There are several stables and trails in Arizona that provide a perfect horseback adventure, and makes perfect horseback riding in Phoenix. The stables and ranches provide services and what you have to do is choose which facility is suitable for you depending on factors such as riding schedules, types of trails. However, in this article, we discuss mainly the stables and ranches available for horseback riding in Phoenix.
Trail Head Ranch
Trail Head is one of the ranches that have been providing boarding facilities and trail rides in Cave Creeks, Arizona for years. The ranch welcomes both novice and experienced riders from all age groups. Numerous trails go a distance of between one to three miles that people can use for both hiking and horseback riding. The Trail Head Ranch features several restrooms making it one of the most preferred and highly recommended places for family and couple horseback riding.
With well-experienced guides and plenty of well-kept horses, you can be sure that this ranch will give you all the experiences you crave for around the Sonoran Desert. There are breakfast, lunch, sunset and moonlight rides that go for durations between one and four hours for those visiting to enjoy. Keep your camera nearby to snap perfect shots of desert plants such as Saguaro cactus and the desert insects you will come across.
MacDonald’s Ranch
This horse lover’s paradise is located in Scottsdale, north of Phoenix. The ranch provides endless opportunities that can help make vacations and holidays a loving memory to dote upon.
They have a wide variety of horseback ride options including private, moonlight and even group rides for the visitors to enjoy. As you take in the beauty of the horses, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscapes that you encounter as you ride across the Sonoran Desert. You will be accompanied by experienced wranglers who will not only ensure your safety but also help you identify the desert’s flora and fauna.
If you are looking for some unique activities to enjoy at the Ranch, MacDonald’s does not disappoint. They have the Pumpkin Patch activity to help both adults and children make the best of their time at the ranch. There are group rides and cookouts to enhance the experience at the ranch.
It is no wonder that the visitors who came to the ranch gave positive remarks about the friendly staff and how much they enjoyed the activities there.
KOLI Equestrian Center
If you are in Phoenix, this well-reputed equestrian facility where you can enjoy riding on horsebacks. Located in Chandler, the KOLI Equestrian Center promises you beautiful, scenic landscapes. However, the trail rides take place in the early hours of the morning to avoid the afternoon heat of Phoenix. You can enjoy your ride as you stretch to the Gila River Indian community reservations. More experienced riders can team up and explore the reservations as they watch wild horses roaming the area. Visitors can enjoy dragon wagon rides, cattle and carriage drives. The center also accommodates formal, informal and corporate activities.
Ponderosa Stables
Ponderosa Livery Stable is one of the trail rides located in the South Mountain Parks. This 16000 acres property in South Mountain Parks is a haven for those who are seeking guided horse facilities. Apart from biking, you have the chance to criss-cross hike and bike over the 50 miles of trail in the park.
While it is impossible to take a horse for a ride at this stable, there are knowledgeable guides who will work with you as you ride. The stable is open to people of all age groups, and you can ride as long as you are over six years. There are also excellent boarding facilities for horses to enjoy. For food lovers, it would be worth noting that there are group cookouts for two to eight individuals. The most common foods in the cookouts include hotdogs and T-steaks.
Perhaps the best of all services is the provision of equestrian services ranging from wedding, engagements and Scouts day activities.
Robinson Ranch
This is a ranch located in the serene and breathtaking South Mountain Park of Phoenix. The Robinson Ranch is mostly known for community services as the owner; John Robinson started it as a place to not only keep horses but to provide equine-assisted therapy for the mentally and emotionally troubled individuals.
Over time, the role of the stable has evolved, and today, it is known for a wide variety of activities including horse therapy, riding lessons and professional training. It is worth noting that the ranch works as a non-governmental organization and a majority of the trainers and wranglers at the facility carry out their work voluntarily. Therefore, you can be here not just as a person who needs therapeutic help or needs a professional coach but also as one providing their equestrian-related services to the public.
Pendergast Stables
If you are looking for horse stables that are well-established in the Phoenix area, then Pendergast Stables is the right place to be. The stables have been serving the residents of Phoenix, Arizona for over 45 years. They provide a wide variety of equestrian services, including riding lessons and horse boarding facilities. Therefore, if for any reason you are unable to care for your equestrian friend, this is stable to find. Your horse will be loved and cared for, even in your absence. They will be comfortable, thanks to the well-conditioned barns, pastures and stalls.
On the other hand, visitors can lease horses for riding lessons and trail rides. Additionally, you can find other disciplines that involve ponies and tamed horses at Pendergast.
Phoenix has a rich presence of places where you can enjoy trail rides, making it one of the ideal destinations for horse lovers. Whether you are looking to enjoy a formal or informal occasion in Phoenix, one of these stables and ranches will surely fit your expectations. However, one thing you will have to do is to ensure that you book a slot in advance to avoid any unnecessary inconveniences.