Wrangler Skills Workshops
Take your horseback riding vacation to a level beyond. Learn from Alisal Wranglers the skills it takes to truly make a cowboy. Try your hand at barrel racing or drill team, or stick to the ranching basics in our team sorting and round-up workshops. This is your chance to experience horseback riding unlike any other programs in Solvang and beyond.
Rest Up for Your Ride
The best wranglers are always well-rested. Our authentic ranch accommodations encircle the barn so you’ll never be far away from your next lesson. Alisal’s nightly rate includes lodging, two meals daily, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
ALISAL ranch & riding experiences
barrel Racing Skills Class
1 hour | $80 per rider (age 12+)
Intermediate, Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 6 riders
Come join us on Mondays to have fun in the arena and learn the fundamentals of one of the most popular rodeo events! Barrel Racing requires balance, timing, and refined control of a horse. This class will teach you the basics including: a brief history of Barrel Racing, how to independently control a horse in the arena, and work towards completing a full pattern at a trot. Although Barrel Racing is historically a woman’s event, today it is dominated by both men and women.
AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND
Drill Team Riding Class
1 hour | $100 / rider (age 12+)
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 8 riders
Come Tuesday to practice a choreographed riding pattern for the opening ceremonies of our Wednesday night rodeo. You will get a chance to try something new with the horses and become a stronger rider while doing so. You’ll also have fun with other riders and form your own team for the week.
Riders must join the Tuesday class to learn the pattern of the week to be eligible for participation in the Wednesday night rodeo.
AVAILABLE SUMMER ONLY
Team Sorting Skills
1 hour | $100 / rider
Intermediate, Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 6 riders
This exciting class (usually Wednesdays) will teach you the basics of sorting cattle, a necessary skill on a cattle ranch. Teams of three will be challenged to sort three cows out of the herd and to move them across the arena. After participating in this class you’ll get the opportunity to use your skills during the Wednesday night Rodeo and compete against fellow guests and wranglers. Weekly winners get a prize and the best time of the summer receives a belt buckle at the end of the season!
AVAILABLE SUMMER ONLY
Roping with a Wrangler
30 Minutes | $50 / person / class
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Have you ever wondered how cowboys and cowgirls swing a rope and catch cattle so effortlessly? Well it all starts from the ground up with the fundamentals, and it is not too late to learn. This class will cover the basics of swinging a loop and catching the stationary roping dummy.
AVAILABLE SPRING & SUMMER
