Our Horse Culture, Horsemanship

Horses & People

Relationships between horses and people are at their best when they trust the other. Trust is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. This is the underlying philosophy of our horse culture at The Hideout at Flitner Ranch.

Our Horse Culture

We aim to achieve trust between horses and humans in all dealings. Whether its the Low Impact Training Methods we employ, how we coach guests abut riding and match them up with a horse, or the mutual respect in which guests and the horses are handled during the day's activities.

Matching Horse & Rider

Due to the nature of their job and their extensive experience working with horses and people, The Hideout wranglers have become experts in matching people and horses for an enjoyable ride.

Every week, year after year, when a fresh batch of guests visit The Hideout, our wranglers carefully consider which horse would best match the riding experience and personality of each guest to allow the ultimate equestrian experience. During your stay you might find yourself trying out a couple horses to find your best match.

Work as Partners

The Hideout is unique in the amount of cattle work we offer, and the horses in the guest string are contributing in the daily work of the ranch. In addition to this, they are fun and safe trail/recreational mounts.

Although at least one of our wranglers accompanies guests when they ride, this is not a dull nose-to-tail dude ride by any means. Guests at The Hideout get to polish their riding skills as the week goes along. Herding cattle is an excellent way to learn to work with the horse you are on.

Mutual Trust & Respect

Our wranglers will brief you well on handling your Hideout horse, so there can be trust between you and the horse. For this is the underlying philosophy of our horse culture: trust between horse and rider is key to having an enjoyable ride together. We aim to achieve trust between horses and humans in all dealings. Whether its the Low Impact Training Methods we employ, how we advise guests and match them up with a horse, or the mutual respect in which they are handled in the day's work.

Our Horses

Quarter horses and other stock breed horses make up The Hideout guest string. The Hideout guest string usually includes a couple Flitner-bred registered QHs from Greg and Pam Flitner's breeding program.

All are well-broke and reliable working ranch horses that can handle our diverse terrain that ranges in elevation from 4,100 to 8,600 feet. They are gentle and calm. And we have horses that are suitable for all levels of riders, from beginner, intermediate, up through advanced.

See, Our Horses webpage for more detail about our Hideout guest string.

Renewable Resource

This year we added 15 new horses as some of the older Hideout horses were purchased by Hideout guests. These seasoned guest string horses make excellent recreational partners in areas with not so challenging terrain.

If you are interested in buying your favorite Hideout horse, get ahold of Bill Schwarz.

Weekly Horsemanship Sessions

Monday morning is dedicated to a Western Riding and Horsemanship orientation that is mandatory for all of our first-time guests. Returning guests, especially those still in beginner or intermediate stages, even experienced riders are encouraged to attend orientation as a refresher. It's the best way to get to know your horse and make sure your saddle is comfortable before we all head out on the trail.

We take absolute pride in not being a nose-to-tail riding outfit. What sets The Hideout at Flitner Ranch apart from other guest ranch operations is how much genuine cattle work we offer our guests. We also offer more diversity in scenic trail riding than other ranches, with outings that range from laid-back and easy to more challenging trails and terrain.

The personable men and women who make up our team of professional wranglers enjoy sharing their horsemanship knowledge to enhance your riding experience. They are always nearby and available to make necessary adjustments or coach you on riding.

At the end of the week you will be impressed by the progress you have made riding this Wyoming country alongside true-life cowgirls and cowboys. In this way, The Hideout at Flitner ranch offers an authentic Western experience, even an equestrian vacation, as opposed to the typical dude ranch offering.

Horsemanship Seminars, On Occasion

The Hideout also holds more involved Horsemanship Seminars on-site when there's enough interest to warrant such. We have both an indoor area and a large outdoor arena. If you'd be interested in doing a Horsemanship Seminar on:

• Team Penning
• Low Impact Training Methods for Horses
• Roping
• Building Upon Your Western Riding Skills

Or some such topic, please either let one of our wranglers know or note it on your guest survey before you leave (which, by the way, earns you a $10 gift certificate at The Hideout Store & Gift Shop upon completion).

Like we say in the Cowboy Code here at The Hideout, if you can't do it on horseback, why bother?