Chaparral, in New Mexico, is mostly a desert area, just a few miles north of El Paso. There are miles and miles of rural riding areas in the region, suitable for both experienced and novice riders. Most of the local riding stables offer guided rides, lessons, endurance and training programs. Many have special boarding facilities, so you can bring your own horse. Some offer dressage, and other training, at an additional cost. You can choose from private or group lessons, and learn how to ride in the Western style.
Dressage and Cross Country Training
Miller Horse Farm is a 20-acre farm that has a full horse boarding service available. It has direct access to the desert, which can be useful if you are still training your horse. All stalls are fully covered and the horses are fed twice a day. There are resident trainers specializing in dressage and cross country training in two separate riding arenas. The stable offers individual packages which can include full board, lessons, guided riding trials in the area and group activities.
Boarding and Overnight Stays
G & K Stables in Chaparral also offer full board and overnight stays. Prices include two feedings daily, stall cleaning and 24-hour supervision. There are miles of open desert and mountains right on the doorstep. You can book one night, one week or longer. Rocking B Ranch is another boarding and breeding ranch offering three boarding programs from full care, to partial care of your horse.
Natural Horsemanship
Rocking B Ranch also runs natural horsemanship classes, and basic horsemanship classes for novices, with overnight stabling available. Natural Horsemanship is a way of teaching both horses, and riders, to trust, respect and communicate with each other. The idea is for the horse to understand, rather than be afraid of its rider.
Trail Riding
Two Sister's Stables offer overnight and short-term stabling, seven days a week, with trail riding and reasonable rates. Green Gait Stable is a family-run center offering horseback riding with both indoor and outdoor barns. They have facilities for 21 horses. Alxlive Farms, to the east of the town, also have boarding and riding lessons.
Western Style Riding Lessons
All the riding stables in Chaparral offer Western-style riding lessons, including trail riding, barrel racing, rodeo and pole bending. The Western style of riding differs from European or English style. Apart from long-slide reining, the horses are taught to move at different paces, called a jog and a lope. These are a shorter stride than the more traditional trot and canter. A Western saddle has a horn, or pommel, at the front to carry a rope for the rider to lasso the cattle.
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