How to Ride Like a Pro in the Eastern Sierra

On day two in the intermediate horseback ride at Hunewill Guest Ranch, we saddle up for open-field loping. If you’ve ever dreamt of galloping across wide-open meadows with the gorgoues Eastern Sierra mountains as your backdrop, this is your moment!

If you’re brand new to horseback riding here, ‘loping’ is the gait that comes after trotting. It’s more fluid and faster-paced, and it’s an exciting skill to learn.

What makes Hunewill Ranch so special isn’t just the incredible views, it’s the rare opportunity to lope freely across wide-open meadows. Unlike typical nose-to-tail trail rides, where horses follow the same worn path each day, every ride at Hunewill Ranch is unique. The horses are well taken care of and well trained. Not to mention, you’ll get confidence-building instructions from experienced wranglers.

Horseback riding vacation — *Loping in wide-open spaces at Hunewill Guest Ranch*

On our ride, our wrangler, Amy, introduced us to a simple, memorable way to lope safely and skillfully. Without further ado, here are the 5 S’s of loping:

1. Spread Out

Keep an imaginary personal space bubble around your horse, just like cars on a freeway. Horses need room to move without feeling crowded. Too close and things can get unpredictable. Maintaining space also lets you focus on your horse’s rhythm and your own balance.

2. Shorten Your Reins

Adjust your reins to fit the moment. For loping, you want them snug but gentle, with your hands in the range of the saddle horn. Think: slow and steady brake-pumping, not sudden pulls or wild arm movements (those can startle your horse!). Controlled rein handling is key to good communication with your horse.

Horseback riding at Hunewill Guest Ranch — *Learning to ride horses with confidence at Hunewill Guest Ranch!*

3. Sit Back

This one's all about posture. You should be able to see the tips of your boots when looking down. Drop your heels, soften your knees, and sink into your seat. You can even press your free hand against the saddle horn to stay anchored. A deep seat means better balance, and better balance means a smoother ride.

4. Speeding Ticket

Amy let us know, “never pass your wrangler while loping. Safety first!” If your horse is speedy, use your voice to communicate: calming cues like “easy” or “whoa” help keep your pace controlled.

5. Smile!

Don’t forget to look up, breathe, and enjoy the ride. The expansive meadows, fresh mountain air, and the majestic views of the Eastern Sierras with a small group of fellow horse lovers make this a truly bucket-list moment. Let yourself relax and connect with your horse and the land.

Horseback riding vacation at Hunewill Guest Ranch — *Family fun - horseback riding vacation at Hunewill Guest Ranch*

Join us for a true Western getaway.

The loping experience at Hunewill Ranch is one you’ll never forget. With these 5 S’s in mind, you’ll ride with confidence, safety, and a smile on your face. Check out our calendar to plan your trip.

The Five S’s of Loping at Hunewill Ranch