Horseback Riding San Diego

If you live in the San Diego area and are interested in horseback riding, you'll be happy to know that there are several ranches close to the downtown area. Let's take a look at a few to give you some background as to what they have to offer along with their locations and contact information.

The Circle T ranch is located in nearby Lakeside and is only about 35 minutes from downtown San Diego. Guided trail rides will take you over miles of beautiful territory through the Lakeside Mountains and a sandy river bed for a bit more adventure. You will be led by a guide who has over 10 years of experience with horses and even a degree in Animal Sciences! Rides are by reservation and cost $40 during the week and $45 on weekends. It's suggested that if you plan on riding over the weekend, you make reservations during the previous week.

Circle T also offers training and boarding and a 'Ranch Experience' package that includes saddling your horse, a lesson, trail riding, washing down your horse and a pizza and salad lunch. It lasts about three hours and costs $125 per person with a two person minimum. Visit their website at www.thecircletranch.com for more information.

Warner Springs Ranch in Warner Springs offers a wide variety of creative horseback riding activities. You can ride on miles of superbly maintained trails with easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. They provide adult, family and children's programs in all levels of experience for both Western and English style riders. Warner Springs Ranch also has wonderful accommodations for overnight stays and provides boarding services for privately owned horses.

Aside from the regular guided trail rides, some of the unique choices include a Breakfast ride where you will take an invigorating early morning horseback ride and return to a hearty cowboy breakfast that has been prepared for you. Or how about a romantic Twilight Ride for a perfect way to end a summer day? There are also Picnic Rides, Wildflower Rides and Scavenger Hunts on horseback.

Trail ride costs start at $17 for horse owners and $37 for ranch visitors with Meal Ride prices ranging between $20 and $42.50. And children under 5 can take pony rides for free! There are also special guided trail rides for kids over 8 years old with arena lessons for children 6 and over. Prices for lessons vary between $15 and $50 depending on whether you are an adult, child, individual and group. They have a very user-friendly and nicely designed website with lots of information at www.warnerspringsranch.com.

You can also check out http://totalescape.com/active/animals/horse/SD.html for links to even more stables in the San Diego area.