Compare four things separately: ability (control and balance), conditioning (hours, miles and consecutive days), pace(gaits) and terrain (footing, slopes and exposure). Mostly walking does not mean easy.
These summaries help you choose questions to ask, not a departure based on a single difficulty label. Confirm the particular week’s riding plan and availability in our current trip overview and with us.
Ability: Independent control of an unfamiliar horse or mule.
Conditioning / daily riding: Departures offer 5–10, 10–15 or 15+ miles per riding day, depending on the week. Match your current saddle fitness to that week’s plan.
Pace: Mostly walking or forward mountain riding, depending on the departure. Not every pace is offered at every mileage; confirm the combination for your week.
Terrain: Changing mountain terrain.
Stay / confirm: Off-grid lakeside lodge, beds, showers and prepared meals. Confirm your week’s mileage, hours and pace together.
Ability: Experienced riders.
Conditioning / daily riding: 15+ miles per riding day, with some days around 20 miles. There is no dependable shorter alternative; arrive conditioned for the full mountain days.
Pace: Forward departures allow faster gaits where conditions permit. Scenic departures are mostly walking and still cover substantial mileage.
Terrain: Mountain trails in the Bighorn Mountains.
Stay / confirm: Remote wall-tent basecamp, cots and prepared meals. Confirm hours and terrain; do not plan on a shorter ride being available.
Ask about Wapiti Ridge Wall-Tent Camp
Ability: Discuss your current experience and comfort on steep, narrow trails with us.
Conditioning / daily riding: Three riding days of 6–7 hours each.
Pace: Mostly walking.
Terrain: Steep and narrow sections on the route through Jericó, Palermo and Hacienda El Rincón.
Stay / confirm: Lodge-to-lodge travel; luggage by vehicle.
Ask about Antioquia Lodge-to-Lodge
Ability: Experienced riders comfortable controlling unfamiliar horses on mountain trails.
Conditioning / daily riding: Current conditioning for long days in the saddle.
Pace: Confirm the planned gaits and pace with us.
Terrain: Working ranch country, the Coffee Region and mountain trails deep in the Andes.
Stay / confirm: Travel with Colombian horsemen and pack mules, including a mountain farming-family stay. Confirm daily hours and consecutive riding days.
Ask about Grand Colombia Journey
Ability: Experienced riders.
Conditioning / daily riding: Prepared for substantial saddle days, which can run 6–8 hours.
Pace: Confirm the planned gaits and pace with us.
Terrain: Working ranch country and a horseback journey to a remote mountain puesto.
Stay / confirm: Lakeside cabin and a night at a remote puesto. Confirm footing, exposure and the longest day.
Ask about Patagonia Lago San Martín
Ability: Comfortable at all gaits outside an arena.
Conditioning / daily riding: Six riding days covering approximately 100 miles; prepared for consecutive days in the saddle.
Pace: Confirm the planned gait mix; comfort at all gaits does not specify how much of each is ridden.
Terrain: Point-to-point travel through Colombia’s Coffee Region. Confirm specific footing, climbs and descents.
Stay / confirm: Partner-led, with changing places to stay. Confirm hosting arrangements for your departure.
Ask about Eje Cafetero Explorer
Ability: Requirements and suitability need individual confirmation based on your recent riding.
Conditioning / daily riding: Confirm riding hours and consecutive riding days with us.
Pace: Confirm the planned pace with us.
Terrain: Sacred Valley exploration on Peruvian Paso horses. Ask about the specific terrain and route demands.
Stay / confirm: Partner-led, with a separate guided Machu Picchu visit. Confirm hosting and rider requirements for your departure.
Ask about Sacred Valley Horseback Journey
Ability: Experienced riders.
Conditioning / daily riding: Comfortable with long saddle days, cold nights and consecutive days living outdoors.
Pace: Confirm the planned gaits and pace with us.
Terrain: Mountain passes and taiga in northern Mongolia.
Stay / confirm: Pack-horse caravan and tent camps. Group and departure confirmation required before booking travel.
Ask about Northern Mongolia Expedition
Tell us how often you ride, your longest comfortable recent ride, preferred gaits and mountain experience. Include your preferred destination, dates and party size. Ask Mark and Jessie to help you choose.
Read more about describing your riding experience, choosing a relaxed riding vacation and preparing for your ride.
Copyright © 2026 Cross Country Equine - All Rights Reserved.