Equestrian Lodge
in the Texas Hill Country near Bandera

Located in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country near Bandera, the Equestrian Lodge offers first-class accommodations and quality horseback riding - hacking or clinics!
The lodge lies on the northeast boundary of the Hill Country State Natural Area - a 5,400 acre primitive area, which boasts two live streams and 35 plus miles of riding and hiking trails. An ideal place for horseback riders as well as a peaceful retreat for bird-watchers and nature-lovers of all types.
Guests of all ages and skill levels will find the Lodge's specialized horseback riding program rewarding. Unlike many guest ranches, the Lodge's horses are not de-sensitized "dude string" horses, but rather gentle, responsive mounts. Group rides a kept small- no more than 5 riders- to allow guests to ride according to the group's skill level. Less experienced riders are tutored before and during the rides, making it a rewarding learning experience. Skilled riders will appreciate the lodge's well-trained and athletic mounts.
The Equestrian Lodge features daily trail rides and specialized instructions in its equestrian facilities - offering private and group instruction to it's guests, in such disciplines as Western Horsemanship, English Equitation, Reining, Cutting, Dressage, and Combined Training.

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2008 Rates  include lodging, all meals, 7(4) riding days (one 2 hour trail ride per day) 
5 days/4 nights     $925
8 days/7 nights   $1,625
kids 5-12   25% discount
Tax: 6%
Gratuities 10% to pay locally 
Meeting: Bandera
Airport: San Antonio
Transfer:  $150 per group (1-4) to pay locally
Level:   All levels
Tack:  Western, some English
Horses:  Registered Quarter Horses from champion bloodlines, that have excelled in various events and disciplines, including Western Horsemanship, English Equitation, Reining, Cutting, and Trail.
Pace: Moderate with trots and canters
Note: Maximum weight 225 lbs. Private riding lessons are available at $50/hr.

Riding
The Lodge's riding program is superior, with appropriate mounts for riders of all skill levels. Experienced riders will appreciate the Lodge's well-bred Quarter Horses which have been individually selected for their excellent dispositions, responsiveness, beauty, and athleticism. Beginners will appreciate the brief instruction given before and during each ride, so that they, too may learn to feel and connect with their horse. Group rides are small and private- up to 5 riders maximum- and caringly lead by knowledgeable guides at a pace appropriate to each group. Riders experience a wide variety of terrain, and trail routes change each day.
Couples may request a private guided ride through the hills, and private lessons are always available for riders of all ages 7 and over. While we do not offer a separate children's program, families find this the perfect place to spend quality time together.
Riding Clinics
The Lodge's own beautiful Quarter Horses are available for personalized trail rides, private lessons and horsemanship clinics.
The Riding Clinics (add $75 per day/ min 3 days) can be applied to either Western or English disciplines, and include study and practice of the following topics: Psychology of the horse and the rider's place in it. Developing trust and respect between horse and rider. Developing a "Good Seat". Balance, relaxation, posture, and proper biomechanics for the rider. Developing "In Frame" movement in the horse. Balance, flexion, collection, and relaxation. How to use proper cues to accomplish the desired result. Applying the above principles to specific disciplines and events.

For your hours out-of-the-saddle, hiking, biking, birding, and wildlife watching are great ways to pass the time. Feel free to hunt fossils on the ranch, or fish in its stocked watering hole.
Golf is available nearby, as is swimming, tubing, and kayaking in the spring-fed waters of the Medina River.

Accommodations
First class accommodations are offered in private cabins or luxury suites. The lodge is located on an authentic working guest ranch. An Early Texas/Ranch architectural theme is carried throughout the newly constructed cabins and barn, while the existing historical ranch house provides an operational and thematic centerpiece.
Couples desiring a romantic get-away will especially appreciate the 22 foot tall limestone fireplace in each Private Cabin, private rides upon request, and the Spa Services available in the privacy of your accommodation. Candle-lit dinners in the 100 year old ranch headquarters dining room are also available by reservation.
Make yourself at home and enjoy the modern amenities that all the cabins and suites have to offer. In addition to your comfortable surroundings, you'll fall in love with the beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country.
The cabins feature Bedrooms and Living Rooms with 22' Cathedral Ceilings ~ Limestone Fireplace ~ Sleeper Sofa ~ Kitchen/Dining ~ 2 Baths ~ Central Air and Heat.
Suites have Bedroom ~ Sleeper Sun Room ~ Kitchenette ~ Bath ~ Central Air and Heat.
For the comfort and safety of the guests, lodge interiors are no smoking and pets are not permitted.

Other available services at the lodge:
Treat yourself to the de-stressing benefits of our spa services in the privacy of your cabin or suite. It’s the perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon, or to end an active day. (Spa services must be booked 24 hours in advance.)

Therapeutic Massage $65 (50 minutes), $90 (80 minutes)
Uses a variety of advanced techniques to relieve tension in problem areas, and to promote relaxation throughout the body.

Swedish Body Massage $60 (50 minutes), $90 (80 minutes)
Traditional Swedish techniques promote relaxation of the body and mind.

Hot Stone Therapy $100 (80 minutes)
Warm river stones relax muscles to allow the deepest therapeutic massage benefits, while energy work balances the chakras.

Raindrop Technique $75 (50 minutes)
This powerful, non-invasive technique integrates essential oils and light massage, dispensed like drops of rain along the vertebrae. The effects may last for days after treatment.

Professional Deep Cleaning Facial $65 (50 minutes)
Effectively but gently cleanses skin impurities without drying the skin. The
regenerating effects leave the skin smooth, balanced, and refreshed.

Capacity 10   

Riding Program Director/ Head Instructor Dianne Tobin has over 30 years experience training horses, from starting youngsters under saddle, to working through problems of older mounts. She has competed successfully and won high-point awards in Showmanship at Halter, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Reining, Trail, English Pleasure, and English Equitation. She also spent eight years as a successful Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, and has an extensive knowledge of human biomechanics, kinesiology, and mind/body awareness. This knowledge, coupled with her horsemanship experience, gives her a unique perspective on the horse and rider relationship, and a special ability to communicate concepts and ideas to her students.

For those wishing to venture out from the ranch, area points of interest are just a stone's throw away:

• Bandera - 10 minutes. Shopping, dining, night-clubs.
• Hill Country State Natural Area - Recommended by National Geographic Adventures Magazine. Adjacent to the Lodge.
• Flying "L" Golf Course
• Medina Lake - 15 minutes. Fishing, swimming, boating.
• Fredericksburg - 60 minutes. Historical German community. Antiquing, shopping, festivals.
• Sea World - 50 minutes.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas - 50 minutes. Amusement theme park.
• Lost Maples State Natural Area - 45 minutes.
• Medina River - tubing, kayaking, and canoeing