Wilson Ranches Retreat offers our guests a unique opportunity to go horseback riding in Oregon. Immerse yourself on our authentic working cattle ranch by joining the Wilson family on a scenic horseback ride, cattle drive, pasture move, riding for strays or checking fence lines as the Wilson family done has for seven generations.
Fossil, Oregon
Horseback Riding in Oregon
An Authentic Riding Experience
Unrivaled Natural Beauty
Wilson Ranches Retreat is in a geologically and historically rich area of Wheeler County. As you ride the high desert hills of Eastern Oregon your senses will be awakened by the breathtaking views and big-sky horizons in all directions. Look up as there may be a red-tailed hawk flying over or a great horned owl looking down from the aspen above. Rein your horse in a cattle trail or blaze your own as you weave through the juniper trees and sagebrush.
Where the West Comes Alive
A ranch ride offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing and seeing nature unfold with bunch grass valleys and hillsides blanketed in wildflowers in the late spring and through the summer. The quarter horses are incredibly sure footed and apt in the rocky terrain on Wilson Ranches. Ride through the history of the Old West where the early homesteaders and the Wilson family have carved out their lives on the trails you will ride.
Saddle Up for Adventure
Gear Up
Varied sizes of cowboy boots, cowboy hats and saddle bags available for your ride.
Saddle Up
The ranch quarter horses are ideal for both experienced and beginner riders.
Little Buckaroos
Children ages six and older may participate in scenic ranch rides. Available Mar-Nov.
HORSEBACK RIDING PACKAGES
Our guided riding packages are tailored to meet the needs of every level of rider. Join us for one to several hours in the saddle exploring the high desert hills and our surrounding area. For a richer experience, our half-day and full-day ranch rides provide full immersion into the life of a working cattle rancher.
Horseback Riding Policies
- Wilson Ranches Retreat wrangler(s) accompany guests on all rides
- All riders must be able to demonstrate their ability to safely and consistently rein their horse
- For rider safety and the health of our horses we do not allow double riding
- To stay seated in your saddle, no alcohol consumption is allowed prior to/or during a ride
- To ensure your ride does not turn into a range firefighting experience, there is no smoking permitted
- For your safety, the maximum weight allowance for riders is 225 lbs
- As a family operation we rarely have enough hands to return a fatigued or uncomfortable rider to the corral. Should you be joining a cattle drive or large group, please be discerning with your ability to ride long distances and be in inclement weather
- Rides may be cancelled due to weather or any other unsafe conditions (thunderstorms)
- Should we have any extreme temperatures the rides will be directly after breakfast or in the evening
- All activities subject to safe and appropriate weather conditions
- As a working cattle and hay ranch we occasionally have scheduling changes due to unforeseen circumstances
- For your safety and the safety of others, DO NOT go near the horses when they are tied up to the fences at the corral
- For your safety and the safety of others, DO NOT get on or off your horse without an employee of Wilson Ranches Retreat, LLC or Wilson Ranches H&H, LLC holding your horse
Under Oregon Law, ORS 30.687 to 30.697, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
Cancellations must be received for morning rides by 6 pm on the day of arrival. Evening rides need to be cancelled by 10 am. If notice is not provided, then the guest is responsible for the cost of their ride.
