Howdy there! So, you wanna know about ridin’ horses ’round Flathead Lake, huh? Well, lemme tell ya, it’s somethin’ special. Not like them city folk ridin’ in circles. This here’s the real deal, where you can feel the wind in your hair and the horse’s power beneath ya.
Horseback riding Flathead Lake ain’t just about sittin’ on a horse, ya know. It’s about connectin’ with nature, seein’ things ya wouldn’t see from no car, and feelin’ alive. I ain’t no spring chicken, but get me on a horse, and I feel young again, I tell ya.
- Findin’ a good horse: Now, you gotta find yourself a good horse. Not some skinny, swaybacked thing. You want one with strong legs and a good eye. The folks ’round here, they got good horses. Places like Western Trails, Montana Horse Works, Swan Mountain Outfitters, and Bear Creek Ranch, they all got horses you can ride.
- Best time to ride: Fall, that’s the best time. Not too hot, not too cold, and the horses, they got a bit more pep in their step. Summer’s alright too, but sometimes it gets too darn hot, and the flies, they’ll pester you somethin’ fierce.
I remember this one time, me and my ol’ man, we went ridin’ up near the Swan Mountains. Beautiful country up there, all trees and mountains and such. We were ridin’ along, and a deer jumped out right in front of us. My horse, he shied a bit, but I held on tight. My ol’ man, he just laughed. Said I was a natural.

Guided rides are a good way to go, especially if you ain’t familiar with the area. Them guides, they know the trails like the back of their hand. They’ll take you to the best spots, and they’ll make sure you don’t get lost. And they’ll tell you all sorts of stories about the area, about the old days and such.
But if you’re feelin’ adventurous, you can go on your own, too. Just get yourself a map, and be sure to tell someone where you’re goin’. And don’t forget to bring water and snacks, for you and your horse. It can be a long day out there, ridin’ through them mountains.
Flathead Lake horseback riding is somethin’ everyone should try. It don’t matter if you’re young or old, experienced or not. There’s a horse and a trail for everyone. You just gotta find it. And when you do, you’ll understand why I love it so much.
I seen folks come here from all over, just to ride horses ’round Flathead Lake. City folk, mostly. They come lookin’ for somethin’ different, somethin’ real. And they find it here, ridin’ through the woods and mountains. They find a connection to somethin’ bigger than themselves.
Some folks like them fast rides, gallopin’ through the fields. Me, I prefer a slower pace. I like to take my time, enjoy the scenery, listen to the birds singin’. It’s peaceful, ya know? It’s a good way to clear your head and forget about your troubles.
Western Trails Horseback Riding, Montana Horse Works, Swan Mountain Outfitters, Bear Creek Ranch, and even Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, they all offer different kinds of rides. Some are short, just an hour or two. Others are all-day adventures. And some even do overnight pack trips, where you camp out under the stars. Now that’s somethin’ special.
So, if you’re ever in the Flathead Lake area, and you’re lookin’ for somethin’ to do, go horseback ridin’. You won’t regret it. It’s a way to experience the real Montana, the way it was meant to be seen. On horseback, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. Just like the old days. It’s the best way to see what Mother Nature has to offer, that’s what they say.
And don’t be scared if you ain’t never ridden before. The folks ’round here, they’ll take good care of you. They’ll teach you how to ride, and they’ll make sure you have a good time. So, go on, give it a try. You might just find yourself fallin’ in love with horseback riding, just like I did, all them years ago.
Remember to look for the best horseback riding adventures in Flathead Lake. You can find guides and tours to suit any need. Fall is the prime time because horses are more energetic then.