About Yellowstone Horses and Eagle Ridge Ranch
The Eagle Ridge Ranch is a working cattle ranch that has offered commercial horseback rides for many years. But there’s much more to the ranch than riding horses and grazing cattle. Guests can also enjoy cabin rentals, fishing in private ponds, and canoeing or paddling in the peaceful waters.
Conveniently located just 35 minutes south of Yellowstone National Park and 10 minutes north of Last Chance in Island Park, the ranch is centrally positioned for guests staying in both Island Park, Idaho and West Yellowstone, Montana. Many visitors also travel from nearby towns like Rexburg, Ashton, and Idaho Falls in Idaho, as well as Big Sky, Bozeman, and Ennis in Montana, to enjoy a day of horseback riding with us.
Although easy to find, the ranch is tucked just far enough off the beaten path to preserve its natural beauty. Covering nearly 2,000 acres, the land remains in pristine condition.
The Shotgun Valley area, where the ranch is located, was a favorite summer and fall hunting ground for local Native American tribes. Winters, however, were too harsh, and the tribes would migrate to lower elevations. Authentic obsidian arrowheads can still be found on the property!
In the late 1990s, a professional-quality rodeo arena was constructed at the ranch, and semi-pro rodeos were held weekly. Although the arena was later removed due to insurance complications, weekly rodeos are still offered nearby at Meadow View Ranch in upper Island Park. Visit our Links to Area Businesses page for more information.
Today, Eagle Ridge Ranch remains a true working cattle operation. Thousands of cattle graze the land each summer, and late in the season, you can see them alongside their young calves.
The ranch features several lakes, ponds, and natural streams. Coupled with the breathtaking mountain backdrop, these elements create incredible photo opportunities and peaceful moments in nature.
The horses at Eagle Ridge Ranch are one of our greatest assets. We carefully select only those horses we can trust completely with our guests. Whether you're a first-time rider or a seasoned equestrian, we have a horse that suits your level. Many of our horses have been with us for years and have consistently proven themselves reliable and gentle.
Yellowstone Horses is not a large franchise. We are a dedicated, close-knit team, and many of our staff members are part of our own family. Our handpicked guides genuinely love working at the ranch, and every summer, we commit ourselves to helping Yellowstone visitors create unforgettable memories. Our goal is to make your experience one of the highlights of your trip—and over the years, our methods have proven to do just that.
Tom Angell and his family have been conducting horseback rides in the Island Park, Idaho and West Yellowstone, Montana areas for over four decades! In fact, a handful of loyal guests have been riding with the Angells since the very beginning.
In the spring of 2012, at the age of 65, Tom suffered a major heart attack while in West Yellowstone—his heart literally stopped working. After weeks in the hospital, time in a coma, surgery, and what we truly believe was a miracle from God, Tom made a nearly full recovery (despite significant damage to his heart). We are incredibly thankful for this miracle.
Since then—and with some gentle urging from his family to slow down—Tom has taken on a different role in the horseback riding business. He now focuses his expertise on advertising and caring for the horses. The Angell family teamed up with Steve and Susan Hyde, general managers of Eagle Ridge Ranch, to bring Yellowstone Horses to the public. While you may not see Tom during your visit, rest assured he is still involved in every detail of what happens at the ranch.
Though he's reached retirement age (and his family often encourages it), Tom has no intention of slowing down! He continues to care for all the horses throughout the winter—feeding them daily and tending to their needs. He administers vaccinations, handles dental care, grows and harvests hay, and keeps our brochures stocked and posters displayed throughout Island Park and West Yellowstone. Occasionally, you might even catch him shoeing a horse.
No, this isn’t your typical retirement—but for Tom, to stop working would be to stop living. He is truly a prime example of a Western cowboy!
Yellowstone Horses
(208)-558-7077
Island Park, Idaho
Visit yellowstonehorses.com for another view of the ranch!
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