Riding
This is what we're really proud of, and what you'll be talking about over dinner, breakfast, lunch - and for days after you are back at home!
We use the information you provide to select the best horse we can for you. We break the groups up into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced rides - but friends and family of different riding abilities can still go out together; it's all very flexible!
Each group of riders is accompanied by an experienced wrangler, who will give you all the instruction you need to make your horseback experience as safe and fun as possible. We have two rides a day, with each ride lasting 2 to 2.5 hours through some of that spectacular scenery we mentioned earlier - you'll see what we mean. Some of us have lived here for 30 years and when the light is just right, the view still stops us in our tracks.
You've heard about our warm, sunny climate - but are you worried the summer weather might be too hot for riding? Don't be! If it really starts to cook, we skip the afternoon ride and have a beautiful evening ride instead. These are the long days of summer we all wait for, and after an afternoon spent by our big beautiful pool, maybe with that book you've been meaning to read all year - or just having a decadent afternoon nap in your air-conditioned room - we mount up after dinner and head out for a truly magical experience! Our desert climate cools off quickly when the sun starts to go down, making for prime riding time - and there are few things more romantic than watching the sun go down from the back of a good horse! You'll return to the home ranch in the cool twilight when the crickets are starting to chirp, then enjoy coffee and dessert served on the patio.
When you hop off your horse at the end of the day, you might be walking funny for a few steps, but we guarantee you'll be smiling!
About the Rides
The morning ride mounts up in the corral at 9:15 a.m., and the afternoon ride mounts up at 2:15 p.m. When we have an evening ride, the mount-up time will be announced that day. The minimum age for the trail rides is 8 years, but little ones can enjoy a pony ride in the arena before joining in the fun with our children's program!(see "activities") New guests wishing to ride on the day they arrive should plan on getting here at least 45 minutes prior to mount-up.
Please refer to our Rates and Policies page for further information about our trail rides.
Things to Not Forget
- Sunscreen, bathing suit (we provide pool towels) and some sandals or "flip-flops". Our wooden boardwalks are worn smooth but splinters can happen!
- Jeans or other comfortable long pants for riding. Sweatpants are not recommended as they are slippery on the saddle. Think practical. Fashion can come into it later in the day!
- If not planning to wear a riding helmet, then be sure to bring a hat of some kind to keep the sun off. Please be sure it can stay on in windy conditions or you may not be able to bring it with you on the ride. You might not be popular with your fellow riders if your hat keeps blowing off and landing on their horse's face!
- If you want to bring a camera with you on the ride, bring a small one that fits in your pocket. Nothing with a strong strap can be worn around your neck while riding.
