Central Oregon horseback riding vacation, Seventh Mountain Stables

Deschutes River on horseback riding vacation

For years, our family has been vacationing in Central Oregon. We have enjoyed the thrill of whitewater rafting the Deschutes River with several rafting companies. While I have ridden along the Deschutes River from Sunriver Stables, I never realized that I could ride horseback beside the river in Bend, Oregon. In fact, one of the trail rides gives you a bird’s eye view of several key whitewater rapids, including The Big Eddy and The Notch, as well as a look at a huge Osprey nest – fully occupied with chicks during our horseback ride!

Horseback riding vacation for children and adults

While Seventh Mountain Resort Stables Owner Debi Smith is on her second year at this location, she is no new comer to the equestrian world. Before opening Seventh Mountain Resort Stables, Smith ran a large stable nearby. With 23 horses and four guides, Smith is able to provide a more personal horseback riding holiday tailored to your desires.

Smith offers horseback riding vacations for every riding level. There are pony rides for the kids, horse day camps for children wanting to learn about how to take care of horses and there are scenic one and two hour horseback rides, as well as six hour rides for the experienced equestrian.

Scenic horseback riding along Deschutes River

I recommend the two hour scenic trail ride along the Deschutes River ($64). If you like to trot, this is the horseback ride for you! Our ride started out in the Deschutes National Forest, where we came across a mother Mule Deer and her fawn. We then rode along the Deschutes River, stopping to look at the whitewater rapids below us and across to the lava flow.  For a longer horseback ride, the 1/2 day and all day trips include a lunch stop with beautiful scenery.

Bring your own horse on a horseback riding vacation

For those who like to travel with their own horse, Smith allows outside boarding by the night, week or month. Smith charges $20 per night, $140 per week or $200 per month for private horse boarding. As a Bend, Oregon local, Smith will share her knowledge of the horse-friendly equestrian trails throughout Central Oregon. Some of the riding trails even offer overnight horse corrals for those wanting to camp in the high desert area. A word to the wise; bring your mosquito repellent.

Have you been horseback riding in Central Oregon? What are your favorite things to do in Bend, Oregon?

If You Go: Seventh Mountain Resort Stables (541) 693-9132

18575 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97701

Article written by, video and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of Seventh Mountain Resort Stables.

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