Horseback-riding lessons near South Austin? (West, Bandera: camps, live, property)

[Paulmmm]

My wife would like to take horseback-riding lessons in Austin. We just got back from a sort of "dude ranch" in Bandera, and she just loved riding. She's a novice and has maybe 10 hours under her ... um ... belt - all at a pretty slow, but enjoyable, pace. She doesn't have a horse; she just wants to be able to ride a horse at a nearby ranch - taught and led by a guide, of course. Does anyone know where in Austin (or as nearby South Austin as possible) she could do this?

Thanks a lot!

[TexasHorseLady]

Tell her to check out Bear Creek Stables in Manchaca (close enough that I worked there to support my horse habit, took lessons, and boarded my horses there and was out there daily when we lived walking distance to the Broken Spoke long, long ago). They've got group lessons, individual lessons, guided trail rides, lessons that are trail rides - she should be able to find something that will suit.

[Paulmmm]

That's great, TexasHorseLady. Thanks a lot. I'll give them a call soon to see what they have to offer and when. Thanks again!

[aaauger]

It's a little tricky to find. Be sure to get detailed instructions. Don't rely on the map on the website. But it's a neat place. There aren't too many places in Austin that you can find so many happy horses wandering freely.

[TerryDactyls]

I took lessons at Bear Creek when I moved to Texas. Surprisingly, it's one of the few that offers Western saddle lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons and all that I learned from the staff. I strongly recommend them.

[BubblingOver]

Did you hear about Red Horse Ranch and Imagine a Horse, also just outside of the southwest edge of Austin, Texas? Enter either of those phrases into a search engine, add Austin, Texas, and viola. They are together on the same ranch property, have lots of land, lots of horses, Western and English lessons, camps, boarding. Even trick horses, lessons, and training tapes. Enjoy.

Marci