Left to right: Wrangler, Jeff Smith, Nancy Gruca, Rob Densmore, Judy Smith, and Tess Densmore enjoy the trail.
Left to right: Tess Densmore, Judy Smith, and Nancy Gruca are mounted up and ready to go while Debbie Trapp and two more riders await their turn in the background.
Rebecca Williams
The cool weather was perfect for a horseback ride as 20 Ranchers saddled up for a ride at Tucson Mountain Stables on Dec. 12. The stable is located on White Stallion Ranch Road and shares trails with the famous White Stallion dude ranch west of I-10 in Marana. The recent rain helped to make the trail very pleasant as it wound through desert scrub brush and past rocks where petroglyphs are being studied. This was clearly a place once frequented by native Americans. A fine stand of saguaros was also in evidence, taking advantage of the shade the nearby mountain cliffs provided from the sun during hot summer afternoons.
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Horseback Riding Group will be meeting again on Saturday, Feb. 6 and the plan is to return to Donnelly’s D-Spur Stable in Gold Canyon near the Superstition Mountains. This stable offers a bit warmer weather due to a lower elevation and the group often can see some of the first blooms of spring while there.
If you would be interested in the group’s activities, go to the SaddleBrooke HOA website and click on Things to Do, then Clubs. There, in the middle column is a link to the Horseback Riding Group. Click this and the link you see will take you to a webpage about the group’s activities. Over to the right side you can see the Read News section for upcoming rides. If you would like to participate, simply click on the link at the bottom left under Contact Us, give your name, the ride you want to join, and the time if there is a choice. The secretary, Rebecca Williams, will get back to you with a confirmation and can help with any questions you may have. You can participate as often as you choose. All rides are one hour and at a walking pace, just to enjoy the scenery.