Hi,

My friends from Connecticut want to take their 2 teenage boys on a trip to Northern California. They are outdoorsy. I suggested Big Sur where there is lots of hikes and fantastic scenery.

Nancy, the wife, however, really wants to horseback ride while her husband and kids do whatever they want. She is an expert horsewoman.

Any ideas about the best places to horseback in Northern California? Money and destination is not a problem with this family.

Thanks,

Myles

If they have a big budget - check out http://stonepinecalifornia.com/

Thanks Janis. But when I took a look at your link, I realize that I went a little overboard! Stone Pine seems to be a little fancier than what they are looking for.

They would like a nice hotel, and access to good horseback riding. Whether or not the horseback riding is part of the hotel or grounds isn't important. just as long as they can rent nearby.

Thanks,

Myles

Horseback riding and Big Sur are not exactly incompatible. Check out:

http://www.montereyinfo.org/experien...eback%20riding

Just google "Monterey County horseback riding".

There are lots of rugged trails up in the mountains and some beach trails as well.

"Money . . . . is not a problem with this family."

About what is their budget range for accommodations?

There is also riding up in Bodega Bay (http://www.chanslor.com/pages/servic...idedtrailrides).

I was going to say that Big Sur generally isn't considered 'Northern California" so you may wish to ask them to see what their preference may be. Bodega or Mendicino (sp?) may be more what they had in mind.

Mendocino is a great spot. Fantastic horseback riding on the long stretch of beach north of Fort Bragg - Maybe between Fort Bragg and Westport.

There are plenty of great places to ride up in the Sierra or up near Mt Shasta.

However, if you want to be near the coast, there are also many options.

In Mendocino, check out:

http://www.mendowinetours.com/pages/...ck-riding.html

In Philo (Anderson Valley which is near Mendocino), there's the Highland Ranch. I've personally stayed here and rode. It's a fantastic retreat but maybe best with a group.

http://highlandranch.com/home.html

In the Napa Valley, try:

http://www.triplecreekhorseoutfit.com/

And at Pt Reyes, there is great horseback riding. Check out:

http://www.fivebrooks.com/

I'm sure there are many others.

Thanks so much everyone. You gave me and my friends a lot to work with!1

Myles

There used to be a great place to ride horseback in Half Moon Bay and there is a Ritz Carlteon Hotel there now. Tell them to do some googling.

There are horseback riding places all over the Monterey Peninsula. In addition to molerahorsebacktours.com/, there is http://www.ridepebblebeach.com/Trails/trailrides.htm and http://www.holmanranch.com/ in Carmel Valley.

Mylesaway,

I did a riding vacation week years ago with this group. This is for serious riders, championship endurance riding owner and fabulous horses. Part of our riding was on the beach, but also in the mountains, meadows and through the rivers. Wonderful trip. they may have day rides available.

You might also pass this along to your friend - www.equitours.com. HIGHLY recommend! I've done two vacations with them and they are truly the best.

Oops, the name of the ranch is Ricochet Ridge Ranch near Ft. Bragg. They have a web site.