Riding Lessons in Nevada

Nevada is horse country hiding behind a casino reputation. Beyond the neon, this is a state of high desert plateaus, Sierra Nevada peaks, and Mojave rock, most of it public land under the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service, and most of it open to a rider willing to go look. Sagebrush steppe in the Great Basin, red rock outside Las Vegas, ancient trails and hidden canyons in between: the ranching heritage here isn't a theme, it's still the working economy in much of the state.

The geography sorts the riding neatly. Around Reno and Lake Tahoe you'll find alpine trails, established riding academies, and boarding facilities serving English and Western riders alike. Southern Nevada trades altitude for red rock, guided rides at Red Rock Canyon are the signature experience near Las Vegas, and the metro area supports a growing set of competitive barns. For the remote version, head to the center and east of the state: the Ruby Mountains country is where the guest ranches and multi-day pack trips live.