Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Gayler.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I didn’t grow up in a big city or on a traditional ranch, but I always found myself drawn to the quiet strength, intelligence, and companionship horses offer. Over time, what began as a personal passion grew into something much bigger.
The idea for starting a horseback trail riding business came after years of riding and caring for horses on my own land. Friends and family who visited would often tell me, “You should do this for a living.” They weren’t just talking about the horses — they meant the experience: the peace of the open trails, the connection with the animals, the beauty of nature. That encouragement planted a seed.
Subsequently, horses and the outdoors connected to other interests and work, like historical re-enactments, film work, land surveying, and landman work. I was also fortunate to participate in some truly unique and special events — mounted archery, polocrosse, polo, buffalo hunting with traditional bow and arrow, even mounted knife and tomahawk throwing. All of these experiences deepened my respect for the horse as a partner and for the many ways riding can engage both body and spirit.
Eventually, I took the leap. I began by offering private rides to people I knew, focusing on safety, personalized attention, and authentic connection — not just with the horses, but with the riders too. Word of mouth spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before I realized there was a real demand for a trail experience that felt personal, welcoming, and unhurried.
I’ll admit, when I first started the trail riding business, I thought I might get bored riding the same trails all the time. But I soon discovered that while the trails may be the same, the people are always different. And that changed everything. I found myself looking forward to every ride, every conversation, every unique connection. I realized the experience was making people genuinely happy — and that, in turn, became one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Today, I still personally guide many of our rides. I know every horse by name, every trail bend by heart, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching people from all walks of life light up in the saddle. It’s not just a business for me — it’s a calling. And I’m proud to share it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, I guess the usual ones that come with starting any small business — especially one that involves animals, people, and the outdoors. Finding affordable insurance was a big hurdle at the beginning. It’s essential, of course, but not always easy to get the right coverage when your business involves live animals and unpredictable terrain.
Another challenge was finding and developing the right horses for the job. Not just any horse will do. I wanted horses that weren’t just safe, but also had personality — horses that got along well with one another, that were calm but not lifeless, steady but not dull. I didn’t want a string of soulless, lethargic nags. I wanted beautiful, bright, forgiving animals that people would remember — that would actually teach something about trust, presence, and partnership.
And then there’s the personal challenge of balance. To keep from getting jaded or burned out, I’ve made it a point to stay involved in other passions — things like historical re-enactments, film work, mounted archery, and more. Keeping those other pursuits alive feeds my creativity and renews my energy for the trail business. It’s all connected, really.
Starting and growing this business hasn’t been without its bumps in the trail, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
As you know, we’re big fans of Remounts LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Horseback Adventures of Central Texas, we don’t just offer trail rides — we offer an experience. Our business is rooted in a love for horses, nature, and the unique bond that forms when the two come together. We specialize in private, personalized rides that are intentionally small and hands-on, designed for riders of all skill levels to connect with the animal, the land, and even themselves.
What sets us apart is the time and care we take with every rider and every horse. We’re known for beautiful, healthy, happy horses, not tired old trail plodders. Each of our horses is chosen and developed for their personality, responsiveness, and willingness to connect with people — and our guests notice the difference. You won’t just ride a horse — you’ll ride a horse with heart.
We also place a strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and education. Whether someone’s brand new to horses or an experienced rider, we take the time to match them to the right horse and make sure they feel confident before heading out on the trail. Our rides traverse some of the most scenic parts of the Texas Hill Country, offering both peaceful moments and occasional thrills — depending on what our guests are up for!
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the authenticity of what we offer. No plastic, no gimmicks, no manufactured “Western” experience — just real horses, real people, and real connection in a beautiful setting. We treat our animals with respect, our guests with care, and our team like family.
I also want to offer special thanks to the Mitchell family and ranch manager Pam, who originally approached me with the idea of offering guided horseback rides at Montesino Ranch. Their trust and support gave me the foundation to build this business, and I remain grateful for the opportunity they extended.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://texashorseadventures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texas.horse.adventures/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087750225452
