First Class Horseback Riding Vacations at Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Mendocino Coast, California

Are you interested in first class horseback riding vacations at Ricochet Ridge Ranch on the Mendocino Coast in California? While you’ll not stay overnight at the family operated Ricochet Ridge Ranch, there are plenty of lodging opportunities in both Fort Bragg and nearby Mendocino.

Cowboy on horseback rides on Ten Mile Beach in MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg, California. The Pacific Ocean is on his left, as well as a weathered log, washed ashore on the gray sand beach. A second horse with a white head is shown at the bottom of the photo with only his ears and white mane showing. The sky is blue on a sunny fall day.

Horseback riding in Mendocino County, California

My husband and I were camped at MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg, California. The Mendocino Coast horse ranch is literally across the street from MacKerricher Park. I know this to be true because I walked back to our campground after my morning horseback ride on the the beach. My husband had taken our truck to golf in Mendocino while I happily hung out with a cowboy and some horses.

It is a gorgeous day on California’s Mendocino County coast. I am unaware of the grin that has instantaneously spread across my face. That grin, one of pure joy, has been captured on film by my riding partner, Andy. As with most horse-loving, equestrian travel-crazed devotees, we jump at any opportunity for horseback riding vacations. The fact that Ricochet Ridge Ranch is located on Mendocino’s Northern California coast is simply an added bonus.

I’ve ridden at this ranch previously, back in 2008 when endurance rider, Lari Shea, owned Ricochet Ridge Ranch. While guests are no longer allowed to canter on Ten Mile Beach, the trail ride is still as scenic as ever. I can’t fault the Snowy Plover shore bird for building its nest on the beach, nor do I blame the state parks for restricting our beach access to protect the bird population and the beach ecosystem.

Cowboy on horseback rides through forested MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg, California. White horse head with mane and ears showing is following the lead horse on a trail ride.

Beach ride, all day trail ride, custom ride

There are several trail ride options at Ricochet Ridge Ranch on California’s Mendocino coast. Beginner riders and those short on time will want to take the scenic beach horseback ride. Equestrians wanting more time in the saddle may book the all day trail ride exploring the redwood forests. What makes this property a first-class horseback riding vacation experience is that the guest is able to ride by the ocean and in the redwood forest in the same day.

On my recent trail ride, I selected the one hour beach ride. We walked through MacKerricher State Park and onto Ten Mile Beach in Fort Bragg. My prior horseback ride, under different ownership, was a combination beach and forest ride.

Travel writer Nancy D. Brown is riding a white horse with a western saddle and bridle. She is on Ten Mile Beach with the Pacific Ocean behind her and gray sand under her horse. She is wearing a fleece vest and sunglasses on a sunny day.

If you are interested in going horseback riding on Manchester Beach on the California coast, you’ll want to check out my review of Ross Ranch.

Mendocino Area Lodging and Dining Options

Guests looking for multi-day trail riding vacations may call the ranch directly to inquire about custom horseback riding vacations. My husband and I had previously stayed at a gorgeous 4-star boutique hotel in Fort Bragg, California. On my recent trail ride I was told that guests at Inn at Newport Ranch could horseback ride directly from the property.

I have plenty of Mendocino coast lodging recommendations on my What a Trip blog. As with all of my horseback riding and hotel reviews, it is best to call the ranch, stable or hotel property directly with your questions.

My white horse, Walter, turns his head to the right, while looking at the Pacific Ocean. His right ear is cocked back, listening to me speak to him. The shoreline and beach come together in the distance with blue sky and a faint cloud in the air. A mound of native grass and succulents are on the left of the horse's head.

Not only will you find plenty of quality lodging options around the Fort Bragg, Mendocino area, let’s just say that you will not go hungry for lack of local restaurants.

Ricochet Ridge Ranch 1 (888) 873-5777 rrr@horse-vacation.com

24201 California 1, Fort Bragg, California 95437

Nancy Brown on Arabian bay horse at Ten Mile Beach in Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast, California. She is wearing a blue riding helmet, blue denim jacket and denim jeans in a western saddle. The Pacific Ocean and rocks are behind her with dark gray, wet sand on the beach.

The author, Nancy D. Brown on Ten Mile Beach in Fort Bragg, California in 2009.

First class horseback riding vacations at Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Mendocino Coast, California, You Tube video and photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. All opinions are my own.