the ride come to an end. It had been several years since I had been on a horse and I was most certainly in my Happy Place! I would highly recommend Platte Ranch Riding Stables to be on your agenda when you are in the area. You will not be disappointed.

I own horses and ride. On vacation I am always afraid of ending up nose to tail for a boring ride! NOT HERE ! I felt like I was on a ride with friends. The non riders were put on good safe follow the pact horses. With my experience I was actually put on a horse the wranglers often ride. We had a small group of about 8 riders and three wranglers. We basically followed a course and about a third of the time I was lead horse just following a basic direction. At the top of the hill on the flat they asked if anyone wanted to open it up? I was the only one in our group but two wranglers joined me. They told me what to expect and made sure I was ready. Then we took off! My horse was quick ! Hit a moderate gallop but the horse followed cues as we slowed to a cantor..... Then we joined up with the group. Like I said this was a great ride with outstanding views friends and outstanding scenery! The ONLY place to ride in the Breckenridge / FairPlay area !

This year my family decided to take our annual family reunion to Breckenridge, CO. Among one of our favorite activities was horseback riding at Platte Ranch with the patient Alphabet, quick witted Tigger, friendly and informative Shawn, and the lovely Wendy and Kelsy. When we first arrived we were excitedly greeted by Batman, a most friendly and free spirited black lab ranch dog. Alphabet quickly introduced herself and immediately prepped us on our paperwork and began thoughtfully pairing our 14 person family with horses. I don't know how she did it after only knowing us for a few minutes, but everyone from our six year old, to our 72 year old was paired with a horse that matched their demeanor. Tigger did a wonderful job briefing us on our ride while keeping a light and fun heart. I was incredibly impressed by how all five of our guides continually assessed our comfort levels, abilities, and horse temperaments throughout our two hour ride. For example, our littlest of six years was too frightened to ride on his own, so Tigger and Alphabet calmly and adeptly improvised to pair my nephew with his father and switch to another horse. Also, my mother is entering the middle stages of Alzheimer's. Wendy and Alphabet were so kind, vigilant, and patient with her. Now, on to the ride! The Platte a Ranch is everything I had hoped for in a Colorado setting: stunning mountain views, bubbling brooks, gorgeous aspen groves, and green grass peppered with colorful wildflowers. The horses were calm and gentle, and our ride was relaxing. Each of our guides were so friendly, engaging us in conversation and answering our questions. We had such a wonderful time. Thank you, Platte Ranch!

Amy and her crew provided a priceless experience for our entire family. We arrived with three families with 7 kids ranging in age from 4-11. I rode double with my 4 year old and we both had an amazing time from trotting, to riding at our own pace with guides to crossing creeks, and enjoying the mountain scenery. All horses were in great shape and were very easy to ride with the kids. They do not overwork their horses and it shows. All our guides were wonderful and wanted to share their stories and info. Thanks guys for an amazing experience!

My husband and grandchildren (12 and 10) had a great horseback riding experience with the friendly and expert guides at Platte Ranch. Despite our inexperience and lack of confidence, they were very patient and provided clear instructions. The ranch is absolutely beautiful. Amy, Alphabet, Craig and the rest of the staff were terrific.

This fulfilled our perfect horseback riding fantasy... The mountains of Colorado, riding through lush pine groves and through shallow mountain streams. Guided by kindly knowledgeable and experienced riders. Ride across the Ancient Native American hunting grounds of the Ute people. Our band of eight (aged 17 to 74) all enjoyed this experience of a lifetime. A wholesome and peaceful visit which we will treasure forever!

The friendliest staff, great horses and a a fabulous location make this the best trail ride venue we know of.Amy who runs it is a powerhouse and keeps everything "ship shape" but also creates a very relaxed atmosphere.

We have been here several times over many years. This is a beautiful amazing place- not a nose to tail or side by side trailRide. This is real fun, riding for all levels. Our daughter who is a good rider got to gallop on the top of a Mesa- our son who never rides got to go slowly and see elk. It's a perfect experience- and great people!

Not a nose to tail ride. Very nice guides in beautiful surroundings. You can trot, gallop, run. One of the best horseback riding trip we took.

We arranged for the trail ride through the activities desk at Grand Lodge on Peak 7. It was at least a 40 minute drive through beautiful scenery and hairpin turns to get there. We had riders with varied experience in our group, including two terrified people who had never been on a horse before. The guides at the Platte Ranch made sure everyone was totally at ease before even leaving the corral. Our actual ride was at least two hours, and was simply amazing. Bring sunscreen and water as it is very dry & the sun was very hot!

Our Family of 8, mainly inexperienced riders, came to Platte based on a personal recommendation and of course TripAdvisor - we were not to be disappointed.The most difficult part of the day was actually finding the Ranch - our cellphone GPS didn't seem to like rural Fairplay too much - ensure you have directions before you head out !Amy met us and we filled out details of who we were and our levels of experience so we could be matched with horses.After ensuring that we'd be happy with the weather, even though it was changeable, we were each lead to our horses.We were saddled up and after a brief safety talk, we were riding !Whilst the horses obviously knew where to go, there was a nice element of picking your own position within the group - no nose to tail stuff here !Amy and Tigger and the rest of the crew were BRILLIANT and especially patient with the less horsey folks - we rode through streams, up and down hills and stopped for a great picture session with a mountain backdropNot being a horse person, I just 'came along for the ride' - I'm so glad I did - it was a blastThanks so much guys !

Great experience that provided knowledgeable and friendly guides. The ride included guiding our horses over a small creek to climbing a majestic hill that ended with a breathtaking view of the mountain range. Very professional and caring!Daughter became ill at the top of the hill because of altitude sickness. Shawn was awesome, got her from her horse and helped her to recover. He guided 3 horses down the hill, ripped a piece of cloth from his own shirt to use as a rag to cool her down and got her back on the horse to finish ride! Horses will picked carefully and matched perfectly with all the riders experience! There is not a better view for horseback riding or staff!!

We signed up for this at the recommendation of the activities desk at Grand Timber Lodge. It was about a 30 minute drive. We stopped in FairPlay at the Brown Burro for breakfast. When we arrived we were greeted by Tigger and Amy. They discussed our riding skills (minimal for both of us) so they could match us up with appropriate horses. After everyone saddled up we headed out on the ride. The horses basically knew the way, but we could spread out for a large portion of the ride, so it was not nose to tail for the entire ride, only when the trail was narrow.The horses were able to trot or gallop for a portion of the ride. My horse Rocky always wanted to lead the way so I could only see some of the other riders by turning around.We went up a hill to a large plateau, and saw some great views of the mountains, with Amy and Tigger pointing out mountain names and elevations.The horse ride was my wife's idea and I went along, although it would not be my first activity pick. Now after a great experience I would return here for a ride the next time we are in Breckinridge. Many thanks to Amy and Tigger for a great experience.