Rebecca Williams follows the group at the Donnelly’s D Spur Ranch on March 6, 2013.
Don Williams
As cooler weather approaches it is a great time to get out and enjoy the beautiful Arizona scenery by horseback. The SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group is planning a full schedule of rides for the fall season. These rides are for all experience levels, and those who have not been on a horse in many years are welcome to join in. All trail rides are for one hour and are at a walk, just to enjoy the scenery.
On Saturday morning, September 27, the group will be heading up to Gold Canyon east of Apache Junction for a scenic ride in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. We will be riding at Donnelly’s D-Spur Stables, which was the site of last year’s chuck wagon dinner. The foothills are equally beautiful in the morning. This site is about one hour and 15 minutes from SBR.
Our second ride will be Saturday morning, October 25, at Pusch Ridge Stables in Oro Valley. This venue is nice as it is nearby and a favorite spot for many of our riders. This ride is in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains with the trail winding through a portion of Catalina State Park.
The third ride will be our annual “Chuck Wagon Dinner” on Saturday evening, November 22. This is an opportunity for both those who enjoy riding as well as non-riders to enjoy an evening out with a wonderful meal, campfire and entertainment. The evening starts with a choice of either a one-hour trail ride or a 40-minute horse drawn wagon ride through the Rincon Mountain foothills at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch east of Tucson. Afterwards we all meet up at “the grove” where we will be treated to a campfire and dinner with a selection of meats, salads and sides as well as dessert. A cash bar is also available. There will be entertainment after dinner with a cowboy singer and line dancing for anyone with an interest. The venue is shared with other guests staying at the guest ranch that evening.
The last ride for the fall season will be at Old Tucson Studios on Saturday morning, December 13. Our group will be allowed into the park before opening for a ride through portions of the Saguaro National Park. After the ride we are welcome to enjoy the park for the day at a discounted price. This is a great time to visit the park as they will be presenting “Christmas in 1880s Tucson” with a number of interesting presentations on what life was like for both cowboys and townspeople in those days and what traditions they enjoyed at that time to ring in the Christmas season.
If you would like more information, please see the SBR HOA club website for the SBR Horseback Riding Group or contact Don and Rebecca Williams at [email protected]. If desired you can be added to the email list so that you get complete information about each ride with the opportunity to sign up. This is an informal group with no specific commitment to any particular ride or number of rides. If the date and time fit your schedule you are welcome to sign up and join in the fun.