Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I stay overnight at Surprise Valley Guest Ranch?
A. Yes! Guests at the ranch enjoy private cabins where the sights and sounds of waterfalls, ponds and wildlife are right outside your door. Each cabin has a fully equipped modern kitchen and fireplace or open wood stove.
Q.
Do I have to be an equestrian to stay at Surprise Valley Ranch?
A. Absolutely not! A wide variety of outdoor programs including wilderness survival, land navigation, wilderness self defense, wild medicinals and wilderness first aid are available for those seeking new skills. Many guests arrive here with one goal in mind: just hang out, relax and have a good time!
Q. What if I only want to hike and fish?
A. Come, enjoy! In addition to being an active horse and cattle ranch, Surprise Valley Guest Ranch offers superb mountain stream fishing and private hiking trail access to Hermit Peak, Lone Pine Mesa and the high country trails of the Pecos Wilderness, plus exceptional wildlife viewing.
Q. Do you offer trail rides or lessons on your horses?
A. No to trail rides, and yes to lessons. The mountain terrain surrounding our canyon is best suited to experienced riders. If you would like to ride the trails while here, please bring your own mount. You will have access to a paddock right next to your cabin, an adjacent pasture and some of the most spectacular riding in the world. If you would like to improve your horse skills, we offer private riding and horsemanship lessons.
Q. What breeds of horses and riding disciplines do you train?
A. Though we specialize in gaited horses (five of the twelve horse living here are from top Rocky Mountain Horse bloodlines), non-gaited horses of all breeds are welcome. Our unique riding program blends the best elements of the endurance, trail, western and dressage disciplines to create a versatile and confident rider and horse.
Q.
How are you with problem horses?
A. Referred to by clients as horse whisperers, we excel with the "problem horse" that you thought could never be trusted. We remove bad behaviors using safe, gentle training techniques and teach your horse to be a trusted, enjoyable mount. If you are seriously looking to give your horse a second chance, take him to be trained at Surprise Valley Ranch.
Q. Is it true that a Horse Hero is living at Surprise Valley Ranch?
A. Yes! Winter Storm Warning (Storm) is a recognized horse hero who has saved over two dozen human lives. He is a gentle, loving Rocky Mountain Horse with an unusual sense of duty who will enthusiastically nuzzle and caress a child or puppy, then respond to an emergency to help an injured person or chase down and capture a felon.