Cross Country Equine What to expect and FAQ

Glamp Camp Trip

• Comfort with Nature: Spacious tents, cots, quality meals, and basic amenities.

• Gentler Terrain: Shorter rides (12-18 miles), easier trails, great for beginner-intermediate riders.

• Relaxation & Scenery: Leisurely meals, fishing, and enjoying the landscape.

Wilderness Pack Trip

•Adventure & Exploration: Rugged, adventurous, and suited for intermediate-experienced riders.

• Immersive Experience: Traveling with pack animals and camping in remote, basic settings.

• Active & Engaging: Greater physical effort and a deeper connection with the wild.

Summary

• Glamp Camp Trip: Comfortable camp, variety of riding options, relaxed pace.

• Wilderness Pack Trip: Adventurous, challenging, immersive experience, deeper into the backcountry.

Recommendations:

• First-time mountain horseback rider? Choose Glamp Camp.

• Feeling nervous? Choose Glamp Camp.

• Otherwise, choose based on personal preference.

Glamp Camp:

• Hot cowboy shower.

• Real toilet. (Nice outhouse)

• Access to new riding country daily.

Wilderness Pack Trip:

• No showers (baby wipes or alpine lake dips only!).

• Deeper access to wilderness areas.

• More challenging and adventurous.

Personal Preference:

• “I personally love pack trips, but they aren’t for everyone.”

• The ride into camp is about 15 miles, taking approximately 5 hours of saddle time.

• Total travel time depends on the group, including the number of and length of breaks.

• Upon arrival, we may need to set up tents and teepees unless they are already in place from a previous trip.

What do we do on a pack trip?

• Activities include hiking, fishing, riding, or simply relaxing in camp.

• We usually plan an itinerary based on the group’s preferences after meeting everyone.

• We are flexible and adapt to what the group wants to do.

What are the limitations on what we’re allowed to pack on a pack trip?

• We have a 75 lb. weight limit per person. However, you likely won’t need that much unless you’re packing in a lot of beverages.

• We tell all of our guests to make themselves at home upon arrival. We have coolers with various beverages and water, however if you like several of any specific beverage we recommend you bring what you’re going to need and we can toss it in a cooler for you!  
• We have 4 ADORABLE wall tents, each with two cots for our guests. First come first serve! But they are all about the same, furnished with rugs, a blanket, lantern, and end table. (If your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough, don’t worry! We have extras with clean liners!)
• Don't be afraid to ask if you forgot something, chances are we can accommodate!

Rise and SHINE!

• Wake up and enjoy coffee (or tea) around the fire.
• Enjoy a delicious breakfast before we set out for our ride!
• We will make sure everyone signs the waiver and go over safety protocols after our first breakfast.
• Horses will be saddled and we will make sure everyones saddles fit.  
• Everyone will have saddle bags for items such as rain gear, snacks, or any other necessary personal items one may need. (Chapstick, sunblock, medications, etc.)

Ride to lunch!

• We will cross any number of streams, rocks, hills, fields, woods, mountains, etc. all with stunning views.  
• Some of the terrain is more rugged than other, but all of it with the exception of some straight aways through gorgeous meadows is going to have some degree of rocks, hills, water, etc. 
• We pick a lunch stop where both guests and horses can relax and snack.  
• Typically expect to lunch to be somewhere unbelievably beautiful where guests can fish, hike, take photos, take a nap, read a book, etc.
• We don’t have a strict schedule, we just try to make a plan that is inclusive to what everyone wants to do that day.  
• If someone needs to stop for any reason (potty break, photo break, window of cell service to reach loved ones, etc… just let us know!)

Ride back to camp for dinner!

• We will ride back to camp for dinner.
• You get off your horse and we will untack and put the horses back for their dinner. 
• Enjoy appetizers and take turns getting washed up before supper.
• Dinner is served around the table in our cook tent. 
• Relax around the fire telling stories, enjoying the stars, roasting s’mores.
• Don't be surprised if there’s a delicious dessert to endulge in at the fire.

Sweet Dreams!

• Retire to your tent, and get ready to do it again! (Until you depart :) ) 

Is there an age limit?

• There isn’t a strict age limit. We’ve taken riders from age 8 to beyond 80. 
• All riders must be able to comfortably control their own horse in mountain terrain. 
• Many trips are adult-only, so if you’re planning to bring children, let us know in advance.

Are there weight limits for your rides?

• While we don’t have a specific weight limit, riders need to be in decent shape to enjoy the experience. 
• We have some big horses that can handle a few NFL players, but if you’re bringing an entire defensive line, we might need to train more big horses!

How do you define skill levels?

Beginner Riders:

• Limited riding experience or just starting out.

• Comfortable walking a horse but may be unfamiliar with trotting or faster gaits.

