Arizona Horseback Riding

Arizona Horseback Riding doesn't get any better on the desert Sonoran floor. The sights, sounds and the smell of the desert along with where the mountains seem to touch the sky is always another one of Arizona's special 1-Day activities. Regardless of your riding abilities, Arizona horseback riding is for anyone. There are horse tours that are catered to your skill level. So if have been putting off the experience of trail riding, don't just dream about Arizona riding trails any longer.


Black Horses
You will find that most horse trail adventure companies are owned and operated by horse professionals who understand that everyone is not at the same skill level of horse riding and want their customers to feel safe and secure and will accommodate those skill variations.

You will also likely find comfort in knowing that most Arizona horseback riding tour companies will match you with a horse that is close in nature to your riding abilities so that you are able to control your horse.

If you are considered a beginner, there are rides that are geared toward the the novice rider. These horse tours are generally 1 to 1.5 hours in length where you, the rider, is able to enjoy a slow, and scenic trail ride through the desert.

If you consider yourself an intermediate rider, there are Arizona horseback riding tours that mix up the tour with trotting as well as walking.

Obviously if you are an experienced rider you are going to have many more options throughout your horse trail tour than someone who is considered a beginner. Tours for the more advanced rider will generally include mountain rides which are certainly more challenging. These rides are also faster paced. You will also find that these trail rides come in a variety of tour attractions.

Many companies offer riders half-day, all-day tours, overnight trails rides, along with a short but very sweet one hour horseback tours.

The longer tours will many times provide you with a lunch of some sort, too.

Because of the extreme heat in the desert southwest, these Arizona horseback riding tour companies will usually have limited hours for your safety as well as the horses, so plan ahead accordingly.

The Summer hours are generally between May through September, when Arizona experiences its hottest months of the year. With that in mind, many of these Summer Arizona horse tours will begin bright and early around 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM.

Evening Summer tours will usually start around 6-7 PM. You will likely find a variation from one company to the next, so call ahead for their operating hours.

As far as the days that these trail companies operate, you will likely find that most of them are in deed, open all year-round, with a limited schedule around the holidays and again, the Summer months. Here are some frequently asked questions that other trail riders have inquired about:

How Old Does My Child Have To Be To Ride?

While many companies have a minimum age requirement of six. I have seen companies, however, that allow younger children, as young as two, provided that they ride with an adult over the age of 21 years.

What Is Your Refund Policy?

Not all the Arizona horseback riding trails offer a refund, so make sure you call ahead and ask what their refund policy states for their AZ horse tour.

Are Reservations Required?

Most horse tour companies require reservations, while some do not. It is always best to inquire well in advance in case they do require reservations. The Winter months book quickly, especially with the arrival of the (winter visitors) "snowbirds," flocking to the desert so it is wise to call well ahead of time so you don't get shut out.

What if I Am Physically Disabled?

Some of the companies that I have noticed are handicapped accessible, allowing those individuals the chance to experience the fun, too, including handicap accessible riding equipment. Arizona horseback riding has been noted by health professionals as being very therapeutic, so riding is an excellent way to provide that benefit.


Horseback Riding Tips For Safe And Joyous Arizona Trail Rides

First and foremost, wear sunscreen, and take a bottle with you to reapply if you will be out for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, Arizona is a state known for many cases of skin cancer because of the constant sunshine and the intensity of it, so make sure you protect yourself and your family.

Wear long pants! While you may think that it's absurd wearing pants in Arizona, especially in the middle of the desert, it's advised by many horse enthusiasts and horse professionals who agree that it is easy for your legs to become irritated with the constant rubbing on the horse.

Wear appropriate foot gear. Don't ever wear flip-flops, open sandals or any type of footwear that exposes your feet, as this can prove to be very dangerous with some of the desert wildlife that you will very likely come in contact with.

Seriously consider wearing a helmet. This may sound rather strange to you, but in the event of a fall, you will certainly appreciate having one on your head. Definitely consider putting one on your child or children.

Take plenty of water with you on Arizona riding trails.

Familiarize yourself with horses, if you are not already. Horses can be very easily startled which can cause them to react in a manner that could be dangerous to you and others, such as them running away from whatever scared them. It is important for you to have a better understanding of their personality and habits that have certain meanings.

If you decide that Arizona horseback riding trails is something that you enjoy, consider making it part of your fitness goals, because horseback riding is actually a very good form of exercise and burns calories! (Have to love that part, especially if you'd like to lose a couple of pounds!)

Consider exploring Arizona riding trails early in the day, if you prefer cooler temperatures. The intensity of the sun is greatest between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Research the specific AZ trail info that you will be on. Many trails are distinctly different from others such as the variations of Arizona wildlife that you will experience.

You may wish to take a camera or binoculars with you to enhance your horseback riding experience on Arizona riding trails.

For additional general information about horses view general horse information.

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