Frequently Asked Questions

How good a rider do I need to be?

We don't cater for 'experts', but our rides go deep into remote wilderness areas so you should be reasonably competent/confidant on a horse and comfortable in the wilderness environment. If you're not an expert rider, within a few days you'll be better than you thought, and you should improve.

What level of fitness do I need?

You don't need to be super-fit. Occasionally you'll ride into places you never dreamt of taking a horse and this sometimes warrants leading/traversing your mount over rough steep terrain. A general good level of fitness will make your trip more enjoyable. If you haven't ridden for a while try and prepare before you join one of our rides. Take a few improvement lessons.

What are the rides really like?

Our program is adventure/history, opposed to dude/fast-riding equine holidays. Forget resorts with jacuzzis, tennis, golf, satellite and luxury past-times. You'll be based on real rawhide ranches or out in the wilderness. It's an uncommercial experience. Beautiful, stark, captivating and unforgiving for those who can't deal with isolation. In the saddle 4-7 hours a day, maybe more, there's  opportunities to trot, canter and gallop but in the main, rides are slow to medium paced.

What pre-requisites are required or who joins an Outlaw Trail ride?

Anybody joins. You must want to embrace the wilderness and be comfortable around horses. You might be mildly interested in the Old West too. If you're happy with that and want to go for it - fine. If not, Outlaw Trails isn't for you. On some rides, once in the wilderness, we ride our way out, no going back - just like Butch and Sundance...

Can I go alone? 

Yep. Many rides take you out there, so you won't be sharing a room but bivvying down under the stars. Great! We welcome single travelers. Your common thread is the love of horses, the great outdoors and adventure.

How safe are the rides?

As safe they can be when you combine horses, humans and wilderness. Safety mainly depends on you and how you react. Remember horses and mules can be dangerous. Our outfitters/suppliers pride themselves on safety. It's of paramount importance we keep risks to a minimum. Wear a hard hat if you wish. You'll need to be fully insured too or you can't ride. Check Booking Conditions for notes pertaining behavior, riding risks and suitability. See Introduction page to whom we have outfitted.

Suitability for children?

Not really. Any exceptions? Maybe, if yours have grown up with horses because that's different. In the main, these rides aren't geared for kids. We know they want extra activities after riding and the wilderness doesn't provide that. If you're prepared to take a private charter, you can bring the kids along, and your Granny and your bad-tempered Uncle too. 

Partners who don't ride. 

These rides are about horses. We have little to offer non-riders. One or two rides we offer may be suitable because there's other activities available. Check in with us and we'll talk, but in the main Outlaw Trails set its stall to be very different. 

What's included - what's not?

Your riding experience includes: guides/wranglers, horses/mules, tack, meals, drinks (not of an alcoholic nature), necessary permits and transfers where noted. All flights, insurances, pre/post accommodation and car hire charges are extra.