Think of the exhilarating escape from your everyday routine that you can make into the tranquil wilds of nature. This is what Redlands Riding Club is all about. Our trails are more than just what the horse rides upon; they're paths into enchanted worlds where leaves whisper and the earth gently receives the beats of hooves. Those who ride with us say the experience is unlike any other. As you saddle up and head out with us into the wilds, you can be sure of one thing: trail riding at Redlands isn't just a happening; it's a memory you're sure to cherish.
Horses have long been thought to teach as much to humanity as we learn from them, if not more. Each horse at Redlands possesses a distinct personality, just like our riders. When you book with us, you don't just reserve a trail ride; you connect with a partnership that adds all kinds of richness to your journey with the horse. That bond between human and horse is a special kind of magic that we're proud to offer our guests. While it may not be common to form friendships after riding just one time, many of our guests loved their trail ride so much that they plan to come back and ride with their new friend again.
If you value community and connection, the Redlands Riding Club is a place where you can feel at home. We pride ourselves on creating a space that is as welcoming as a friend's kitchen—that might be a small space, but it's a place where you feel at ease. And if you're somewhere along the kind of ownership pathway of a semi-private space (like an equestrian club), you want to have a space where you're comfortable with the people in it. That's the Redlands Riding Club. We are much more than a trail riding company. We have livelier post-ride gatherings than any barroom I've ever known. There are quieter trail rides, and then there are those times when the gregarious horses we ride get to doing what they do best. On those days, we ride with our trail family. That's what connects us out there on the trail, and that connection makes the difference.
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Have you ever felt that rush when you're surrounded by nature, the wind playing with your hair, as if you're sharing secrets with the world? Our approach to trail riding is all about capturing those moments and turning them into cherished memories. We understand that every person who joins us has a different story, a different reason for seeking the trail. Some are thrill-seekers, ready to conquer hills and ford streams. Others come for the quiet, seeking solace in the rhythmic beat of hooves on packed earth. Then there are those who simply want an afternoon of laughter under the open sky with good company.
At Redlands Riding Club, we do more than just ride trails; we become part of them. Each path we take holds its own story, one shaped by recent weather, roaming wildlife, and the varied patterns of the seasons—if you just use your imagination, you can almost feel the pine-scented air after a fresh rain, or the cool hush of a trail as a doe peeks between two trees. And that's the kind of visceral moment we want to take you through. No land is too familiar for us to share in rediscovering its quiet corners and secret vistas. And with that, here are some reasons why we think BLM land and places like La Loma (a Redlands city park!) make for an almost ideal backdrop for trail riding.
Let's discuss the actual stars of the production—our horses. They are more than just rideable animals; they're present-day heroes accompanying you right on your path. Every horse has its own singular personality, and our vastly experienced staff matches you with a horse that matches your energy. It's almost like pairing you with a new best friend. Leyla has never ridden before but was paired with Nadine, a horse who must trust you if she's going to let you touch her kind of horse. She rides with ease, and by working with her, we'll make a short film documenting her daring in a high-tent, qualified-under-tent kind of way.
Envision feeling the gentle sway of a horse underneath you as you meander through sun-dappled trails, each step a rhythmic promise of adventure. At Redlands Riding Club, we believe every ride should be as unique as its rider, crafting experiences where every hoofbeat echoes your personal story. Consider, for example, the rider who seeks the serene embrace of a wooded path to find respite after a fast-paced day. We cater to these moments, shaping paths that speak to individual desires and needs. Our trail rides aren't simply opportunities for exploration; they are invitations to connect deeply with nature at your own pace. Whether you hope to enjoy a giggly moment with friends or embrace a quiet space of your own, we have paths waiting for you.
Everyone remembers the first time they understood the sheer joy of riding and exploring the great outdoors. Maybe it was an unforgettable moment, riding across vast, open spaces—or perhaps the reason you're here right now is the almost indescribable companionship between human and horse.
Here at the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, we are all about moments like these. Whether you are a you-can't-get-me-off-the-back-of-this-horse type of rider, an almost-there-but-not-quite rider, or anywhere in between—this club is here to help you create and recreate those same moments on trails that may never be the same twice.
A horse in the family opens an adventurous life, and that is something our mission here aims to accomplish.
Our community is all about making connections—not just between rider and horse but also among our fellow riders. Picture us, gathered around in a circle after a ride, regaling one another with tales of the day’s journey and planning the next. It’s these kinds of experiences that bring us together at Redlands, where every rider is a comrade in adventure. From neophytes who are still figuring out how to exist atop a horse to old hands who’ve pushed their steeds to the very limits and are now looking for the next big thing, we are all at home in the Redlands network of trails.
Every rider is special, and at Redlands Riding Club, that is something we take to heart. We customize our trail rides to fit the level of experience and to meet the interests of each of our riders. If you are an entry-level rider who is looking for a laid-back, gentle trail ride, we have just the thing. On the other hand, if you are someone who seeks a bit more of a heart-pounding adventure, we can provide you with a ride that will leave you feeling slightly breathless (and not just because you are riding at high altitude). We can serve both masters, so to speak. In fact, our trail-riding program is designed to be a little like a choose-your-own-adventure book.
Not only are our guides experts in horseback riding, but they are also friendly people who love sharing their passion for the trails. With their deep understanding of horse behavior and trail safety, you can feel comfortable and confident, knowing you're always supported and centered to focus on having a great time. Our guides also love to tell stories. That's what makes them and the ride you take with them a great adventure.
