Rainbow Ridge Ranch in Palmdale is a horse-lover's paradise! Located out on the edge of the Angeles National Forest, it's a drive but worth it. The hilly, sandy terrain, strewn with rocks and stands of dry desert trees and shrubs, is good for riding. It's open sky country, and on the breezy day we rode, under bright hot sun, we had the rolling hills of gold and ochre to ourselves.
We: myself who loves horses, 10 years since my last ride at a rental stable along the coast (a disaster!). I was aboard Cody, a trim sure-footed Appaloosa Quarter gelding, what was he, 12 or 14 years old? His mostly white winter coat was coming on, thick and furry along his neck and withers.
Kathy, the expert rider/ranch owner, on her calm 5-year old palomino gelding (forgot his name).
Robin, Kathy's friend and horse trainer, on Sandy, a big sorrel mare with a long fast trot ("power trot" said Robin).
Just the three of us, brilliant! That meant we were free to get out on our two hours. I'm comfortable on a horse and ready for anything. Maybe we could even canter.
We did! We flew along some nice flat trails there in the desert. We walked up and down hills. Cody, though not a lead horse, was a goer, willing to fast trot and then canter with little urging.
We rode single file, Kathy in front, Cody and I, then Robin on the big red. The smell of dry brush and summer-scorched earth, the hot sun, cool wind...awakened my senses. Cody reminded me of the special bond created between horse and rider. The horse guides you. When you ride, you get out of your head and into your body. Your horse helps you become a better human. If only for awhile.
After the ride, we returned to the barns. Kathy directed me to the fridge drawer with the stash of carrots to feed to our horses. I watched as she hosed Cody off. He didn't like the water at first, then grinned as it splashed his face.
I hung out. The horses now seemed familiar, friendly like pets. Out at one enclosure, Kathy's two other horses, a buckskin mare and her filly came over towards us when she called their names. A curious black Tennessee Walker stood along the fence, wanting to be petted, and another horse, a Morgan, coat like thick black velvet, walked over to investigate.
I didn't want to leave.
What makes a great stable? Calm, well-cared for horses, with trimmed feet and brushed coats, who enjoy the ride as much as we do.
An owner who answers her own phone, asks detailed questions about your riding history and what sort of horse you like (smaller feet, agile, energetic, which was Cody!)
Access to natural areas, where you can ride for miles.
Facilities which are clean and well-marked, with rules spelled out.
A sign that says "Kiss your horse if you liked your ride"!
Thank you Cody and Kathy!