• Prefers shorter, gentler rides on easier terrain.
• Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, scenic experience in the mountains.

Intermediate Riders:

• Has some experience and can handle a horse at a walk, trot, and possibly a canter.

• May still be developing skills in balance, control, and navigating different terrains.

• Comfortable riding for longer periods but may prefer moderate terrain.

• Flexible, often enjoys riding with either beginners or more advanced riders.

Experienced Riders:

• Extensive riding experience, confident at all gaits, and capable of handling spirited horses.

• Comfortable riding for long hours over challenging and rough terrain.

• Strong balance and control, even in difficult or technical environments like steep mountain trails.

• Ideal for those seeking adventure and more demanding, longer rides.

Note:

• No one is required to go faster than a walk on our rides, and we won’t put even an experienced rider on a bronc.  
• That being said, horses are animals, and even the most gentle, well-trained horses and mules can occasionally be unpredictable.  We are riding in the wilderness;  there are occasionally birds, deer, moose, and other critters we might cross paths with.  (as am updating this I can say, about a week ago while riding, I heard a THUD that sounded like a football hitting the ground. It was a big fat squirrel who fell out of a tree. My horse didn't notice it, it did however startle me).  

Are Helmets, Boots, Gloves, or other Personal Protective Equipment Provided?

• We DO NOT provide any personal protective equipment for sanitary reasons and we would have to have 8 of everything in every size to accommodate everyone fairly and safely.  We do not require these PPE items, and it is up to you to use your discression on what PPE you choose to ride in.  We recommend bringing your own specialized PPE if you would like to choose to wear chaps, gloves, or a helmet.   It is entirely up to you if you choose to use any PPE, including Helmets, Chaps, riding boots, gloves, sunglasses, sun hats, etc, however it is also up to you to bring it.  This is also covered in other areas of our page.  

Can we bring our own saddle?

• Yes; but we may not use it if it does not fit our animals properly.  

What size group will there be?

• Ideal group size is 6 people, with a maximum of 8.

How many hours a day are we in the saddle? 

• 4-6 is a good average, but we can adjust to the group’s desires to a certain degree

How bad are the mosquitoes? 

• They can be bad if we have wet weather and a lot of standing water.  
• Typically they are worst in June or early July, depending on the snow melt. 
• Bring mosquito repellent.

What rain gear should we bring?  

• We recommend a rain jacket and rain pants.  
• “Frog Togs” have a cheap rain set that are decent, but not super durable so it only get you through the one trip.

What are the best shoes for riding?  

• Cowboy boots or English riding boots are the best shoes for riding, but any closed toed shoes will work.

I have refrigerated meds. Can they be stored in a cooler?

• We can make sure we have extra room in our coolers to accommodate medication.

Will we be sleeping in the ground?  

• We provide cots on both the pack trips and in our glamp camp.  
• The pack trip cots are smaller, but keep you off the ground.

I have dietary restrictions can you accommodate me?  

• We can make adjustments to our meals and menu to accommodate anyone who may be vegan, celiac, carnivore, gluten free, paleo, dairy free, etc as long as we know in advance. 
• It’s more tricky if we find out once you arrive and our is already planned so make sure you are clear when filling out your information in booking! (Please fill this out when booking a trip “Any Dietary Restrictions”) 
• The only thing you might want to bring are snacks for lunch if chips, granola, fruit, etc are part of your restrictions or you have strong brand preferences. 

Do we have to work or is everything taken care of?

• Unless you pick a more DIY option everything is typically taken care of.  
• If we are on a pack trips occasionally we will have you help setting up or tearing down camp if you want, but it’s not required.  
• If you’d like to learn more about saddling or packing or anything, just ask and we are happy to teach you.  
• Our cooks never turn down dishwashing help, but it’s not required.

Is there cell service?  

• On average we have no service.  
• From our base camp it’s a 15 min ride or 30 minute drive.  
• A lot of rides go through the occasional cell service spots.
• When we’re out on a ride if anyone needs to make a call; let us know and we will stop somewhere if we find good reception. 

What about grizzly bears and wolves? Are we safe?

• Luckily we don’t currently have grizzly bears or wolves in our part of Wyoming. 
• We do have black bears, but we have yet to see one on our summer trips.
• If you leave snacks in your tent at a glamp camp, chipmunks may take them, they are very bold little chipmunks. 

What should I put my things in for a pack trip?  

• We recommend dry bags.  
• We like the SealLine 55L baja dry bag, but you can pack whatever type you prefer.  
• It is easier for us to have multiple small/medium bags rather than one giant bag.

