Trail rides, lessons available in Heron

The Amber Bear Inn in Heron has two new employees that have started their own business of giving trail rides and riding lessons. Marley Calliham and Connor Dahlin, both from Great Falls, have three horses that can be used for guests and riding lessons. Marley said they are looking to increase their herd with more well-broke trail horses.

"We offer an hour ride on flat ground or a 2 hour ride up in the hills," Marley said.

She and her partner started their business after Marley came to Sanders County and needed a place to board her horses. "I found this place to board while I was visiting my dad in Thompson Falls, so I decided to move here."

The business has been open for a couple of weeks and has had a few riders and Marley says she has a group of eight clients scheduled for August. Right now they will have to take large groups of clients in shifts. Typically, they do not want riders under 10 but if a youngster can prove themselves on a horse, then they can ride the trail.

"We had a client who was eight years old. But they could ride well on their own, so I let them," Marley said. They need to show that they are confident and can stop, start, and turn their horse, she added.

For riding lessons there is no age requirement. "We will start preschool aged students and go up to 99," both Connor and Marley agreed. They are willing to accommodate small children as needed for support.

"We are not boarding other people's horses at this time, but may do boarding in the future," Marley said. "And if someone wanted to bring their own horse out for a trail ride, that should be fine."

They are moving along with their business and thinking ahead. "We will keep rides and lessons going into the Fall and Winter, weather permitting," Marley said.

The lodge has six rooms to rent and a three-bedroom, four-bathroom house with washer and dryer and kitchen. The Amber Bear Inn sits on 400 acres with 200 used for horses and easily accessed riding trails.

Trail rides are $50 an hour on flat ground and $1000 for two hour rides in the mountains. Riding lessons are $25 an hour. Lodging with trail rides has a 25% discount on meals. The bundle option consists of a meet and greet breakfast, lodging, and a trail ride with a lunch and/ or snack. Rides will be early morning or evenings during extreme heat.

For booking information visit heronhappytrails.com, email [email protected] or call/text Marley Calliham at (406)868-8243.