With the sun playing a cryptic game of hide and seek, I decided to play God and nix the sunscreen.
I wanted Colette to be able to drive some of the Pacific Coast Highway on her first trip to Southern California, so when looking into unique activities, I thought Santa Barbara would be a neat place to check out. It would allow us around 2 hours on PCH to soak in the surroundings. Plus, in my research, I discovered a cute little place called Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides. I reached out to the manager, Bob, and inquired about a collaboration, and he was on board. Nice!
We headed up PCH on April 30th, passing Santa Barbara and making our way into the Santa Ynez Valley: a stunning piece of wine country powered by the equine industry, tourism, and, of course, viticulture. It’s no surprise that visitors flock here; not only is it breathtaking, but outdoor activities are almost as abundant as grapes.
Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides is located in Buellton, a somewhat sleepy city bordering the Santa Ynez River. Google Maps directed us to River View Park—a family-friendly greenspace with picnic tables, an array of native plants, and on that day, a live auction complete with a BBQ.
In typical Emily-Colette fashion, we managed to park in the lot furthest away from the ranch. We’d missed the sign coming in, as we were incredibly focused on finding a parking space in an already packed area. But at long last, we made it on foot to the end of a dusty private road where we were warmly welcomed by staff. We apologized for arriving a bit late and quickly prepared for our briefing.
Our guides for the day were Randi and Michelle, who Colette and I both found to be fountains of knowledge as well as incredibly hospitable.
I was assigned to the ‘big, dumb blonde’ named Major. But oh, what a sweet, dumb boy he was. His foremost personality trait? SnacKING. Especially on the trail. “You gotta watch him on the trail,” Randi warned. “Make sure you let him know who’s in charge, or you won’t get anywhere.” I spent a lot of time gently tugging the reins away from some very delicious-looking plants. Being given the problem child really checks out when compared to my taste in men. But in all seriousness, he was an absolute darling, and I felt terrible for depriving him of such a bountiful buffet.
Colette was placed on Dollar, a gorgeous and well-behaved rescue.
Our ride was so entrancing that I honestly forgot to take photos. I was eagerly listening to what Randi and Michelle had to say, enjoying the scenery, and making sure Mr. Snacks didn’t eat the ecosystem out of house and home. (He was very well-fed, just a big fan of food. Who can blame him?)
The trail itself was nothing short of breathtaking. With all five senses stimulated, it was an immersive journey into the heart of nature’s bounty. Purple aster adds a touch of elegance to the landscape, blooming in clusters and inviting the buzzing bees and butterflies to partake in their nectar-filled banquet. I’m sure Major was seeing green.
Wildlife enthusiasts may appreciate the diverse flora and fauna nearby. Depending on the season, you might spot various bird species, such as songbirds, waterfowl, or even raptors (we saw a turkey vulture), as they seek refuge in the area’s trees or explore the riverbank for food. Additionally, the location’s vegetation attracts squirrels and other small mammals, enhancing the overall biodiversity of the area.
The appearance of the river can vary depending on factors such as the season, weather conditions, and water flow. During periods of normal or higher water levels, the river may exhibit a gentle, meandering flow. The water glides peacefully along its course, reflecting the surrounding landscape and sky. The highlight for me, no matter how short, was crossing through the river. There wasn’t a ton of water left after a few weather complications, but riding a horse through moving water made me feel like I was on the trail with the Earp brothers.
If we had decided on the 90-minute ride as opposed to the 60-minute, we would have been treated to a deep-water crossing near a beaver dam – that would have been pretty dam cool. Next time, I guess!
Rides here are available year-round, and all you need is an appointment to join the equine excitement. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner—no prior riding experience is necessary. These rides cater to riders of all levels, from greenhorns to seasoned equestrians.
All the horses are retired show champions, rodeo, ranch horses, and rescues. With some impressive pedigrees, these horses will make your ride a memorable one, even for advanced riders. It’s the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl.
For a personalized experience, rides are offered in small groups or privately, if you so desire. So gather your posse and hit the trail together, or enjoy an exclusive adventure with just you and your trusty steed. It’s a surefire way to make lasting memories and have a hoofin’ good time.
Randi and Michelle were great at pointing out anything and everything that could potentially be of interest. Stories of old trucks, gnarled trees, and previous wildlife encounters filled the air.
When we arrived back at ye olde homestead, we dismounted like professionals (after the whole entire hour we spent, it was simply muscle memory now). We fed our sweet little men carrots, thanked our gracious hosts, and hopped the fence to shorten our long walk back to the rental car.
Thank you to Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides for making a girl feel like Doc Holliday while on holiday — crossing a river on horseback in her paisley top. You’re all my huckleberries!