Pam Thompson has been riding horses since she was 7 years old, including showing, rodeo, sheriff’s posse, polo, drill team, sorting and team penning, and anything possible with her trusted steeds. Now in retirement, Pam enjoys trail riding. It’s not just any trail for this high adventure lady! Pam is what we might call an “Extreme” Trail Rider. Her two horses, Seaweed and Rip, have been her mounts for the last 15 years. Seaweed was medically retired two years ago leaving Rip with the not-so-routine rides. Pam enjoys three-to-six-hour rides over challenging terrain. Local favorite trails are Sister Creek in Sisterdale, and Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera. Both places boast multiple trails with varying degrees of difficulty. For Pam and Rip, the more challenging, the better! Recently Pam and Rip traveled to Big Bend State Park to ride those challenging trails for several hours on four consecutive days. The scenery was incredible and the riding formidable. Some of those trails aren’t much wider than the saddle! What’s the next challenging trail adventure for Pam and Rip? Look far and wide for narrow trails, water features and steep inclines.

Amelia Patterson, age 6, began lessons at the Equestrian Center in 2022 under the artful tutelage of head trainer, Meghan Moriarty. Horseback riding is her passion! Usually twice each week, Amelia comes to the Equestrian Center, first grooming and tacking up one of the lesson horses, then learning the different gaits and maneuvers to become an accomplished rider. Her favorite steed is “Miss Fancy Goodbar,” a retired show horse with countless ribbons and trophies to her name. In fact, Amelia graduated from walking and trotting to loping on Fancy four months ago! Once the lesson concludes, Amelia removes the tack, grooms the horse and may offer a few treats for a job well done. A veteran of two horse shows in the last six months, Amelia showed “Amigos for Certain,” aka “Honey,” in September in her very first show. They performed well in both the lead line and Unicorn costume contests. Last December, Amelia rode “Huntin Sum Lovin,” aka “Emma,” in her second horse show in College Station. In her pink sequins and big black cowgirl hat, Amelia grinned ear to ear, demonstrating her horsemanship to win her first belt buckle!

In addition to Pam and Amelia, Western and English riders of all ages and capabilities enjoy the Equestrian Center for cow cutting and sorting, barrel racing, ranch riding, arena drills and, yes, trail riding.  

Upcoming Events at the Equestrian Center 

March 4: Bunco

March 25: Fireside Social

April 1: Bunco

April 19: Fredericksburg trip for the day. Come enjoy the day shopping, going to trade days, dining and a little wine.

April 22: Sip and Paint. We will be painting a Highlander Cow with your personal touch added. Snacks and beverages included.

The Equestrian Center will be organizing multiple trips a year to different destinations

In May, we will be going into Texas’ historic Big Bend between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park. We are hauling our horses to Lajitas Resort. It’s a 27,000-acre Texas resort, which is famous for its solitude, natural beauty and rugged desert environment. After checking in, we will be heading out for a short trail ride with a guide to learn the lay of the land. For this trip, you do not have to own your own horse; there are rentals available either through the Club or Lajitas.

From horseback, we will be able to take in Big Bend’s natural beauty as we ride for hours. For travel companions, there are plenty of other things to do if you choose not to ride. The resort features a world class 18-hole golf course called “Black Jack’s Crossing,” designed by PGA Hall of Fame golfer, Lanny Wadkins. They also offer shooting activities, ziplining, paddleboarding, mountain biking and spa packages. So, whether you enjoy horseback trails for hours, or golfing, there is something to enjoy for everyone. If you are interested, please contact Jenn Guidt. 

Jenn Guidt is the Equestrian Manger at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. She can be reached at jguidt@cordilleraranch.com and 803.840.0875.