Rider Down! It’s a trail rider’s worst nightmare: getting hurt and requiring evacuation from a remote area. Whether out on the trails for a few hours or on an overnight trip, the reality that every recreational rider must face is that emergencies can occur. Preparation is key and the success of emergency evacuations has a lot to do with planning for their possibility. It can also determine whether a rider survives.

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch is a highly successful rural Western riding getaway nestled near the small town of Shell, Wyoming, an hour east of the Cody airport, and east of Yellowstone National Park at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Outside of their regular season, which runs from April to October, owners Peter De Cabooter and his wife Marijn host an annual winter ride where, by invitation only, repeat guests come to enjoy the ranch during its quieter time. Peter, Marijn, their son Victor, and other various staff members join the loyal patrons on rides, pre-dinner drinks at the bar, and scrumptious meals in the dining area of the main lodge.

With winter fading and longer, warmer days ahead, now is the ideal time to plan for a standout trail riding season. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the trail, these steps will help you make the most of your summer trail riding season and build a strong partnership with your horse.

As a photojournalist specializing in horseback riding vacations, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing incredible opportunities that I will always cherish. Through my work, I've had the chance to explore hidden corners of the world that most tourists never see and connect with fascinating people from across the globe who share a passion for horses. In my view, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in a new culture than from the saddle of a native horse, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of a place.