Cowboy Steve Krier is back in Rhinelander once again, working his horses at Holiday Stables. This year, Steve has a full stable of beautiful and well-mannered animals, ready to saddle up and hit the trails. He also has two teams of coal-black Percherons he uses for wagon rides.

A chance to see the Northwoods from the back of a horse is truly an exciting experience and that is certainly the case at Holiday Stables. Trail rides are available every day of the week starting at 9 a.m. These rides take about an hour, with guided rides going out about every hour-and-a-half. The horses are gentle and well-mannered, and adults and children are welcome. Children under age 7 will need to ride with an adult, however. Before each adventure, Steve makes sure every rider is safely mounted and then checks to make sure stirrup and bridle are at the correct length.

These hour-long rides take visitors through a pine forest and deeply wooded areas. “We see lots of wildlife,” said Steve. “Deer, grouse, turkeys and different kinds of birds are very frequent sights on these rides.” Steve has also set up a scavenger hunt on the trail and if a group can find all 10 items, one ride is free.

Another favorite activity at Holiday Stables is the wagon rides. Steve has a roomy, open air covered wagon that is pulled by two beautiful coal-black Percheron horses. These massive animals are a sight to see and are as gentle as lambs. Visitors can book a wagon ride any day of the week, with a minimum of 10 people. Some of the more popular outings are the sunset wagon rides. These begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. This is a great activity for families, who get to see all the Northwoods has to offer, while the clip-clop of horse hooves sounds off in the background.

The Thursday morning breakfast ride is also popular. On this adventure, visitors head into the woods, where an authentic cowboy breakfast is served. There are blueberry pancakes, sausages, eggs and other goodies available, all cooked over an open fire.

In addition to the horses, kids and adults alike will really enjoy the small petting zoo at Holiday Stables. This year, there is a miniature horse with a new foal, as well as a miniature donkey with her baby. There are friendly goats, sheep, chickens and even tiny baby rabbits to enjoy and feed.

Holiday Stables is located on W. Lake George Road, just outside of Rhinelander. Trail rides are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Call (715) 362-1881 or (406) 425-1260 to book a trail or wagon ride with Steve. Also check out Holiday Stables on Facebook.