Your Very Best Horse Vacation
I don't know about you, but I'm unable to separate "horse" and "vacation" in my life. As in, if I'm going to go through the time, trouble and expense of setting aside my daily life to go do something recreational, it's going to involve horses in some way. I may write about them for a living, but my being a horse nut preceded any thought of getting a paycheck for it.
Not for me a trip to some tropical isle, where the idea is to lie on a beach and sip umbrella drinks. Way too slothful, and besides that, I look better in chaps than a bikini. I have no desire to go on a cruise and then battle the post-trip weight gain that friends have moaned about. I'd think about vacationing in the Big Apple, but only if I got to go horseback riding in Central Park--every day. I have similar thoughts about a trip to Europe. If the plan were to go horseback trekking from castle to castle, I'd be first to sign up! But the idea of touring the great capitals of the continent doesn't ring my bell as loudly as, say, touring the great horse farms of Kentucky (which I've done--complete with posing for pictures alongside Secretariat).
That was a memorable horseperson's vacation, definitely high on my list of the alltime faves. At the top of the list, as my very best horse vacation? Winner of that category is the week-long trip I took with Triple O Outfitters (www.tripleo-outfitters.com) to retrace Lewis and Clark's route across Idaho's Bitterroot Mountains. That wasn't just a vacation--it was the adventure of a lifetime. It mixed mountain-savvy horses, breathtakingly unspoiled country, nights under the stars, a palpable link to history, and great comradeship with a complete and utter escape from the digital fetters of modern-day life. I was a whole new person when I got home, refreshed in a way that's hard to describe. (Saddle-sore, too, for a valuable reminder that I exist below the neck as well as above it.)
Seeing as how we're barely halfway through the worst of the winter months, vacations are nice things to think about right now. How about entertaining me with some details of your very best horse vacation? If I can't get down our steep, icy driveway with the horse trailer right now, I still can join you in my imagination.
posted by Juli Thorson @ 10:42 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
The Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, AZ (flyingeranch.com)! My family has been going there since the 1970s (this April will mark my 25th visit). It's the epitome of relaxation! Family atmosphere, friendly staff, cute wranglers, fast and safe horses, beautiful weather, fantastic food... I dream about it all year long!
We go to the Gotno Ranch in Florence, AZ. They have camper hookups, nice stalls and their own bar! They have entertainment on weekends and are great people. There is lots of BLM land to ride on or you can go to the mountains for more fun. We had so much fun last year we only went to town to get food! Okay, maybe some beer.
2 years ago I went to a farm in Wales (no longer open) that offered weekend and full-week training vacations. I got 3 lessons a day on a variety of horses, we stayed in rooms on site and it included full-board. There were about 8 of us and it was a fantastic learning experience. I've also ridden @ Calliaghstowne outside Dublin and Epona outside Seville. Those trips offered 1 lesson a day and a 2-4 hour trailride.
In 2005 I returned to Alaska for the first time in many years during the SUMMER months. It was the first time I have ever been able to ride my mom's horses on the trails. We saddled up at my childhood home and took off on horseback down the trails I explored as a kid. I saw more trails in our time there than I did exploring as a teenager. It was wonderful to fly down the trail on a Paso Fino and experience 'The Great Land'. And boy was it nice to just arrive back in the driveway, remove tack and go in for a snack!
I've ridden through the jungle then along the beach in Cancun, on a Criollo, who seemed grateful I could post and left his mouth alone, then thru a stone-paved village in Puerto Vallarto,seeing alligators in a canal, and a QH named Bean on BLM land outside of Vegas. I always tell my horses when I get home how spoiled they are. Would love to ride in Scotland or Ireland!
With family and friends did a week riding across Ireland. No lessons or stuff, just ride from point A to point B, turn horses out in pasture,spend nights at riding centre or in B&B, do some touring, shopping or hit the pubs! Part of Cross Country International tour. We had all levels of riders from first time riders to trainers. Our group booked all the spaces in the weeks ride, so we all knew each other and had a blast. great trip, would love to do it again in a minute.
I rode with my father through (Big Sky country) south eastern Montana outfitted by Powder River Wagon Train and Cattle drives. The trip was a gem and truly a once in a lifetime experience. I actually thought about going back for an anniversary ride but knew it would never be the same as the first ride. We rode on horseback for 7 days, camped out and enjoyed great food, beautiful country, friendly and knowlegable wranglers and met some great new friends. It was a trip of a lifetime especially with my Dad who can't wait to share the memories with whomever wants to listen.
My favorite horse vacation changed the direction of my life. After a long break from horses I was ready to reconnect. So I went to Bonanza Creek Country in Martinsdale, Montana, a 35,000 acre working cattle and guest ranch to discover my inner cowgirl. You think I exaggerate? It's been seven years since that first trip and I now live in Montana, own several horses, and make a living marketing horses and the western lifestyle and publishing a website about western saddles - western-saddle-guide.com. You can't get more cowgirl than that.
The Best and Only Vacation I take for myself is the 5 Day ride of the Las Damas Ladies club in AZ.. I visit my cousin Clare in Salome AZ. and we get up with the Ladies of Las Damas( she's a member) and we ride for 5 days out in the beautiful AZ. Skull Valley area.. Great food and the best Horsewomen to ride with!!No phones, no TV ,just good riding, cute wranglers, Great food and the best horsewomen around. We pitch our tent and tie our horses to the tie line..... Best sleep I get all year!.......this is my 5th year to go.... Love it Patti from SC
I know this is an ancient comment, but I'm catching up on the blog :) Seventeen glorious years ago, my husband planned a surprise honeymoon for us, I had NO input. Our first stop in this week long Bed and Breakfast tour of Virginia took us to Jordan Hollow Farm Inn (http://www.jordanhollow.com/amenities.asp?id=44). At the time, it was owned by a wonderful couple from South Africa, the rooms were awesome, the restaurant was 5 star, and the trail rides were fantastic! Differing levels of trail rides were available, many of the equine were Fjords. The amazing scenery, the difficult trails for advanced riders, and the well-managed stable were the highlights of my honeymoon, I see they've made some additions recently, only for the better! I LOVED this place, someone from the horse industry needs to do a piece on this place *grin*
Diane in St Louie
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