After doing a bit of research I decided to book our ride at the Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable. They have really good reviews online and it was the closest place to our house. They offer a few different ride options, but I booked the 1-hour trail ride ($49/person). It was the only one offered in the morning and it’s starting to get hot again, so that seemed like the best option. Their season ends mid-April, so we got in a couple weeks before the temperatures force them to close until October.
Once everyone had arrived (there were about 12 of us) they asked about our experience level and matched us up with a horse. I ended up riding Big Mama and Adam rode Zane. After matching us up they called us down to the horses and helped us up. We got a quick overview of how to ride and we were off.
The trail weaved through the desert down to part of the Salt River. There were a couple guys fishing down there, but other than that, we were the only ones the entire way. The ride was led by one of the cowgirls on the ranch. Two others rode alongside the group to help if needed. I wish we would have gone a little earlier in the season to see the cactus in bloom, but it was still a pretty desert scene.
The only issue I really had was trying to keep Big Mama from eating the bushes along the trail. They asked us not to let our horses eat them because it can bother their stomach and because rattlesnakes hide in the bushes. Obviously I don’t want her to get bit by a rattlesnake, but I was a little worried that she wouldn’t respond well to being pulled away by a stranger. After a little resistance I figured out how to handle her and we didn’t have any trouble for the second half of the ride. Good thing I have a lot of experience trying to keep Ringo from putting things in his mouth that he shouldn’t eat!
The ride was perfect for us newbies, but an experience rider would probably be a little bored. They offer a 2-hour ride which would probably be perfect for someone with more experience. You ride across the river on that one!
We both really enjoyed our time and were really happy with the horse we were assigned. They definitely fit our skill level. I should also note that the horses seemed really well taken care of. One of the girls told us that they take the horses up north during the summer, so they don’t have to worry about the heat. Anyway, I would definitely recommend trying a ride if you’ve never been before, it’s a fun experience! If you’re an East Valley local, I would suggest checking out Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable (you can even book online). If you’re not in the Phoenix area, there’s probably riding options near you too.
Have you ever been horseback riding? If not, is it something you’d be willing to try?
What a gorgeous trail ride! Ironically, I live in Maryland horse country, and have never sat on a horse myself. Maybe that should change this year....
ReplyDeleteYou should try it! I bet there are some really beautiful places to ride around there!
DeleteI love riding horses but never rode in such a beautiful setting. I would love to be able to go on a trail ride like this!
ReplyDeleteThe desert can be such a beautiful place!
DeleteThis looks like so much fun! You guys are such awesome adventurers. Love it!
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun! I love that Adam is up for anything!
DeleteThe scenery is so beautiful! Arizona is on my bucket list of places to visit...but not on horseback. (Allergies :( )
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, my allergies were killing me the rest of the day! I had to take extra allergy meds when I got home!
DeleteI love Arizona! I went to college there, so it brings back great memories. I haven't been on a horse ride for a long time, but this sounds like a really fun date.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I went to NAU and have the best memories from those years!
DeleteI grew up riding horses, I even owned them as a teenager! I don't ride frequently now as an adult, but I love taking trail rides when I go on vacation; we went on one in the mountains in Hawaii and it was amazing! What a cool idea for a date!
ReplyDeleteA ride in the mountains in Hawaii sounds AMAZING! I'm definitely doing that next time I'm in Hawaii!
Delete