MAUSTON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Canter the Lemonweir: An Hourlong Advanced Trail Ride through Mauston’s 250 Acres
A one-hour guided advanced horseback ride on 250 acres along the Lemonweir River — this guide explains what to expect, who it’s for, and how to book.
Canter the Lemonweir: An Hourlong Advanced Trail Ride through Mauston’s 250 Acres.
Adventure brief
Canter the Lemonweir: An Hourlong Advanced Trail Ride through Mauston’s 250 Acres
Escape into nature on a one-hour guided advanced trail ride with Red Ridge Ranch, traversing 250 acres of woods, fields and river land that adjoins the Lemonweir River. The outing is designed for riders who want more than a walk—expect walking, trotting and cantering on well-cared-for horses, with all advanced rides requiring reservations in advance.
Located just outside Mauston, Wisconsin, the Guided Advanced Trail Ride at Red Ridge Ranch offers adrenaline seekers a chance to traverse 250 acres of diverse terrain along the scenic Lemonweir River. This ride isn’t for beginners — it’s designed for experienced riders eager to push beyond the usual leisurely pace and enjoy an authentic equestrian adventure in the heart of Wisconsin’s countryside. The landscape combines rolling hills, dense forests, and river bends framed by mixed hardwoods, making every stride along the trail a dynamic encounter with nature’s varied rhythms.
Red Ridge Ranch is a standout in Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation scene for its well-trained horses and expert guides who tailor the ride to your skill, emphasizing safety without sacrificing thrill. The ride includes sections where you’ll walk, trot, and even gather speed at a canter, allowing riders to feel the power and grace of these magnificent animals in full stride. The mix of terrains challenges your riding skills and sharpens your balance and control, all while surrounded by the region’s native white oaks, sugar maples, and occasional sightings of white-tailed deer or red foxes.
Beyond the ride, Red Ridge Ranch has become a community hub for equestrian enthusiasts, building reputation as a go-to destination truly connected with Wisconsin’s natural heritage. Riding along the Lemonweir River, a tributary known for its clear waters and pockets of wetland flora, adds an ecological dimension to the adventure. The ranch’s commitment to sustainable horse care and trail maintenance ensures that the land remains pristine for future generations of riders.
This guided advanced trail ride uniquely blends the spirit of exploration with the precision of a focused equestrian workout. It’s an ideal outing for visitors staying in Mauston who crave an off-the-beaten-path experience that engages both mind and body. Reservations are essential, reflecting the personalized attention riders receive and the intimate group sizes maintained for quality and safety.
Whether you’re polishing your riding technique or seeking the thrill of a spirited canter through wild Wisconsin landscapes, Red Ridge Ranch’s Guided Advanced Trail Ride delivers an outdoor adventure that’s hard to match in the Midwest.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
A typical advanced ride threads together wooded trails, open fields and stretches along the Lemonweir River.
Scenic Woods
Start on shady trails through the ranch’s wooded sections, where the footing and shade set a steady pace for the ride.
Open Fields
Move into open fields that allow for longer trots and brief canters, giving riders room to feel the horses moving forward.
Lemonweir Riverbank
Ride along river-adjacent land that adjoins the Lemonweir River, providing scenic views and varied terrain within the ranch’s 250 acres.
Return Loop
A closing loop through mixed terrain brings the ride back to the staging area after roughly one hour on the trail.
All advanced rides are guided and must be reserved in advance; no walk-ins are accepted. The offering is described as an 'advanced' ride intended for those seeking more pace than a walk, though riding experience is not required.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
250 Acres Beside the Lemonweir River
This ride covers 250 acres of scenic woods, open fields and river land adjoining the Lemonweir River, offering a compact but varied landscape for an hour of mounted travel.
Advanced, Guided Pace — Walk, Trot and Canter
Advanced rides are designed to include walking, trotting and cantering on well-trained horses for guests who want a livelier experience than a casual walk.
One Hour, Reservation Required
Each advanced ride lasts about one hour and all advanced rides are guided; reservations are required in advance and no walk-ins are accepted for the advanced ride.
What the day feels like
What the Hour Feels Like
The guided advanced trail ride unfolds across a mix of woods, fields and riverbank, compressing a varied riding experience into an intense hour. Expect a structured outing led by guides where the pace moves between walking, trotting and cantering so riders can feel the horses’ responsiveness across the ranch’s 250-acre landscape.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each advanced ride lasts about one hour. Rates are $80 per person.
No prior riding experience is required for these advanced rides; come prepared for an active, one-hour outdoor ride across mixed terrain.
Reservations are required in advance; call Red Ridge Ranch at (608) 847-2273 for current availability and bookings. Gift cards are available via the operator’s booking link.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ride?
About one hour.
What does the ride cost?
Riders are charged $80 per person for the advanced one-hour ride.
Do I need prior riding experience?
Riding experience is not required, though the advanced ride includes trotting and cantering.
Can I just show up and ride?
No — all advanced rides are guided and require reservations in advance; no walk-ins will be accepted for the advanced ride.
How do I book or purchase a gift card?
Call Red Ridge Ranch at (608) 847-2273 for availability and bookings. Gift cards are also offered through the operator’s online booking link.
Where does the ride take place?
The ride takes place on Red Ridge Ranch’s 250 acres of woods, field and river land adjoining the Lemonweir River in Mauston, Wisconsin.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-10T12:12:42.041Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.