Bar W Equine Activities
All-Inclusive Guest Experiences
(Day Visitors see Public Ranch Activities)
At Bar W Guest Ranch, our equine experiences are designed to welcome every guest into the heart of ranch life. Whether you are a seasoned rider or stepping into the saddle for the first time, our riding and non-riding horsemanship programs are thoughtfully tailored to your comfort level, goals, and sense of adventure. From scenic trail rides to hands on groundwork and connection-based learning, each experience is personalized to create confidence, joy, and an authentic connection with our horses and the Montana landscape.
Riding Activities
Horse Orientation
Required for all guests riding at the ranch. Our Monday morning’s begin with a horse safety briefing and riding demonstration, before guests mount up. Afterward, riders will spend 30–45 minutes demonstrating their riding abilities. This is also when experienced riders may complete their trotting and loping assessment.
Equine Activity
Monday afternoon our experienced wranglers provide instruction tailored to each rider’s ability. Guests will focus on building confidence, control and communication with a horse. Activity is grouped into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, based on each rider’s assessment.
Horsemanship Skill Activity
A riding-based session focused on developing control, precision, and communication with your horse. Participate in fun and challenging exercises inside one of our outdoor arenas, such as pole bending, keyhole and other mounted activities designed to enhance your partnership and skill.
Trail Rides
Saddle up and explore the beautiful, forested trails of Spencer Mountain surrounding the ranch. Our trail rides are an approximate 2-hour experience and are offered multiple times throughout the week.
Team Penning
Learn the fundamentals of moving cattle from horseback in one of our outdoor arenas, then work in small teams to herd cattle into a catch pen. Each rider participates at a skill level that suits them, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, horsemanship and safety.
Pairs and Simon Says
A fun, interactive riding session in the arena!
- Pairs: Work with a partner to follow wrangler-led challenges and commands.
- Simon Says: Test your individual riding skills and responsiveness in a playful, engaging way.
Swisher Lake Ride (Swisher Package)
Located about 1.5 hours away near Eureka, MT, this ride departs by shuttle to the Swisher Lake Equestrian Trailhead located in the Kootenai National Forest. Enjoy riding through stunning Montana scenery — from mountain ranges to lakes — and even alongside a portion of the U.S.–Canadian border. During this approximate 3-hour adventure, we will also be stopping midway to enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic overlook featuring mountain views and Lake Koocanusa.
* All Day Adventure
Cliff Lake Ride (Swisher Package)
A short 15-minute drive brings guests to the trailhead for this approximate 2.5-hour adventure. Ride through lush forest and pass by grassy meadows, one with a tranquil pond and one featuring Cliff Lake. You will also experience a mix of wide logging roads and narrow mountain trails leading to a scenic overlook. It’s a wonderful blend of beauty and variety for riders of all levels.
Cattle Drive Day (Swisher Package)
Take a tour of the ranch in one of our horse drawn wagons. Our wagons are pulled by our team of big draft horses. Each of our two wagons holds about 20 adults, so if both wagons are full, our teamsters will take the wagons around a second time for those that missed the first trip!
Guests will shuttle for 45 minutes from the Bar W to the starting point, where the day is split into two parts.
- Morning: A scenic trail ride through pastures, forests, and creek crossings, while learning from wranglers how to move and handle cattle.
- Afternoon: After a packed lunch by the creek, saddle up again to round up and drive the herd to their new pasture. It’s a true taste of cowboy life and one of our most memorable experiences
NOTE: Bar W's weight limit for horseback riding is 225 pounds.