[do] Horseback Riding in Wichita
I’m going to assume that you, like countless others, have a childhood regret. You were mean to your sister, gave up piano lessons, didn’t pay attention in algebra, quit baseball or fell out of touch with a dear friend. Aside from all of the above, I regret giving up the saddle.
Horses have been a part of my life since I was a toddler, but it wasn’t until high school that I really began to ride them. By the time I graduated, I was comfortable enough around my favorite horses that I could swing myself up without a saddle, lie back, and doze off while it wandered aimlessly around a pasture. It’s been five years since I’ve ridden, and I’m officially giving up the notion that it’s something I can go on living without. And what’s more; I’m going to assert that you shouldn’t live without it either.
I’m not going to start waxing poetic about the myriad wonders of being horseback; the peace, the joy, the exhilaration or the satisfaction it brings. I think you know all about that. The kismet-laced relationships between horse and man are common phenomena, inspiring enough books, movies, music and television to guarantee you’ve been exposed. All I ask is that you allow that seedling of interest to, well, take you for a ride.
For novices in the world of horses, here’s a guide that should give you a little confidence on a ride (if not in the chaps). As for you experts; what are you doing indoors? The weather is beautiful this time of year, so go on now, git!
What you need before you ride:
- Comfortable long pants and close-toed shoes. Saddles are rough and horses don’t care a lick about your extremities.
- A serving of humble pie. Nobody will let you fly a plane the moment you decide to become a pilot, and nobody will let you goof off astride $10,000 worth of horsepower either. In fact, they might give you a sparkly purple helmet just to remind you of your level of expertise. Don’t be offended, and don’t expect spurs.
- A willingness to listen. Riding a horse is nothing like driving a go-kart. Let your trail guide or coach tell you the difference before you hurt somebody.
Where to go to ride:
- Singletree Stables: Singletree has both an indoor and outdoor arena, so you can get consistent lessons year round. The lessons are tailored to clients who are serious about developing as riders, but there are plenty of group programs and a summer day camp for the casual greenhorn.
- Wichita Riding Academy: Offers lessons to those ages 4 years and up, with optional lessons in horse care, grooming, bandaging, showmanship, etc. These types of lessons are infinitely valuable to any beginner considering taking up the sport, and are very relaxing to both horse and rider.
- C-Arrow Stables: Very competitively priced lessons, with a flexible schedule and huge selection of horses. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to clean up after your horse, though. The atmosphere is very “family farm” and you may be expected to pitch in. C-Arrow offers wonderful trail rides that vary from walks through the neighborhood to the two-hour Prairie Land ride or a four-hour excursion alongside the Arkansas River.
- Goverland Stage Stop: Located by Kanopolis State Park, this trail-riding destination offers Kansas landscape at its finest. Short lessons are given before the 1 to 2 hour rides across the state park begin. Plan to pack for a day trip, bringing lunch for after the ride, and a camera for the entire experience.
- Sun Rock Ranch: The rides are more expensive here, but the owners might argue that you get what you pay for. The ranch hosted a major event in the 1996 FEI World Championship, and looking at the property sprawling a safe distance from Junction City, it’s easy to see why. The scenery is beautiful, and so are the accommodations. Sun Rock offers campsites and suites for guests who don’t want to go home.
- Happy Trails: South of Topeka, this ranch is settled atop the breathtaking Flint Hills, which are easily one of Kansas’s best natural features. While rides can be pricey, they are delightfully customizable. You can pick your level of confidence and they will find a route through the hills that accommodates it. You can also choose to go on a “Sunset” or “Moonlight” ride for the same price as a day trip. The mission of Happy Tails is to always have guests leave happier and more relaxed than they came… and who wants to argue with that policy?
I’m determined to shake off my childhood regret and get back in the saddle. The act of riding is more relaxing and soothing than any other sport known, and I’ll be the first to admit that a little bit of “me” time is something I’ve been sorely missing. I’m eagerly dusting off my boots in preparation to become reacquainted with the horse, and as the weather warms up and riding opportunities present themselves, I hope to meet you on the trail.
Related posts:
Nice article.
A word about my experience with Happy Trails:
I scheduled an appointment 2 weeks ago, and called to confirm appointment day of (before riding all the way up to the Flint Hills). Got a frantic voice message about how they double booked, 4 hours before the appointment (I was already in Northern Kansas). When I called in about it she said “Well, whoever gets here first – we’ll just take them out.” I canceled and ate dinner in Aggieville instead.
Bummer.
Leave your response!