Horseback Riding Vacations in California

Explore California on horseback

California is the third largest state in the United States, after Alaska and Texas. Located on the West Coast, along the Pacific Ocean, it is bordered by Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon.

The state is divided into Northern California and Southern California, although the boundary between the two regions is not very well defined.

The capital is the city of Sacramento, although California’s most important and populated cities are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Oakland and San Jose.

California is world-famous for its spectacular coastline with cliffs and stunning beaches. But in California, we can find many other natural environments, such as deserts and valleys.

A large part of California is mountainous. Extending more than 600 kilometres, the Sierra Nevada is the major mountain range, with peaks that exceed 4,000 meters above sea level.

Also noteworthy are the Cascade Range, to the northwest, and the large coastal mountain range.

Between the two major mountain ranges is the great Central Valley, California’s most productive agricultural region.

Finally, note that California is home to three main deserts. In the eastern part, we find the famous “Death Valley”, the driest place in North America, and the Mojave Desert.

As for the climate, on average, it is mild to pleasantly warm throughout the year, although temperatures can vary greatly depending on the region. Thus, in areas further inland the climate varies widely, from hot desert to snowy alpine in the mountains.

This variety of ecosystems makes California the most biodiverse state in the Union. Its native wildlife includes the largest flying bird in North America – the California condor.

California also has one of the world’s largest economies, and it has a top-level hotel and tourist service infrastructure. And here, Equestrian Tourism is not the exception.

Equestrian tourism in California

Due to all this, we can say that this state is perfect for a horseback riding vacation.

Thanks to its 900 km of coastline you can enjoy fast gallops along its boundless empty beaches, lined with rugged cliffs.

Explore the astonishing Sierra Nevada Mountains or the main farmlands of the Central Valley, with its numerous guest ranches.

And if you prefer to ride in wide-open expanses, don't miss the riding trails through the sand dunes of the Mojave Desert, a highly recommended experience for seasoned riders.

Horse Riding Holiday Providers in California

We have selected for you the following equestrian tourism ranches in California.

The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort

Set in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, it is a cattle ranche turned vacation destination so guests can experience working ranch life.

Without losing the cowboy traditions of a gracious, bygone era, this ranch offers all the comforts and amenities of a luxury resort.

It has sports facilities, a spa and different activities such as fishing or kayaking that, combined with horseback riding and ranch activities, will make your vacations perfect.

Just minutes away from the guest ranch are more than 75 renowned vineyards and wineries and the charming Danish village of Solvang.

Their horses

They have a herd of more than 100 horses. Meghan Taylor is the wrangler in charge of training and looking after these horses.

They are healthy horses that roam freely through the wide-open pastures.

Meghan will pair you with a horse suited to your skill level. Everyone from first-time riders to advanced riders are welcome to ride. There’s always a horse waiting for you.

Their equestrian programs

We’ll mention here some of the many different things they offer:

• Alisal's rodeo: in the Country and Rodeo fair. Teach a wide variety of rodeo events including ropes, barrel racing and team ranking.

• Round-up Experience: You will get to work as a team along with a wrangler. In this round-up you will be not only moving cattle from one pasture to another, but also down to the sorting pens and helping to sort out the cattle.
• Evening Rides: You will have the opportunity to see deer, coyotes, quail, wild turkeys, or even a bobcat, all that with the backdrop of a stunning sunset.

• Private Rides and Riding Lessons: They offer one-hour private riding lessons daily. They assess rider’s ability so they can join a higher level group for more challenging rides.

For more information visit their website: alisal.com.

Rankin Ranch

This Ranch is located in the beautiful little valley of Walker’s Basin, in the heart of California’s Tehachapi Mountains, at the southern end of the Sequoia National Forest.

It is one of the oldest and largest family owned ranches in the West. Was founded in 1863 by Walker Rankin. Six generations of Rankins have lived and worked here with cattle, on their 125 km² (31,000 acre) ranch.

The owners’ way of life continues the traditions of early California.

You can enjoy riding on horseback through mountain and meadow cattle country. In addition to their equestrian programs, they offer other activities, such as swimming, hiking or fishing for rainbow trout in the ranch pond.

Their equestrian programs

Horseback riding is a favourite activity at the ranch. They have one-hour trail rides, twice each day, from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, they only run one horseback tour in the morning.

These programs are available to guest age six and older, with a maximum weight of 115 Kg.

Some of their guests have never ridden before and some are experienced riders; however, all levels of riders enjoy the beautiful scenery and serenity one can experience while on the back of a horse.

The daily trail rides vary from flat land to mountainous trails and occasionally steep due to the uneven meadows.

