SMART SPLURGE: Granby, Colorado 
A haven in the high Rockies for over 90 years, C Lazy U Lodge offers home-cooked feasts served family-style, comfy cowboyish lodges, and the hospitality of an extended family. Horses and instruction are exceptional, with classes at any level in indoor and outdoor arenas and all-day trail rides. At week’s end, show off your teamwork at the (slightly) competitive rodeo. From $2,730 for 7 days

GREAT VALUE: Vermont
Enjoy leisurely rides through Vermont’s Green Mountains with Equitours, the oldest horseback riding vacation company in the U.S. On the Sugarbush Tolt Trek, rolling farmland and leafy forests serve as a backdrop to guided rides, while a local Vermont inn is your home base for exploring when not in the saddle. The pace is slow to moderate on these outdoor adventures, and you’ll spend up to 6 hours a day on your horse: This trip is best suited for riders with previous experience. We recommend springing for the slightly more expensive (just $100 more per person) trips in late September and early October to take full advantage of the region’s spectacular fall foliage. From $1,565 for 6 days, including accommodation and some meals