The Mane Attraction
From the Summer 2025 Issue
Outfitters offer equine experience for young and old
A cowboy takes in a North Idaho sunset alongside his trusty mount at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Photo by Libby Schoonover.
There’s unbridled joy in every North Idaho summer, but why not “stirrup” even more fun by shouting “yee-haw!” from the back of a friendly steed?
With Jennifer Harvey and her business, Adventure Pony Rides, aspiring equestrians of all ages and experience levels can encounter horses in an environment tailored to first-timers.
“The learning curve is fast,” Harvey said. “The only crying kids on my horses are the ones who don’t want to get off.”
Located 20 minutes northeast of Sandpoint (specific directions are given upon booking), Adventure Pony Rides has been in the business of introducing people to the joys of horsemanship for more than a decade—but Harvey, a self-described lover of animals, has been at it much longer.
Miles of trails allow the rider to explore Schweitzer Mountain with Mountain Horse Adventures. Courtesy photo.
Aspiring riders can get their first taste of horsemanship at Adventure Pony Rides. Courtesy photos.
The experience begins with all ages of children and adults grooming their mount, helping to saddle up, and being fitted with a helmet. Those old enough get steering instruction. Harvey then hand-leads each rider over two courses: the first allows riders to navigate their horse over logs and under branches, while the second has terrain changes culminating in a steeper, exciting hill climb.
Harvey’s main clientele are children, but that’s not to say the adults aren’t included in the experience. Harvey is sure to coach parents along the way, showing them the best spots to take photos, and provides shaded seating for any family members not up to hiking along with the riders.
“People from all over the world visit Sandpoint and bring their kids to me,” she said. “Many come year after year. It’s great to watch them grow and offer them new riding experiences.”
On top of the opportunity to ride and brush ponies, Adventure Pony Rides is home to many friendly animals that riders can feed and interact with after their ride experience, including chickens, bunnies, guinea pigs, goats, a pig and more.
“Many people who do the hour ride experience stay for the petting zoo,” she said. “It’s very one-on-one, educational, and enjoyable for the whole family.”
(Learn more by calling 208-290-7423.)
Those hoping to gain a little altitude should seek out Mountain Horse Adventures, Schweitzer Mountain’s horseback riding outfitter. Owner Matt Smart has been at the reins for 18 years, but this business has been sharing panoramic scenery from the saddle for nearly three decades.
Mountain Horse Adventures’ corrals are located at the far side of Schweitzer’s village, past the last chairlift. From there, riders aged 10 and up will explore the mountain’s wide trails (used in the winter for cross-country skiing) and be treated to lake views, wildlife sightings and alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers.
Outings can be done in groups or in a more private setting, given adequate notice while reserving your ride over the phone or online.
Aspiring riders can get their first taste of horsemanship at Adventure Pony Rides. Courtesy photos.
Through it all, Smart said he couldn’t do it without Mountain Horse Adventures’ most steadfast employees—those of the equine variety, of course.
“They’re the most consistent staff,” Smart said of his horses.
As for anyone who might be skeptical that their horsemanship is up to the challenge of exploring Schweitzer, Smart said there’s an equestrian companion for any skill level at Mountain Horse Adventures, “from the timid to the experienced horseperson.
“We have a horse for you,” he said. “We hand-select a horse for every person. They are great at dealing with new people.”
(Learn more at www.mountainhorseadventures.com.)
Another option for those seeking a taste of the ranch hand lifestyle could be a stay at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, where an all-inclusive ranch stay includes horseback riding—rain or shine, thanks to a 70-by-150-foot indoor arena.
But when the weather allows, guests can choose from a wide variety of guided rides through the Cabinet Mountain foothills, including a day ride to Grouse Creek Falls to swim. Western Pleasure also offers the chance for aspiring cowboys to try their hand at moving cattle on this working ranch with a four-generation history at the site.
Apart from the all-inclusive stay experience, Western Pleasure owner Janice Schoonover said the ranch offers two-hour rides in the months of May and October ideal for locals (or even visitors) looking for an opportunity to view the Selle Valley on horseback.
Learn more at www.westernpleasureranch.com.
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