Enjoy great horses, great food, a dude ranch, cattle drives, horse roundups, fishing, arrowhead hunting, horse training, and team penning and sorting. This is a natural horsemanship ranch in the Ozark Mountains. Trail ride, lodging, meals and guided rides. Winner of the 2009 Ultimate Equestrian Challenge. Train a horse to ride in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The area contains 3,515 acres at the junction of Boone, Howard and Randolph counties. The 48-acre-lake has a disabled-accessible boat ramp, fishing dock and restroom. Hikers, bikers and equestrians will enjoy the 12.5-mile Moniteau Wilderness Trail. There are 24 primitive campsites on the area. This conservation area is located 19 miles north of Columbia on Route 63; then five miles west on Route F; then 2.75 miles north on Route T; and then one-half mile west on County Road 2930.

We offer guided trail rides in the hills along the Black River. Minimum rides are one hour; rides can be customized to your request. Bring your horse or ride one of ours. Overnight horse boarding is available. Lessons are available for all levels and all ages. We are on Route K, in Annapolis. There is a bed and breakfast one mile east; campgrounds two miles west.

Younger than 18 must be accompanied by parent and must wear a helmet. Cost: $25 for the one-hour ride. Boarding: $10 per night. Lesson: $20 for half-an-hour. Reservations are recommended but not required.

This ranch specializes in raising, training and riding high-performance roping, reined horses and cutting horses.

Specializing in the ultimate country experience. View a working cattle farm while taking a guided trail ride through the woods along Stouts Creek, passing a Civil War historic marker. In the spring and fall, you will see baby calves with their mothers. If you are lucky, you might glimpse a beaver at work or the great blue heron. The property is home to countless birds, wild turkey, eagles, and white tail deer. Bring your horse or ride one of ours. We hand-pick the horses to match your riding ability. Trail rides by reservation only. Stall rentals are available. Bed and breakfast inn on site. Trail ride: $30. Guests of our bed and breakfast receive a discount.

Horseback riding by the hour or day. A ride of more than four hours includes lunch and at least two river crossings, with a chance of seeing the famous Missouri Wild Horses. Rent one of our cabins and combine your horseback riding with canoeing for a great family vacation. Meals can be provided. See our Web site for schedules of special trail rides and details.

Big River Ranch provides 2,100 acres of land to enjoy on horseback. We offer 25 miles of cut trails; five of which are along the Missouri River. We have an event center, camping, an outdoor lighted arena, and horse boarding stables. We welcome RVs.