Trail Horses of the West, Las Vegas, New Mexico
Host: Owner Fred Mau.
Overview: Trail Horses of the West, located at Twin Ponds Ranch, offers the largest selection of mature gaited horses in North America. Rides venture into the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains; accommodations for two are available in the ranch's guest cabin.
Season: Year-round.
Accommodations: Guests can stay at Twin Ponds' modern log cabin, shaded by tall ponderosa pine trees. The cabin is equipped with a queen-size bed, a kitchen, and a full bathroom.
Horses: A variety of gaited horses are available - Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, Kentucky Mountain Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses, and Missouri Fox Trotters. These mounts are meticulously trained at the ranch to calmly encounter everything from lakes to stairs to wildlife.
Trails: Trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, venture into New Mexico's dazzling mountains. You'll likely encounter water crossings and steep trails. But, Mau assures, there's no hanging off the side of a mountain on two-foot-wide trails, just beautiful views aboard smooth horses with friendly guides.
Rides: One- to two-hour trail rides are offered, along with day-long (five-hour) rides. Mau enjoys sharing his love of gaited breeds with his guests, and enjoys helping each guest find the horse perfect for him or her.
Skill levels: All riders are welcome; the emphasis is on safety and fun.
Limitations: None specified.
Contact: Trail Horses of the West, 101 Twin Ponds Lane, Las Vegas, NM 87701; (505) 425-3580; thoc1@aol.com; www.trailhorsesofcolorado.com.
Walking Horse Country Farm, Eastsound, Washington
Hosts: Jeri and Doug Smart, along with their daughters and grandkids.
Overview: This 25-acre farm is on Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands off the coast of northern Washington State. The Smarts breed and train Tennessee Walking Horses, prized for their comfortable gaits and gentle personalities. The farm is close to the village of Eastsound, which offers restaurants, art galleries, and antique stores. Guests can enjoy swimming, biking, and whale watching, among other activities.
Season: Year-round.
Accommodations: A quaint, two-bedroom farmhouse with queen-sized beds, fully equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities provides you with all the comforts of home. All meals are self-catered. You'll enjoy the ambiance provided by the Smarts' antique collection, which includes sleighs and carriages.
Horses: The farm has nine Tennessee Walkers for you to choose from. The week-long Horsemanship Experience Program pairs you with a horse suited to your abilities for the length of your stay.
Trails: Trails on the farm include fenced pastures, ponds, and wooded bridle trails. For rides off the property, farm personnel will haul to island trailheads.
Rides: Rides range from one hour to half-day.
Skill levels: All.
Limitations: No smoking. Weight limit: 225 pounds. Pets must be approved by the owners.
Contact: Walking Horse Country Farm, 180 West Beach Rd., Eastsound, WA 98245; (360) 376-5306; stay@walkinghorsefarm.com; www.walkinghorsefarm.com.
