Like a kid on a merry go round, I keep circling back to my childhood memories of Sunriver Resort. As I happily sit perched on a pony, waving madly to my parents each time I circle around, I had no idea the important role horses would play in my youth and adult life. I hold tight to my Sunriver family memories, like a new rider clutching the leather reins, one hand gripping the saddle horn, feet firmly planted in the stirrups. These are my hazy memories of central Oregon horseback riding that I carry with me today.
Central Oregon horseback riding
Horseback riding in central Oregon is fabulous in the summertime. Deer roam at a leisurely pace in the Deschutes National Forest and the horses relax into trail rides along the Deschutes River. The wranglers at Sunriver Stables are friendly and like me, they are happy to be surrounded by horses, the scent of leather and sunscreen hang in the still air.
Girls and horses
I don’t know what it is that pulls girls to horses, like a moth drawn to a flame, but the magnetic attraction is strong. Once horses get into your heart and soul, it’s difficult to chase them away. Fortunately, places like Sunriver Stables fan the flames of horse love, offering quality, gentle horses for the beginner or experienced equestrian. Cowboys and cowgirls take riders out to enjoy the central Oregon scenery for one, two or four hour trail rides. Sunriver also offers pony rides for buckaroos-in-training.
Sunriver Stables provides group and private horseback rides. Like Sunriver Resort, the ranch is open year round and offers sleigh rides pulled by a matching set of draft horses in the wintertime.
For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @nancydbrown and Sunriver Resort on Twitter @SunriverResort.
If You Go:
Sunriver Stables (541) 593-6995
57215 River Road
Sunriver, Oregon
Article, photos and video by Equine Writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Sunriver Resort.