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Riding the Range at White Stallion RanchBy Valerie Summers
Meanwhile, catching a whiff of something wonderful cooking on the huge outdoor barbeque, I ambled over to the lodge and found co-owner Michael True cooking up some fine looking lamb chops. A short time later, a buffet style dinner was served on the patio, a veritable feast including not only the chops, but chicken and beef fajitas, fresh vegetables, plenty of salads and desserts. Each guest filled their plate and headed for the dining room, seating themselves at one of the three long tables. Breaking bread together, strangers became friends. Each evening, guests enjoyed an eclectic menu of entertainment be it line dancing, music, bonfires or a lecture. After dinner, my friends and I adjourned to the lobby, adorned with Remington and Russell statues, where flames danced in the welcoming fireplace. On this evening, we heard a fascinating talk on inhabitants of the desert, complete with live exhibits ranging from a cuddly chinchilla to large tarantula to a huge boa constrictor which the naturalist had wrapped around his neck much to the dismay of onlookers. The audience was invited to hold and/or touch all of the creatures and many brave souls took him up on the offer. After a nightcap in the bar (featuring saddles for seats), it was off to bed in my spacious southwestern style casita.
Families, singles and couples all enjoy a taste of the Old West with the welcoming staff, the variety of activities, hearty meals and comfortable accommodations at White Stallion Ranch which certainly provided a memorable equestrienne experience for me. For information: Photos by Valerie Summers |
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The mountain tops appeared ablaze as
the sun set in the Arizona sky, painting a canvas of gold, purple and
lavender. Before me, I viewed the silhouettes of a herd of horses galloping
freely in their corral, the quiet night interrupted by the pounding hoofs.
Eagerly, I anticipated the first morning ride of my stay at the White
Stallion guest ranch.
Next morning I was
introduced to my steed, Bulls Eye, a friendly, sorrel quarter horse. We
joined the rest of the group and headed out through the cactus dotted desert
towards the mountains. This area, adjacent to the Saguaro National Park,
has been the backdrop for Marlboro commercials, the TV show, High Chaparral
and several films featuring Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Ronald Reagan, Hal
Holbrook, Gene Autry and James Garner. A hearty buffet breakfast awaited us
at the picnic area where we chowed down seated at benched tables under a
protective wooden roof.
The family owned and operated White Stallion Ranch offers activities
for experienced riders, novices and those who have no equestrienne
interest. Generally, three to four rides are available daily including slow
rides, fast rides and challenging mountain rides. Hayrides, cattle penning,
private riding lessons and rodeos offer guests a busy, varied schedule.
Tired of cowboy activities, the
ranch includes a brand new tennis court,
sports court, a petting zoo and an inviting swimming pool adjacent to an
indoor redwood hot tub. A soak in the hot tub proved just the ticket after a
day in the saddle. Ping pong, hiking, horseshoes, shuffleboard and
billiards rounded out the facilities. For those who prefer to kick back and
enjoy a good book, the extensive library featured an eclectic selection.
The petite gift shop maintains an excellent array of well-priced clothing,
accessories and gifts. But for me, this visit was all about horseback
riding.
Owners of the White Stallion Ranch,
the True family, where the third generation is now growing up, provide a
warm and welcoming experience for their guests. It all started back in 1965
when the True family moved from Denver to seek a new lifestyle. Brothers
Russell and Michael, along with their wives, have expanded the modest 17
room, 17 horse ranch into a 41 room (plus the Hacienda House), 100 horse
facility complete with resort amenities. All rooms include air conditioning
and private bath(s) from the modest economy room to the four bedroom three
bath Hacienda House. Deluxe Suites feature fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and
king size beds, but no phone and no television. The ranch’s newest addition
is a state of the art 2,600 square foot meeting and event center.