As we ride toward the Ventura River into the Los Padres National Forest, our guide spots a red tail hawk scanning its surroundings. Silently, the hawk takes flight as quail scurry in the background. We are on a horseback riding vacation in Ojai, California.
My mount for today’s horseback riding vacation is Willing Spirit, a gentle, 18 year old Paso Fino gated horse who is, indeed, willing to take to the trails this morning for a horseback riding adventure into the beauty which surrounds us.
Western Trail Rides, Ojai, California
Melissa White, our Western Trail Rides guide, owns four horses and specializes in scenic horseback riding vacation trail rides in Ojai, California’s Los Padres National Forest.
“I always knew I’d have four kids,” says Melissa White, 49, of Western Trail Rides. “I didn’t know they’d weigh a thousands pounds!”
Scenic, Custom Horseback Riding Vacations
White takes beginning to advanced equestrians on horseback riding vacations, ranging from one to three hour rides, Monday – Saturday. The horseback rides are $60 per person, per hour, and available from 10:00 a.m. until sunset. One hour trail rides in the Los Padres National Forest go out to Ojai, California’s Ventura River Preserve. The trail is open to the general public thanks to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.
Ojai, California on Horseback
A former school teacher, White adds, “being out in the beautiful creation of nature, I feel fortunate to share my passion of horseback riding. I enjoy sharing my horses with people that don’t have their own horses.”
It certainly is a unique way to experience Ojai, California.
IF YOU GO:
Western Trail Rides (805) 640-8635
Ojai, California
Related Posts:
Things to See and Do in Ojai, California
Where to Stay in Ojai, California
Wow – I’ve not been to Ojai yet, but it looks like a beautiful area – similar to Arizona, but greener. I’ll have to get out that way soon for a ride!