Packing suggestions list

• Sleeping bag (we have extras, with sleeping bag liners)
• Specialty beverages (preferred sodas, adult beverages, tea, etc)
• Refillable water bottle(s)
• Rain gear 
• Camp shoes
• Toiletries (sunblock)
• Medication 
• Change of clothes 
• Jackets, sweaters, and/or vests
• Socks
• Gloves (not required but one time it hailed for 10 minutes and gloves were amazing)
• Sunscreen
• insect repellent, etc.
• USB charger cords/power bank 
• Small pillow
• Hat to block sun (stampede straps encouraged if your hats going to fall off easily) 
• Cash for tips

If you plan on fishing:

• Wyoming Fishing license 
• Waders or watershoes
• Fishing gear (preferably a rod that breaks down)

What type of sleeping bag should I get?  

• We usually go down to the army surplus store and get ours.  
• You can get a sub zero rated bag for less than $100. The last couple of bags we got were about $60.  
• It gets cool in the evening and the ratings are the temperature you can survive down to, not necessarily be comfortable.  
• We prefer the flannel lined ones. They are bulky and a bit heavy, but we’re packing them on mules or horses so that doesn’t really matter.  
• If you try to get lightweight bags for back packing they can get expensive quick. If you have trouble finding something let me know and we’ll see if we can pick up a few extras.

Can we go fishing?  

• Fly fishing for five different trout species is truly a fisherman’s dream! 
• Rainbow, Brook, Cutthroat, Lake, and the esteemed Golden Trout could all be yours for the catching.  
• Trips vary from riding to fishing holes from the glamp camp each day, packing into a mountain lake and camping right near the best fishing spots, to extreme fishing trips where we have to put on our hiking shoes and climb to nearly untouched alpine lakes teeming with golden and cutthroat trout. 
• Don’t forget to purchase a Wyoming fishing license, if you plan on fishing.

Do you have a DIY option for experienced outdoorsmen that no longer want to carry a big pack?  

• Drop Camps are an affordable plan for the ‘Do It Yourselfers’. 
• We will pack your gear and supplies to a spot of your choice on the Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness. From there, you are on your own to fish, hike, and explore to your hearts' content! 
• You can choose to ride in and out on our safe dependable horses or hike in and out, whichever you prefer.

What is the weather like?

July August September:

• Daytime temps range from the mid-50s to low 70s
• SPF sun block, and a hat are recommended if you’re sensitive to sun. 
• Evenings can dip into the 40s or lower.
• Mountain weather is hard to predict.  
• It could be sunny, rain, hail, and be sunny again all on one day (especially when we change elevations!)
• Be sure to bring layers and enjoy the stunning wilderness!

What happens if there is bad weather? 

• In the event of bad weather, the course of action is largely up to our guests. 
• We are prepared to ride in nearly any conditions, with two exceptions: thunderstorms and heavy snow. 
• These situations may require us to adjust our plans for safety reasons.
• If lightning poses a threat in the alpine areas, we will shift to safer trails at lower elevations. 
• In the rare case of a snowstorm making trails impassable, we may also need to choose alternative routes. 
• •Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities.

If you’re flying in: 

Sheridan County Airport (SHR): 

Approximately 65 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes*

(This is the closest option, however typically do not offer the most affordable flight options.)

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD): 

Approximately 120 miles, 3 hours* 

Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR): 

Approximately 170 miles, 3 hours 45 minutes*

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL): 

Approximately 215 miles, 4 hours 15 minutes*

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): 

Approximately 340 miles, 8 hours*

Denver International Airport (DEN): 

Approximately 460 miles, 7 hours 30 minutes*

*these times are approximate

These options often offer better rates for flights paired with a stunning scenic road trip through some beautiful parts of our country! Rent a car and explore on your way too and from your Glamp Camp or Pack Trip adventure!

Before your trip, we’ll send you a Google pin and detailed directions to help you find us.  

If you do fly into Sheridan, we can assist in arranging a shuttle to our camp.

How do I book a trip?  

• We require a 50% deposit to book the trip, with the remainder due 90 days before your trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

• All payments are non-refundable. To protect your investment, we strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Trip insurance can provide coverage for unforeseen events such as illness, travel delays,  severe weather, etc.

Should I get trip insurance?

• We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance.  
• You can compare policies at https://www.squaremouth.com/23429

These are some of the best companies that include horse riding:

• • Tin Leg
• • Trawick International
• • Cat 70
• • HTH
• • John Hancock.

We will need the following information for all riders:

Please copy, paste, and fill out the following information.

Full Legal Name:

Preferred name:

Trip/Dates:

DOB: 00/00/0000

Gender:

Height:

Weight

Mailing Address:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Emergency Contact Name:

Emergency Contact Phone:

Emergency Contact Email:

Emergency Contact Relationship:

Party Members (or solo):

Health Concerns, Allergies, etc:

Dietary needs, food allergies, etc:

Riding Experience Level (see FAQ page 5):

Riding Experience Described (optional):