Cavalgada Tematica – Trout Creek Canyon | U.S. Mangalarga Marchador Association (USMMA)

AUGUST 9, 2025. Helena MT. Host HARAS VISTA DA SERRA.

“It’s the most beautiful ride I have ever been on” said one visitor to our ranch.

The calvagada is 26 kilometers into a mountain wilderness area. We often see bears, deer or elk along this trail. The climb to the top of the mountain is 900 vertical meters. We pass through high grass meadows until we reach Trout Creek Canyon with limestone cliffs soaring hundreds of meters above our heads. Yes, there are trout in the creek!

Don’t miss this ride! But, also stay for the home-cooked buffet meal and music from a local band.

Haras Vista da Serra will introduce the Mangalarga Marchador breed and exhibit the best horses in their breeding program during the day.

About the Ride

We start the 26 kilometer ride heading down the dusty gravel road from the Vista da Serra ranch to the trailhead. Instantly, among the old growth conifers, a sense of peace settles in your heart. The stately old firs and pines patiently bear witness to our ride. We start to climb. Switchbacks! We gain almost 900 vertical meters in the first four or five kilometers. At the top, the horses rest, blowing the dust from their nostrils, knowing it’s all downhill from here. We start down, the horses quickening their pace in the cool mountain air. Down through the big switchbacks into the open, aspen-ringed meadows, chest deep or deeper in high-land timothy grass. The horses grab quick bites, not even having to drop their heads. The two track ambles on down to the top of Trout Creek Canyon. The stupendous, limestone cliffs soar hundreds of meters above our heads, a cathedral like sense pervades. The single track along the Canyon floor crisscrosses the thread of a creek. Nearly five kilometers of staggering mountain high beauty we ride through, quietly in awe of the natural splendor. Finally, we finish our road back on the dusty gravel road to the Vista da Serra ranch.

Get your Mangalarga Marchador ready to join the fun. There are a few extra horses available for out of state riders.

ABCCMM/USMMA OFFICIAL EVENT!

Everyone is welcome, but space is limited, Sign up today!

USMMA membership required – weekend rate is $25.
Rider with own horse $50 – dinner included
Rider needing a horse $100 – dinner included
Dinner when not riding $25 (The food is great!)

ABCCMM Official: Dr. George Vilar

Trail bosses: Tia Nelson and Derek Brown, Dyllon Price

Release of Liability – WAIVER
Sign up Sheet
Membership, if needed

Questions? More information? Please contact the event coordinators:

Carolina Peterson, ABCCMM Liaison 503-970-3750 or carolina1470@aol.com
Tia Nelson, DVM, USMMA President and Owner, Haras Vista da Serra, 406-431-8898 or drtiadvm@aol.com

Getting there!

If flying, the airport is Helena Regional Airport, Helena, MT. Airlines include Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines an United Airlines. The airport is about 40 minutes from Haras Vista da Serra. You will need to rent a car or share a car to reach the ranch. All groceries, water, or other shopping is best done in Helena before driving east toward York, MT.

Driving is a great option if you live in a nearby city or state.

Where to Stay

Tia and Derek have some options at the ranch. Be sure to contact them early! There are also a few houses for rent if you search airbnb or verb. Here are 2 options I found.

Staying in Helena is also an option and there are many options for hotels or Airbnbs. However, it will mean it’s 40 minutes to and from the ranch.

What to See if you stay longer

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g45212-Activities-Helena_Montana.html

Museums, Mining, Ghost towns, Architecture, but the main attraction is the wilderness and nature. Get a guide and go exploring!

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