The trails at Redlands Riding Club are renowned for their breathtaking vistas that appear to be pulled straight from a postcard. Picture yourself ambling along sun-dappled trails, marveling at the views of undulating hills and verdant plant life around every turn. You may even feel tempted to ask a fellow rider to stop for a moment, so you both can soak in the beauty of it all, right then and there, en route.
We take great pride in ensuring that every horse we use in our trail rides is not only happy but also healthy. These horses are not only a vital part of the trail ride experience—they also, quite literally, carry the customer to and from the start and end of each ride—but are also, according to us, members of the family. This is how we imagine a near future in which every trail ride is not only a good time for the customer but also a good time for the horse.
Horseback riding is an exquisite art that could start anywhere from the most tender age to the most seasoned. Most experts in the equestrian field suggest that the ideal age for a child to begin horseback riding is around 6 or 7 years. At this age, according to them, a child has typically acquired the necessary balance and coordination attributes that are essential for equilibrium while on horseback, and as well, they possess the requisite listening skills that are vital for properly following a riding instructor's (or guide's) directions. Mastering these, to most experts, is a prelude to mastering the art itself.
Determining a proper weight for riding on a horse is generally straightforward. Most experts recommend that a rider should not exceed 15 to 20 percent of the horse's total weight when combined with all the rider's equipment. For example, if a horse weighs 1,000 pounds, the rider and all gear should ideally not weigh more than 200 pounds. Several factors may cause this guideline to vary somewhat, including the horse's breed and level of fitness, the rider's weight, and the kind of terrain a rider might encounter (e.g., trail riders in Redlands should be especially mindful of this). Riding and well-fitted tack are simply not meant to be heavy burdens. Also, Horse Health & Welfare Guidelines state clearly, "Exceeding these guidelines can potentially lead to discomfort or injury for the horse" (Brown, p. 25).
To begin trail riding in Redlands, first choose a suitable trail, such as the ones found in San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary or Crafton Hills Open Space. Select a mountain bike or horse that is appropriate for riding in trail terrain. Before heading out, make sure you have the basic riding skills and the trail etiquette necessary to ride comfortably and safely in all kinds of trail conditions. Always wear the appropriate safety gear—especially helmets—and check the local trail maps or guides that pertain to the Redlands area for the most up-to-date information on trail regulations and conditions. Consider joining a local riding club to learn more about the trails in your area from experienced riders.
Redlands offers trail riding that can be as challenging or as easy as you prefer. For those just beginning, there are pleasant rides with slight inclines along well-kept paths. But if you want something a bit more strenuous, some of the trails head up and do so steeply; these aren't for the beginner or the faint of heart. I guess I'd say recognize your own limits and don't ride recklessly. If a trail looks too tough, it probably is. And if you're going to ride at all, do it safely.
Certainly, you can start horse riding at 40. Trail riding is an excellent way to begin, as it gives you a relaxing and scenic introduction to horses. I know of several stables in Redlands that offer trail rides for the uninitiated, at a variety of skill levels. Just as with any other activity, the key to enjoying it and being successful is to begin at an appropriate skill level, with supportive and safe guides to help you if you encounter any problems along the way. And please remember to wear appropriate gear!
Redlands offers equestrian instruction that costs between $40 and $80 per hour. This wide range can be attributed to varied instructor experience, different riding settings, (indoor or outdoor), and lesson type (private or group). Riders should call ahead to stables in the area for specific lesson rates.
Barrier not necessarily age to trail riding in Redlands; many people continue to ride well into senior years. Health and fitness and riding experience matter most. Ensuring comfort with basic skills and confidence with the horse is essential. Consult with your doctor. Take lessons with a qualified instructor. They will help you assess which is the safe and smart choice for you.
Horse riding lesson frequency can differ based on how the rider wants to use their new skills, how comfortable they are with horses, and what their schedule allows. If you are just starting, you can expect to ride 1-2 times each week, which gives you time to practice the things you learned in your last lesson and also enough time for your brain and body to figure out what horse riding is all about. If you are at a stage where you can ride semi-independently, rather than under the watchful eye of an instructor, you might want to try to ride in different places (for example, in a wide-open space, or in a field where the ground is a little bumpy, or in a fairly wooded area) and with horses that have different personalities. This is all part of the education.
Riding a horse in Redlands during adverse weather conditions—like extreme heat, thunderstorms, heavy rain, or poor air quality from wildfires or other pollution—is not a good idea. Likewise, you should avoid riding on trails that are muddy or otherwise unsafe due to erosion. These are just some of the obviously dangerous conditions a horse rider should stay away from. Ensure that you and your horse are healthy, well-rested, and properly equipped before setting out for a ride, no matter what the conditions.
Typically, a horse is deemed a senior by the time it reaches 15 years of age.
Nestled in the scenic San Timoteo Canyon, Redlands Riding Club offers a comprehensive suite of equestrian services. Our sprawling property provides a rare combination of tranquility, flexibility, and high-end amenities for both local and international clientele. Whether you're training for competition or planning an elegant outdoor wedding, we deliver excellence with every stride.
Address:
Redlands Riding Club, 12854 San Timoteo Canyon Road, Redlands, CA, 92373
Discover a world-class equestrian experience at Redlands Riding Club. From professional horse training and spacious boarding to unforgettable weddings and corporate events, we combine natural beauty with unparalleled service.
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