Travis Caffee sits atop his trusty steed, Andy, near a spring-fed creek on Reveille Peak Ranch in the rural reaches of Burnet County. Caffee owns and operates Thunder Horse Outfitters and takes clients on trail rides throughout the ranch in the spring, summer, and fall. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The best way to experience the Highland Lakes is on horseback. That’s just how it is. The rippling granite, waves of wildflowers, and scenic vistas in this slice of the Texas Hill Country are on full display when you’re in the saddle, and luckily, there are ample opportunities.
“One of the great parts about riding a horse is that you’re going slow enough that you can really take in what is around you,” said Travis Caffee, owner/operator of Thunder Horse Outfitters. “When you’re up on a horse, you really get the time to daydream and soak things in.”
Caffee’s operation offers horseback riding experiences on the rugged east side of Lake Buchanan at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet County. The property occupies 1,300 acres of the most beautiful Highland Lakes terrain.
While several area parks have dedicated horseback riding trails, those seeking a guided ride and lessons have fewer options. Luckily, Thunder Horse is here during the spring, fall, and winter. Texas summers are just too hot, so Caffee heads west to Colorado during the sizzling season.
Outfitters like Caffee make it easy on a rider, providing the horse, the tack (saddles, reins, bits, bridles, and such), and whatever else is needed for a successful trek. All you have to do is show up.
“Owning horses is expensive,” he said. “Riding with me or a similar operation is one of the most cost-effective ways to get introduced to horses and riding.”
WHAT TO EXPECT ON A TRAIL RIDE
You’ll have a different experience on horseback depending on the season. Spring brings bountiful bluebonnets and paintbrushes, fall offers bounding bucks and cooler weather, and winter lets you bundle up and channel your inner Jeremiah Johnson.
No matter the time of year, the stunning beauty of the Highland Lakes will be on full display. The trails crawling across Reveille Peak Ranch offer hilltop views of Lake Buchanan, quiet creeks and draws, rugged ravines, waterfalls, ancient oaks, and scenes that feel yanked from a sweeping Western epic.
Caffee recommends being open to the experience, no matter the conditions.
“Some of the most memorable times for me have been when the weather doesn’t cooperate,” he said.
He recounted rides where the notoriously unpredictable Texas weather turned and he and his client were rained on, but afterward, rainbows arched overhead and the light played on infinite water droplets in the grass and leaves along the trail.
Another time, it was freezing cold, but the sun rose and so did the steam off of the backs of his horses, creating an otherworldly moment.
“Don’t give up hope,” he joked. “Come with an open mind.”
Plan for your ride accordingly and bring good leg protection, tough shoes, and proper attire for potential inclement weather. This is also one of your only opportunities to wear a cowboy hat as a necessity rather than an accessory.
HOW TO BE A GOOD RIDER
According to Caffee, the most important thing for a rider is to “be cool.”
“So much of being a good rider is how calm you can be,” he said. “When you’re nervous and stressed, it can stress out the horses. You should be totally unbothered if possible.”
He explained that horses will pick up on whatever you’re feeling and thinking, and it will have a noticeable impact on how the animals react.
“If you’re worried about what’s going to happen two weeks from now, then you’re not in the present and the horse can feel that and it can put them on edge,” Caffee said. “It’s all about the present for them, which is a good reality check for us. The necessity of being in the moment is a great way to live.”
He recommends keeping phone and camera use to a minimum and just enjoying the moment alongside your trail companions.
Different horses have different personalities, just like people, so your ride might change depending on the quirks of your steed, which is part of the fun.
“It is funny how well people vibe with their horses,” Caffee said. “We get a lot of people coming back that want their original horse.”
He spoke about his horse, Andy, who tends to be a mischief maker.
“Andy is really ADD (attention deficit disorder). He knows how to untie himself, he knows how to undo the latches on the gates,” Caffee joked. “I don’t put total beginner riders on him, but he has a great personality.”
RIDING CHEAT SHEET
Straight from the horseman’s mouth:
- Lean back going downhill, lean forward going uphill, and stay centered on even ground.
- Don’t pull on the reins unless you want the horse to stop or turn. Tug back to stop or slow down, tug to the left to go left, and tug to the right to go right.
- Talk to your horse as you approach it to let it know you’re there and so it can get to know you.
- Give small kicks with your heels to get going. Squeeze with your heels to keep going.
- Make sure all of your stuff is secured. Secure your sweater around your waist, keep your phone in your pocket, keep shoes tied, etc.
- If you notice something is off on a ride, say so. Your saddle is wonky? Speak up. Your hat falls off? Speak up. You hear something that sounds like a sprinkler going off? It’s probably a rattlesnake, so speak up.
WHERE TO GO
Book a ride or lesson at Thunder Horse Outfitters at Reveille Peak Ranch, 1055 County Road 115 in Burnet, by visiting thunderhorseoutfitters.com or texting 512-415-4166.
Ride your own horse at one of these Lower Colorado River Authority parks (lcra.org/parks):
- Grelle Recreation Area, County Road 412 in Spicewood
- Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, 2820 County Road 414 in Spicewood
- Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, 706 County Road 343A in Marble Falls
Or, visit Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Road 6026 in Johnson City.
