“The best way to see the mountain wilderness is by horseback”. ~John “Jeremiah” Johnson
Harmesl Stables are Closed for the Season. See you in May of 2025
We are proud to offer Harmels horseback riding. Our riding program is based on developing your riding skills. We do this by separating our guests by age and riding skill whenever possible, then matching them up with one of our experienced horses. Each day we offer six regularly scheduled rides organized by skill level; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Our rides vary in length; one hour, two hour, half-day or all-day. Horsemanship lessons are also available.
Every trail ride is through the magnificent and rugged Taylor Canyon and into the Fossil Ridge Wilderness area on some of the same trails used over one hundred years ago by the original pioneers and of course the local wildlife.
At Harmels there is a mount to suit everyone from children seven years old to the most experienced rider. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced trail rides leave Harmels three times per day – every day throughout the summer. From horseback riding lessons to wilderness rides, Harmels has it all!
Every afternoon we offer horsemanship riding lessons in our corral area. We can take riders as young as 7 years old. These lessons are provided to find out about your skill level and to help you improve your confidence and riding skills. Whether you are a community member looking for a weekly lesson or you are a first-timer looking to experience Colorado with one of our horseback riding vacation packages, one of our professional wranglers will guide you through a thorough training program designed to make you more comfortable with horses. Don’t think lessons are just for beginners; these can help out even the most seasoned rider!
Each day guests may work at the stables as a Junior Wrangler. They will learn how to halter, brush, feed, saddle, and care for horses. And they will have the opportunity to ride on the trails as an assistant guide or take a lesson. Guests eight years and older are welcome to join the Junior Wrangler Program. The day begins in the morning at 9:00am at the stables with the wranglers, where the daily assignments are discussed. This is a wonderful program for guests interested in gaining hands on experience with horses and stable etiquette.
For children 5 and 6 years we offer 45 min lessons to help build riding skills and confidence. For safety reasons Harmels does not permit riders under the age of 7 on the trails, and we do not ride double.
Bode Mckee has been with Harmels since 2002. He, his wife, Gaelan, and their two children are the head of the Harmels stables.
They purchased Lost Miner Ranch in Gunnison, which allowed them to have winter pasture, and then bought the horses from the previous owners of Harmels. This led them to start McKee Equine in 2017.
Hearing each and every guest’s and employee’s stories over the last 20 years has been one of Bode’s favorite parts of the job. And most of all, the wonderful horses over the years that I have been privileged to take care of.
**To book your ride, please call Bode directly at (970) 901-5710**
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