Southern California is an ideal location for a horseback riding vacation. The area is sunny and warm year-round and provides ideal conditions for riding. The landscape is diverse, ranging from beaches to mountains, so the area offers a variety of horseback riding vacations and resorts.
Santa Ana River
Trail riding through the Santa Ana River is an exciting way to spend your southern California vacation. The riverbed offers a variety of sights, including prairie land and bamboo jungles. Western Trails Horseback Riding in Norco provides rides through the river for riders who are 12 and older and weigh less than 220 lbs. Experience is not required to ride with Western Trails.
Full-Service Resort
Warner Springs Ranch is located in Warner Springs, just over an hour from San Diego. The ranch has more than 200 casitas for guests, and its amenities include golf, tennis, spa services, hiking and mineral hot springs. For horse lovers, the Warner Springs Ranch Equestrian Center offers trail riding and instruction for those ages 6 and up and all skill levels. Riders may choose to ride English or western. Riding camps, breakfast rides, lunch picnic rides and games on horseback are also available.
Bring Your Own Horse
If you would like to bring your own horse, stay at Rancho Oso Guest Ranch and Resort. Corrals are available near the campgrounds, and guests may camp in a tent or reserve a spot for their trailer with living quarters. If you do not own your own horse, the resort offers rides that range from one to four hours in length for riders age 8 and older. The rides are easy enough for beginners and include mountain trails and the Santa Ynez River.
Beach Riding
Enjoy the beaches of California from horseback. Happy Trails in San Diego offers guided rides to riders who are age 6 and older and weigh less than 240 lbs. For a special experience, Happy Trails also offers one-hour moonlight trail rides. Rides are available for all levels of riders and may include a gallop on the beach, depending on the experience level of the group.
Bed and Breakfast
The Crazy Horse Ranch, which is 20 minutes from Palm Springs in Morongo Valley, features bed and breakfast accommodations for its guests. The ranch offers relaxed one- and two-hour trail rides through the surrounding mountain and desert landscape. Private riding lessons, horse camps for children and retreats for adults are also available.
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