Their friendly Wranglers are happy to assist guests with any questions or concerns about riding and will choose the “perfect” horse to suit the rider.

For more information visit their website: www.rankinranch.com.

Running Horse Ranch

This ranch is located in Los Angeles County, in Southern California, just over an hour from Hollywood.

Its owners, Daniela and Michael Keyes, bought land in the Angeles National Forest in 2000 and, in less than two years, the ranch was up and running.

As a child, Daniela Keyes was passionate about horses. He has organized the ranch to ensure his horses have a more natural habitat, with protection from the weather or sun, large pastures and healthy food.

They offer cross country trail rides for adepts at horseback riding and the perfect location for a resistance training arena, which nurtures the family's love and passion for long-distance racing.

Daniela and Michael have three girls, Bonalee, Ichella, and Ricarda. The girls are mainly involved with training mustangs, but also compete very successfully in endurance races.

Their horses

All of our equines living on big pastures with large run-in sheds, offering for every animal enough space to find shelter from the harsh weather condition in southern California.

On their routes use mostly the legendary Mustang, Arabians and Thorobreds which are sure footed horses, cooperative, and most importantly people friendly.

In Endurance racing the horse of choice is the Arabian. However the Keyes Family has also chosen to work with the American Mustang. Sturdy, trail savvy, and highly intelligent, the American Mustang is a worthy competitor in the races and a devoted partner on the trail.

Their equestrian programs

Running Horse Ranch Offers riding programs for riders of all ability levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

All riders will be paired with the appropriate horse. Their experienced guides will help you create a bond between the horse and you.

They have half-day, full-day, or multi-day programs. All your riding tours are customized to ensure an exceptional, unique and safe experience for each rider.

They can choose from many options such as discovering rugged mountain trails, galloping to the wind, and visiting exotic desert locations or even the ocean.

All tours are led by an experienced guide, and no one is allowed to go riding alone due to the rugged terrain. All their tours are incredibly scenic and can be in a few places technical, allowing for gallops.

For more information visit their website: trailridinglosangeles.com.

Marble Mountain Guest Ranch

Located in Somes Bar in Northern California, immersed in Klamath National Forest.

This family vacation ranch is owned by the Cole family. Doug and Heidi Cole, along with their three children, are responsible for ensuring that guests have everything they need.

They combine horseback trail riding vacations with thrilling activities in a traditional American ranch.

At the ranch, they meet the diverse interests and needs of your entire family or group. Their horseback trail riding and equestrian programs are spectacular, but their defining feature is their ability to keep whole families engaged with their variety of outdoor activities.

Therefore, apart from their equestrian activities, they also offer rafting on the Klamath and Salmon rivers, fly fishing, shooting and hiking. Vacations are all inclusive.

Their horses

Most of their horses were foaled on the ranch. They breed and train their own horses, which are considered extensions of their family. In planning for your riding holiday, they look for horses that are people friendly, have a safe and stable demeanour, and a good work ethic. They have different horse breeds.

In their herd, you will find mixes of Paint, Morgan, Arabian, Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walker, Thoroughbred and some Mustang blood.

Their riding programs

Horseback riding vacations at Marble Mountain Ranch offer an American cowboy’s trail riding theme. And for rainy days or to improve our riding level, they have a covered arena.

Arena Riding:

The school horses are stable, well trained and comfortable both in the arena and on the trail. They nicely match the size and comfort levels of a broad range of new riders and include ponies, small horses, and full sized stock.

Our arena instruction is aimed at helping you enjoy the spectacular scenic trails of California’s Marble Mountain Wilderness and the Klamath National Forest.

Trail Riding:

Horse riding and all of their dude ranch activities are personally wrangled and guided directly by the Cole family, they will personally meet all your needs and this enables a strict control of their service quality.

The local Klamath National Forest is heavily forested and unequalled in beauty and variety. A mountain trail ride is by very nature going to include elevation changes in the course of the ride, which makes it exciting and unpredictable.

Can we trot? Yes, you can, as trail conditions and guest riding skills allow, but we do not gallop. Riding multiple horses abreast on single track trails, through tight quarters or on steep grades is dangerous at a minimum. And your safety and the horse’s come first here.

For more information visit their website: www.marblemountainranch.com

Horse riding vacations in California offer the challenges of the American Old West. Ranging from ranch life with cattle, to a real adventurer’s rides in Klamath National Forest or in the most arid deserts of North America.

Do you also love the idea of exploring the United States on horseback?

Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in North America and discover all the equestrian destinations of North America. In this eBook, you will find our trusted operators and their riding programs in the United States, Mexico and Canada.