As I have shared with you in prior posts, in September I went with a group of friends from my college days to Scottsdale, Arizona for a quick weekend getaway. While in the area, we visited Butterfly Wonderland and the Music Instrument Museum. We also took a beautiful scenic tour of the Sonoran Desert of Arizona on horseback with Fort McDowell Adventures.
The Stables at Fort McDowell Adventures is one of the finest stable operations in the Southwest, operated for more than 20 years by Mr. Troy Haviland and his family. Their seasoned cowpokes turned our simple trail ride into a great vacation story!
The desert scenery was especially spectacular. I saw God’s handwork everywhere from the wild stallions that grazed upon the river bank to the early autumn sagebrush.
Our tour guides told us spinning tales and elaborate stories about the cowboys of old who use to cross the Verde River for cattle ranging. We were lucky enough to see a few cattle ourselves while on the range.
Set on 25,000 acres of spectacular open desert, there was serious western spirit whistling through the sagebrush at Fort McDowell Adventures. While high on the saddle, and crossing over the Verde River, I made sure to hold on tight to the horse’s reins. Did I ever tell you I am also scared of heights? Eek!
During our 2-hour horseback ride, I chose to ride at the back of the pack, while other more experienced riders, like my friend Christina, rode up with the cowboys. Please give Christina a big “Hi ya’ll”!
Now with a little bit of the Wild West in me, I might just go horseback riding again. Well, only if the horse will let me!
The Stables at Fort McDowell Adventures offers horseback riding Monday – Saturday, sunrise to sunset. Give ’em a ring the next time you are in Scottsdale and tell them SoCal Field Trips sent you!
Happy Field Tripping!
Jilleen