Saddle up for the spring 2016 season

The group’s ride at Donnelly’s in October 2015. Pictured from front of the trail back are the guide from Donnelly’s, Bev Hall, Jeanne Chiapel, Marian Bianchini and Gary Sherman

The group’s ride at Donnelly’s in October 2015. Pictured from front of the trail back are the guide from Donnelly’s, Bev Hall, Jeanne Chiapel, Marian Bianchini and Gary Sherman

The SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group is saddling up for the spring season. The first ride is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Donnelly’s in Gold Canyon. The one-hour trail here winds through the foothills of the Superstition Mountains and provides a nice view of the Phoenix area to the west. It generally proves to be a bit warmer than here in the Tucson area and a great place for an early spring ride.

On March 5 the group will head a bit farther out to the Triangle T Ranch in Dragoon, AZ. This location is a two-hour ride one way but allows riders an “up close and personal” ride through areas of the “Texas Canyon” that is a favorite tourist rest stop on 1-10. The unusual rock formations make it an interesting trip, and for those interested the Ranch is open for lunch before we head back home. This one-hour ride will be at 10:30 a.m. due to the distance.

The third ride of the season will take the group back to a definite favorite, Colossal Cave Mountain Park near Vail. This one-hour ride is planned for Saturday, April 9. This venue was briefly closed but has re-opened again for horseback riding. The trail is through the Rincon Mountains and has typically been a favorite with riders.

The final ride of the season will be Saturday, April 30, at Pusch Ridge Stables in Catalina. At this venue the ride times often need to be staggered as only six riders plus a guide are allowed into the Catalina State Park at one time. However, it is close and always provides very pretty views of our own Catalina Mountains.

There is no obligation to attend all the rides offered. Riders simply let the secretary know if they want to attend a particular ride. Car pools are generally arranged for those interested.

If you are interested in receiving more information on the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group, please contact the group secretary, residents Don and Rebecca Williams, at [email protected].