Horseback riding in Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park. Photo © Nancy D. Brown Thanks to environmentalists such as John Muir most everyone has heard of Yosemite National Park in California. However, not many people have had a chance to visit Yosemite horseback riding. I'm a huge fan of exploring national parks [...]
Equestrians practice social distancing while horseback riding in Napa. Photo © Nancy D. Brown Bandanas and masks have always been associated with cowboys and spaghetti Western movies. Now, due to COVID-19, the western bandana, mask and social distancing practices will be a way of life for horseback riding vacations. Most of us [...]
Wyoming horseback riding vacation with guests of Jackson Fork Ranch It's no wonder John Wayne spoke fondly of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The movie Big Trail was filmed in Jackson Hole back in 1929. It was the Hollywood cowboy's first speaking role and his first time to ride a horse! I recently went on [...]
Miniature donkey Maverick and mother Jody. Photo © Nancy D. Brown A visit to Tollen Farm in Wilsonville, Oregon is a little like a visit to Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory for farm lovers. Though you won't need a golden ticket to enter, you'll enter the playful, whimsical world of miniature donkeys, gardens, and [...]
Horseback riding in Yellowstone Park with Covered Wagon dude ranch, Montana. Photo © Nancy D. Brown On a cool Sunday afternoon in late September, I arrived at Covered Wagon Ranch in the Gallatin Valley. Big Sky country was beginning to experience the fall color change in western Montana. Nelly, the teacup pig, [...]
With 3.85 million tourists visiting Napa Valley each year, Napa has wine tasting down to a science. There are over 500 wineries in the Napa Valley, however, what you might NOT know is that horses helped build its wine legacy. Dating back to the 1840s, horses were the primary form of transport for Napa residents [...]
Riding on Tullan Strand in Ireland. Photo © Nancy D. Brown A horseback riding vacation in County Donegal, along the Wild Atlantic Way, is an experience that will delight the heart of every equestrian. Beach riding in California is dying due to high insurance premiums forced on public riding stables and the closures [...]
Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown riding Essie in the Gallatin National Forest, Montana. I'm often asked for the best horseback riding vacations for single travelers. I had the opportunity to write about solo riding tips on Horse Rookie, an equestrian blog for rookie and experienced riders. Have you ever wanted to go on [...]
The first time I came across a herd of wild horses was a memorable moment for me. I was on foot, climbing a dirt trail in the Badlands of the Little Book Cliffs in western Colorado. I spotted a flash of color amongst the shrub brush and pinyon-juniper laced hillside. It was both a feeling [...]