by Lisa Marshall
If you don't want your 8-year-old writing letters to Santa Claus begging for a horse or have to think up answers to "Why can't a horse live in our backyard?" then this activity may not be for you. As a city girl myself, whose familiarity with four-legged animals was limited to a toy poodle named Fluffy, horseback riding was completely foreign to me. But a recent horse-themed birthday party and a discount coupon from one of my husband's co-workers prompted Steve and I to take Madeline horseback riding at Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable in Mauston.
The first thing going for Red Ridge Ranch is its terrific location. Two miles off the I-90/94 interstate and just 20 minutes past Wisconsin Dells made it very convenient from Madison. One glance at the license plates in the parking lot and it was apparent that it's a good choice for folks traveling on the interstate from the Twin Cities and Northern Illinois.
Aside from the location, it was clear right away that there were many things to like about Red Ridge Ranch. Plenty of friendly barn kitties roaming the grounds and a chance to feed the horses kept Madeline entertained until her own special horse was brought out. And then it was love at first sight for Madeline and her new friend Ben.
Let me just say that we're not talking ponies attached to a rope walking around in a circle. Ben was clearly a full-sized horse, but I could see the staff paired him with Madeline because of his gentleness. I'm guessing Ben had a bit of seniority among his equine peers. A couple of treats for Ben, a helmet and a boost up for Madeline and a horse named Copper for Steve and they were ready for a one-hour beautiful fall trail ride. Being six months pregnant during our visit, I chose to sit this activity out. However, the young girl taking our money didn't automatically assume that horseback riding was out of the question for me. Still, I took a pass this time around.
Located on 250 wooded acres, the scenic ride includes views of the Lemonweir River, farmland and wooded paths worn down from the horses' hooves. There were 15 or more people on our ride that day. Our cheerful, young wrangler kept Madeline up in the front with her to better keep an eye on the youngest in the group. However, most everyone on the ride was new to the equestrian experience. Our guide also did a good job at keeping everyone together. Only Steve, of course, tried to push the boundaries by speeding up his horse and passing Madeline and the guide on the trail. Fortunately, for the other riders, the guide managed to keep my husband's 13-year-old behavior in check until everyone made it back to the ranch.
Now for the bad side - this may mean you have to buy a horse for your child. Madeline became so attached to Ben during her one-hour magical trail ride that we had to dry a few tears the entire way home. However, the whole experience was so terrific that we are sending her to horseback riding day camp near our home this summer and even bought cowboy boots at Old Navy.
Trail rides are $18.00/hour per person but visit the Red Ridge Ranch website and print off their $3 off coupon. No reservations are necessary and they seem to be open every day year round, offering hayrides, sleigh rides, seasonal activities, and day and overnight camps. We were there on a busy beautiful Sunday in September and there was no wait other than the time it took the guides to check everyone in and get people on their horses.
So if you don't mind opening up the possibility of owning a horse sometime in the future (or maybe you can get by like I did with just lessons and cowboy boots), then this is an experience your kids will talk about for a long time.
Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable
W4881 State Road 82
Mauston, WI, 53948
Toll Free: 888-847-2272
redridgeranch@hotmail.com
www.redridgeranch.com