Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides

Who doesn’t like horse drawn sleigh rides in the mountains?  Whether its a romantic ride for two, or an outing for the entire family, you can find several options in Pagosa.  If you’re not visiting in the winter months or there isn’t much snow on the ground yet, don’t worry, you can opt for a wagon ride instead.

History of Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides

Until the invention of the automobile and sled machine, sleighs were a means of transportation and hauling of goods for those who lived in snowy climates.  While they may have only been necessary for part of the year, they did play an important part of the lives of many.  Just as wagons and carriages, sleighs were designed for different uses.  Smaller ones pulled by a single horse were used as transportation for a small number of people. Larger sleighs were pulled by a team of horses and designed to carry larger groups of people or to haul supplies. 

The sleighs used by the operators in Pagosa are similar to the larger sleighs used back in the late 1800s.  A team of horses refers to a group of horses used to pull the sleigh. Teams can be a small as two horses or larger like the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.  Clydesdales are one of the larger breeds of draft horses.  Other breeds of draft horses, such as Percherons and Belgians, are more commonly used today for sleigh tours.

Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides in Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs offers a couple of different options for horse drawn sleigh rides or horse drawn wagon rides. Each option provides a slightly different experience based upon the location and offerings. For instance some companies provide an area to stay warm with drinks before and afterwards while some do not. Others offer a much more stunning view of the surrounding Pagosa Springs area while others are focused on a specific area of Pagosa – like downtown.

Horse Drawn Adventures – No Longer in Service!

Horse Drawn Adventures is located just north of uptown near the airport off of Piedra Road, CR 600.  We have a more in-depth review of Horse Drawn Adventures including more pictures. They offer sleigh rides in the winter months and wagon rides in the summer and other times when there isn’t enough snow to pull the sleigh.  Your entire experience will last around an hour.  When you arrive, you will have a meet and greet with your driver and the team of horses, Bill and Wilbur.  Your ride offers an amazing view of Pagosa Peak and the north range of the southern San Juan mountains.  Blankets are provided for your comfort.  After your ride, you can gather for a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider.

Astraddle a Saddle

Astraddle a Saddle is located just west of Pagosa on Highway 160.  Established in 1979, they are the oldest operator in Pagosa and offer horse drawn sleigh rides in the winter months.  Rides last approximately 50 minutes and go through the hills and valleys surrounding the property.  You can also catch a peek of the mountains and Pagosa Peak.

Buckaroos

Buckaroos offers horse drawn sleigh rides within downtown Pagosa Springs. The ride meanders in back of The Springs resort. Views includes the Piedra river and Reservoir Hill, The Springs and the Hot Springs area. Choose from a public ride or private ride. The public ride shares the sleigh with other parties. Lasting on 15-20 minutes per ride it is the shortest of the available sleigh rides however it is a great option if you are located downtown or at The Springs Resort.