View From the Saddle

The saying “there is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse” has been attributed to everyone from the ancient Greek military leader Xenophon to Will Rogers to former President Ronald Reagan. Whoever said it, many find it’s true--and for women and children, too.

But unless you own your own horse, liability concerns have made it hard to sample the experience so valued through the centuries. There are more than a few stables in Ventura County that offer riding lessons in the ring, but only a few places offer guided trail rides where one can enjoy the county’s beauty from the saddle.

“When I was a kid, it was easy to find,” said Quenby Dunlap, assistant manager at Rancho Dos Rios in Ojai.

One of the few remaining ranches offering trail rides, Dos Rios has about a dozen horses available to tackle its more than 150 acres of trails. The nearby Ojai Valley Inn and Spa leases part of the 800-acre working cattle ranch on Creek Road and arranges rides for both guests and non-guests. The hotel also uses the ranch for its children’s camp and for parties.

Depending on how hot it is in the Ojai Valley, rides leave Rancho Dos Rios two or three times a day, seven days a week, usually at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and sometimes at 3 p.m.

On a recent morning, it was already 90 degrees at the ranch’s red barn, making a bottle of water in the saddlebag a good idea. Most of Dos Rios’ beasts are retired ranch horses, mostly quarter horses, thoroughbreds or a little bit of both. One of the ranch’s four-legged staff comes from a famous line of cutting horses. All the animals are easily controlled and have carried both novice tourists and expert riders up and down the ranch’s dusty trails many times.

Despite the riders’ familiarity with the routine--just follow the guide’s horse--the ranch’s experienced staff members stress that theirs are not pony rides. A quick lesson on managing the horse on the trail precedes every ride.

Safety is stressed, and riders must sign a release that details the dangers of trying to control a half-ton animal with a piece of metal and some leather straps. Helmets are required only for minors.

(Cowboy hats, while a neat look for these Western-style rides, offer no protection in a fall. But with no trotting allowed, it is unlikely that you will tumble from the large, tooled-leather saddle.)

The seasons determine the scenery of the trail, but it will almost always be glorious. Fragrant purple sage, “the cowboy’s cologne,” pops up along the way, along with other wild plants and flowers. A hawk might circle overhead and cows might mope through the dried-out golden pastures, searching for water in a rocky creek. When the walnuts in the orchard are ripe, you can pick them right from the tree as you ride by.

In Newbury Park, Two Winds Ranch has 15 horses available to go out on nearby state and federal trails.

“You see coyotes. You see a lot of wildlife--a lot of birds,” said Minette McNally, who will grill a burger for you after the ride if you like.

In addition to discovering some beautiful country from a new perspective, you may discover some new muscles. After an hour atop the barrel of a horse, a massage or a visit to the Jacuzzi might be in order. In Ojai, the inn’s spa will be happy to arrange that, too.

DETAILS

Hourlong trail rides at Rancho Dos Rios, 11730 Creek Road in Ojai, can be arranged through the Ojai Valley Inn’s concierge at 646-5511. Weekend rides may fill up a month in advance.

The cost is $45 per person. Children must be at least 8 years old to ride, and until age 14 must be accompanied on the ride by an adult.

Private rides, $60 per person, can be arranged by calling the ranch directly at 649-5552.

Rancho Dos Rios also offers riding lessons.

Two Winds Ranch, 4801 W. Potrero Road in Newbury Park, is open for hourlong to all-day trail rides Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are required for weekday rides, but on weekends, rides go out on a first-come, first-served basis.

All ability levels may ride, but riders must be at least 6 years old. Rides are $15 per person per hour. Prior arrangements must be made for rides longer than three hours. Rides that include a barbecue can also be arranged.

For more information, call 498-9222.

The Academy Equestrian Center at 1451 E. La Loma Ave. in Somis offers trail rides on Saturdays by appointment. Call 386-9311.

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Massie Ritsch can be reached by e-mail at massie.ritsch@latimes.com.