John and Jamie Calhoun enjoying the view.
The SaddleBrooke Ranch Horseback Riding Group headed down the trail at Donnelly’s D-Spur Ranch in Gold Canyon east of Apache Junction. This is a favorite venue for early February as the Ranch is located at a lower elevation with some beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains. An added treat is that the grass is already actively growing and a number of ocotillos were already leafed out and blooming! The small orange flower clusters at the tip of the ocotillos were such a welcome sight.
The Horseback Riding Group generated interest at the recent Club Expo held Saturday, February 2. The club handed out information to 18-20 residents that were interested in the monthly rides organized by the group. The rides are in different locations each time so riders can enjoy the varied terrain, scenery and views of our beautiful desert Southwest. The group has horseback rides on the first Saturday of the month in the spring, typically concluding the organized rides on the last Saturday in April when the summer heat makes it a bit warm for riding. Many local stables send a number of horses to dude ranches in Colorado around that time so that the horses continue to have useful work to do. They typically come back in early November. Who knew trail horses were snowbirds?!
The group’s next ride will be on Saturday, March 2, at Colossal Cave in Vail. This has been a favorite spot and a number of the group have taken the opportunity to also visit Colossal Cave.
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. 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.
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 club secretary, Don or Rebecca Williams, will confirm your reservation by email.