Rebecca Williams
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Horseback Riding Group is getting ready to saddle up for the fall season. The first ride of the season will be on Saturday morning, September 26, at the Westward Look resort and stables, located at 275 E. Ina Road. Despite being located in what would appear to be an urban setting, this trail winds through some very pretty foothills terrain with lots of native trees and shrubs, and beautiful mountains above. It also offers some great views of Tucson.
It is pretty easy to maintain social distance on a horse, but the stable is also keeping each group small. We have two time slots reserved, 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. There will be more details on the group website, and you will want to sign up there by hitting the “Contact Us” button. This particular stable is also requiring all riders to wear helmets. You can bring your own helmet, including riding helmets and bike helmets, or the stable can also provide you with a helmet. Masks are required while gathering and getting mounted, but can be removed once we head down the trail.
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group is open to any SaddleBrooke Ranch resident. If there is room on a ride, residents may also invite guests. There is no need to attend all of the rides. Come to the rides that fit into your schedule. The group’s secretary coordinates the reservations and helps with car pools. Prior experience is not required. Many have not been on a horse since their teenage years, if then.
The rides are typically one hour to 90 minutes at a walk, just to enjoy the scenery. We visit a variety of stables during our season, which runs from late September to late April. Each stable has unique terrain and vistas to enjoy.
So mark your calendars for the upcoming rides! If you are interested in more information on the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group, please look at the Horseback Riding website under “Clubs” on the SaddleBrooke Ranch HOA site. After clicking on the square tile, click the blue “Horseback Riding” link to be taken to the site. Sign up is easy; just click the “Contact Us” button, enter your name and either the name of the stable, or the date of the ride, and click “Submit.” The group secretary, Rebecca Williams, will confirm your reservation by email.