At Paws Up, a luxury ranch resort in Montana, horses are part of the rhythm of everyday life. Riders of every age and experience level are invited to discover the soul-stirring joy of horseback riding across 37,000 acres of wilderness and working ranchland, and through skill-building in the arena. Here, equestrian experiences encourage you to slow down, look up, and immerse yourself in a Western lifestyle that feels both timeless and personal. For families, couples, first-time riders, and seasoned equestrians, this is more than a trail ride. It’s a connection – to the land, to the animals, and to the enduring spirit of the American West.

Here’s what awaits you during a Montana equestrian vacation at Paws Up.

What makes riding here unforgettable isn’t just the sweeping landscapes or the world-class facilities – it’s the human touch. Expert wranglers learn your comfort level within minutes, highly-trained horses greet you with gentle confidence, and an authentic Western heritage shapes every moment on this working cattle and bison ranch where we still do things the old-fashioned way, on horseback. 

Each rider is paired with a horse carefully selected for their personality and goals, ensuring time in the saddle feels empowering, comfortable, and entirely your own – whether you’re stepping into the stirrups for the first time or returning as a lifelong horse lover. 

For kids, Paws Up is a dream come true – especially at the Saddle Club, a 34,300-square-foot indoor arena and equestrian facility. Here, kids horseback riding in Montana becomes more than instruction, it becomes empowerment. Children ages six to 11 gain confidence through hands-on learning and arena lessons on riding basics, available year-round. Expert equestrian guides tailor each session to age and comfort level, ensuring their time with the horses feels safe, meaningful, and fun.

Those who crave more can join the Junior Wrangler Program, a three-day immersion for horse-crazy kids ages eight to 13. They spend their days brushing, saddling, and bonding with their horses, learning to trot and lope on the trails, and exploring the ranch like true junior ranch hands.

Even the littlest guests can hop in the saddle. Children ages two to five can enjoy complimentary pony rides led by highly trained wranglers for gentle introductions that inspire a lasting love of horses. 

For adults, Paws Up offers equestrian experiences and trail adventures that unfold across some of Montana’s most spectacular terrain. Riders can build horsemanship skills while exploring quiet forests, sunlit meadows, and winding paths overlooking the legendary Blackfoot River. Beginners receive patient, steady guidance, casual riders learn new skills on the trail, and advanced equestrians find the freedom and challenge they’ve been craving.

The ranch’s signature experiences take riding to a new level. Cattle drives and the Morning Jingle offer the chance to join working wranglers as they gather the herd in spring, summer, and fall for an authentic, heart-pounding way to live the legacy of the American cowboy. Sunset trail rides invite guests to take a laid-back ride, watching Montana’s Big Sky turn gold and purple from the saddle. 

And for seasoned riders seeking something unforgettable, the Frontiersman Ride is unmatched. Led by the ranch’s equestrian-in-chief, this exhilarating all-day adventure takes riders on trails less traveled. Creek crossings, climbs, cantering stretches, panoramic views, and the kind of rugged terrain that makes your heart race and fills the spirit with awe.

Family trail rides and experiences allow grandparents, parents, teens, and younger riders to create memories both in and out of the saddle. Together, you can take in sweeping views of the Blackfoot River, wander winding forest trails where sunlight flickers through the pine branches, and join in organized arena activities.

Learn the art of ranch sorting, a fun and collaborative activity where partners work together just as Paws Up cowboys and cowgirls do when moving cattle for weaning, sale, veterinary care, or seasonal needs. It’s hands-on, full of laughter, and teamwork. Another guest favorite arena activity is Cow Croquet, where kids and adults alike guide cows through a series of gates like croquet balls through hoops for a playful, engaging, and wonderfully Western experience. 

These shared moments on and off the trail, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning something new together, become the stories families hold onto long after returning home.

Some of the ranch’s most profound experiences come from quiet, intentional work with the horses themselves. Signature equestrian experiences like Mustang Mindfulness and Horse Whispering invite guests to slow down and explore the relationship between horse and rider using a calm presence, communication, and trust. These sessions reveal how horses respond to human energy and intention, teaching lessons that go beyond the ranch.

Paws Up is not only an authentic working cattle and bison ranch, it’s home to one of the largest and most diverse equestrian programs in Montana. Here, authentic Western heritage meets five-star luxury service, creating an experience that feels both grounded and elevated. Every rider is thoughtfully paired with a horse that matches their ability, personality, and goals for a truly personal experience in the saddle. Many guests leave with new skills, confidence, and, more often than not, the discovery of their own inner wrangler.

After a day spent bonding with horses and exploring wide-open spaces, return to luxurious comforts and gourmet meals that feel like a reward all their own. Settle into Western safari-style glamping tents tucked into picturesque corners of the ranch, spread out in a private luxury home with room for family or friends, or retreat to the high-design woodland hauses at the Green O for an adults-only escape. Here, time slows, horizons widen, and the American West unfolds just as it was meant to – on horseback. Enjoy the comforts of a luxury ranch resort in Montana while embracing the wrangler lifestyle, if only for a few unforgettable days.