Partake in a horseback riding vacation of the Mendocino Coast courtesy of Ricochet Ridge Ranch in Fort Bragg, less than four hours northwest of Sacramento. Choose a week-long riding vacation that features rides on Pacific ocean beaches, through redwood forests and past a cattle ranch. Package tours, such as to the Mendocino Music Festival or to area wineries, and custom tours are available. International tours in Kenya, Australia, Argentina and India are held throughout the year. The week-long trips includes six days of riding and six nights of lodging at the Hill House Inn. Meals, either at various stops throughout your journey or at the inn, are also included.
You can bring your own saddle and are encouraged to bring a first-aid kit. When booking your trip, inform them of your riding ability, age, height and weight so that you can matched with an appropriate horse.
Ricochet Ridge Ranch
24201 North Highway One
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
888-873-5777
ricochetridgeranch.com
Ride the 100 miles of trails at the Highland Ranch in Philo, about an hour south of Fort Bragg. Take part in once or twice daily guided horseback rides throughout redwood forests and alongside the Navarro River. Special seasonal packages, such as a Halloween weekend with pumpkin carving or Fourth of July weekend with fireworks, are also available. When not fishing, swim in the lake or explore the adjacent Hendy Woods State Park. Rates include lodging and all meals. Spend the night in a cabin with a king or queen bed, fireplace and private bathroom and enjoy a meal any time of day at the Highland Ranch Kitchen.
In order to be matched with the proper horse, be truthful about your riding skills and weight. Children under age 8 will take part in rides led by a horse wrangler, while children over the age of 8 and with basic horse riding skills can participate in group tours with their parents.
Highland Ranch
P.O. Box 150
Philo, CA 95466
707-895-3600
highlandranch.com
Hop onto your horse and discover the 10,000 acres of Alisal Ranch in the southern California wine country town of Solvang, roughly seven hours south of Philo. Choose from a variety of different rides, such as morning excursions that include breakfast, twice daily trail rides or an evening ride into the proverbial sunset. Vacation packages, such as cowgirl or couples boot camps with horseback riding and rodeo lessons or trips that combine riding and the celebration of the fall wine harvest, are also available. Should you need a break from the trails, try a game of golf or swim in the heated outdoor pool. Spend the night in a studio or suite with fireplace, refrigerator and coffeemaker and enjoy breakfast and dinner, included in your room rate, at the on-site Ranch Room.
When signing up for the ride(s) of your choice, be truthful about riding ability, height and weight so that you are matched with the correct horse.
Alisal Ranch
1054 Alisal Road
Solvang, CA 93463
800-425-4725
alisal.com
