ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: Western - the horses are schooled to neck rein.

Type of Riding: Trail Ride/Centre-Based - On this ride you'll ride out from the inn on a daily basis. As a general rule, you will leave by nine each morning and to return about six in the evening. The rides are leisurely and are often divided into two groups, one group going a longer distance and one a shorter distance. Daily travel time to or from the trailhead averages about twenty minutes.

Type of Tack: Western.

Hours in the Saddle: 6 to 7 hours per day.

Riding Ability Required: Novice upwards. Participants should be in good health and physical condition. An appreciation of the outdoors is a prerequisite for joining a trip.

Your hosts pride themselves in giving experienced riders the challenge and pace they desire without abusing the horses and in giving less experienced riders the confidence to enjoy the wilderness. The high guide to guest ratio allows us them divide the group by ability and interest when time and logistics allow.

The terrain is very varied, with steep ascents and descents. As a general rule, the rides explore higher environs (to 11,500ft.) during mid-summer and lower elevations (to 3,900ft.) earlier or later in the season. Life zones visited may range from Alpine to upper-Sonoran depending on ride and time of year.

Maximum Weight: None

Number of Guides per Ride: 1 or 2 guides - depending on the number of guests.

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 1/10.

Looking after the horse: Guests are not expected to groom, feed and tack up their horse but are more than welcome to assist.

ABOUT THE HORSES

There is a herd of 15 saddle horses as well as 6 two and three year olds. The remuda (herd) is mainly homebred and comprises of Quarter Horses with a few Arabs, TBs and Mustangs. Here are just a few of those you might meet.

Sawdust, Elvira and Mouse are all full sisters. They are all homebred and trained on the ranch. Sawdust is kind and sweet but still very much a goer.

Rascal - TB x Quarter Horse. Rascal is a real beauty. All heart and very forward going. A true leader.

Elvira - a real powerhouse, very much the herd's lead mare.

Smokey - the little mustang! But built like a brick, (he was probably cut late) He has done it all. Loves to be groomed and fed apples, but mostly loves to GO!