REDFORD HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Riding the Edge: A Half-Day Ascent of Contrabando Mesa
A 4–4.5 hour guided horseback ride from Lajitas Stables that climbs Contrabando Mesa, follows cliff-edge trails with views into Mexico, and includes lunch in Lunchbox Canyon.
Riding the Edge: A Half-Day Ascent of Contrabando Mesa.
Embark from Lajitas Stables on an athletic, adventurous half-day ride that climbs Contrabando Mesa, threads rocky trails along canyon rims and cliff edges, and rewards riders with sweeping views of the Rio Grande and Mexico before a shaded lunch in Lunchbox Canyon.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Contrabando Mesa and Cliff-Edge Trails
The trail climbs Contrabando Mesa and runs along rocky canyon edges, offering expansive views across the Rio Grande into Mexico — terrain geared toward riders who are comfortable on rugged, steep sections.
Lunch in Lunchbox Canyon
The half-day includes a sit-down lunch in the shade of Lunchbox Canyon, providing a cool break after the exposed mesa ride.
Adventurous, Athletic Riding
Lajitas Stables designs these trails for riders with a sense of adventure — adventurous beginners are welcome, but the ride demands athleticism and sure footing on steep, rocky ground.
What the day feels like
What the Half-Day Feels Like
Expect four to four-and-a-half hours of active riding: a morning check-in, a sustained ascent and ridge ride across Contrabando Mesa with exposed canyon-edge passages and sweeping border views, then a relaxed lunch in Lunchbox Canyon before returning to the stables.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.
Check-in is at Lajitas Stables on FM 170 at 8:30am; note that Lajitas Stables operates on Central Time — confirm local timing before arrival.
Bring about 3 liters of water in handheld bottles (no gallon jugs or backpacks); warmer weather requires extra water and there is no shade on parts of the ride.
Wear long, sturdy pants and closed-toed shoes; avoid bulky or grippy boots that don't fit properly into stirrups.
Riders must be able to mount and dismount without assistance, have no balance issues, and meet the operator's weight-limit and suitability checks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
I've never ridden before, is this an okay ride?
If you consider yourself adventurous and athletic, then yes — these are rugged trails. The ride is not recommended for those with vertigo or a fear of heights.
What is the weight limit?
There is a weight limit of 250 lbs; anyone over 230 lbs needs to call the office before booking to confirm availability and suitability.
When and where do we meet?
Check-in is at Lajitas Stables on FM 170 at 8:30am; the stables use Central Time, so verify local time when planning.
How much water should I bring and in what container?
Bring approximately 3 liters of water in handheld bottles; do not bring gallon jugs or backpacks. Warm weather requires extra water and there is no shade on parts of the ride.
What should I wear?
Wear long, sturdy pants and closed-toed shoes. Avoid bulky or overly grippy boots that typically don't fit properly into the stirrups.
Are the trails exposed or shaded?
The trails include exposed, rocky, and steep sections with no shade on parts of the ride; lunch is served in shaded Lunchbox Canyon.