GARDINER HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Saddle First, Then Drift: A One-Hour Ride and 6-Mile Scenic Float out of Gardiner
A compact, saddle-then-paddle day that pairs a one-hour horseback ride with a 6-mile scenic float — ideal for families and riders who want river time at an easy pace.
Saddle First, Then Drift: A One-Hour Ride and 6-Mile Scenic Float out of Gardiner.
Saddle and Paddle: start with a guided, one-hour horseback ride through Montana terrain, then reconnect with the Yellowstone River on a relaxed, 6-mile scenic float. The combo is designed to pack riding and river time into a single action-packed day, and it’s offered with schedules that let guests ride first and float later in the day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One-Hour Guided Ride Followed by a Scenic Float
This itinerary pairs a focused, one-hour saddle session with a gentle 6-mile float — giving riders both the immediacy of horseback travel and the unhurried rhythm of river time.
Leisurely River Time After the Ride
The float is described as scenic and leisurely — a good complement to the ride for those who want river scenery without intense whitewater.
Family-Friendly Option for Ages 7 and Up
Operators position this as the best option for families with children aged seven and older who want to do both riding and rafting in one day.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The day is deliberately split: a guided one-hour horseback ride in the morning or late morning, then several hours later you regroup for a calm, 6-mile scenic float. Check-in windows are scheduled to match the two-part flow so guests ride first and return for the river portion.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this combo suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
For the horseback portion wear long pants and shoes that cover your toes; dress in layers appropriate for Montana weather and bring sun protection and water for the day.
There are two standard schedules: a 9:00 am ride (check-in at 8:00 am) followed by a 1:00 pm float (check-in 12:30), or an 11:00 am ride (check-in 10:00 am) followed by a 4:00 pm float (check-in 3:30 pm). The meeting address is 129 US Hwy 89 S, Gardiner, MT, 59030.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age to participate?
Children must be at least 7 years old to join both the horseback ride and the float.
Which comes first — the ride or the float?
This option is designed to be 'saddle first' — guests ride in the morning or late morning and float later in the day.
What are the departure and check-in times?
Sample schedules include a 9:00 am ride with an 8:00 am check-in and a 1:00 pm float with a 12:30 check-in, or an 11:00 am ride with 10:00 am check-in and a 4:00 pm float with 3:30 pm check-in.
Where do I meet the operator?
Meet at the Wild West Rafting office: 129 US Hwy 89 S, Gardiner, MT, 59030.
What should I wear for the horseback ride?
Wear long pants and shoes that cover your toes for the horseback portion.