Hey Horselovers~~~

Ever dreamed of riding a beautiful horse on a deserted beach while Pacific ocean waves crash against off shore rocks? Meandering past giant redwood trees to a mountain top overlooking the Mendocino coast? Moseying through herds of cattle, watching calves born in the fall scramble and play on the hillsides?

Ricochet Ridge Ranch has five new ways to take an economical equine trek in ecologically spectacular terrain!

1 : Giddy-Up Getaway Adventures

Join other fun-loving folks or come by yourself on an indulgent yet economical escape to awe inspiring Northern California. Lodge at the lovely Hill House Inn of Mendocino, a boutique hotel just twelve miles from Ricochet Ridge Ranch, overlooking historic Mendocino Village and Northern California's stunningly beautiful Pacific coastline.

It's a perfect summer, fall or early winter get-away for friends, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and grandfolks. Connie Reeves rode horses for a week with us when she was 97 years young a few Septembers ago! Depending on your direction of travel, we'll suggest unique wine-tasting or redwood hiking stops to break up your drive on the way here.

At Ricochet Ridge Ranch you'll be introduced to your new best friend, the horse who will carry you for miles along breathtaking, yet safe trails on ocean beaches, through redwood forests, and across vast cattle ranches overlooking the ocean. Your first ride includes an orientation, moves on to riding demonstrations, and culminates in a glorious ride along the surf.

Next ride, we head out to the largest State Forest in California, spending all day in 54,000 acres of Redwoods and Douglas fir. We traverse old stagecoach roads, riding along the headwaters of the Noyo River, revisiting the trails used in the Mendocino 50 and 100 mile endurance races, up to ridge tops with views for many miles. We can discuss ecological vs. economic issues of forest management as we ride along, or just be quiet and enjoy the magnificence. Lunch under giant redwoods is a unique experience. Most riders will learn to trot and canter your horses on safe dirt trails through the forest during the all day ride. Experienced riders can really move out!

Your third half day riding adventure through the Orca Cattle Ranch includes vast vistas from tall mountain tops overlooking the entire Mendocino Coast. You'll watch birds soar below~~~

And you still have time free to explore the many shops, art galleries and beaches in Mendocino! You may indulge in a massage or hot tub at one of the many establishments set up to pamper you. Perhaps the best memories of your get-away will be of the camaraderie that develops between you and your horse along the trail!

• Four nights double or triple occupancy lodging at Hill House Inn of Mendocino
• Continental breakfast each morning
• 3 Hour Orientation and Beach Trailride
• All day Forest Trailride with picnic lunch
• Half Day Trailride through the Orca Cattle Ranch
• (Labor Day and Thanksgiving Weekends: Additional $100.00 per person)

2 : Do It Yourself Redwood Coast Riding Vacation

The exact same riding as on the full-tilt boogie Redwood Coast Beach and Forest Riding Vacation (click to see website description), but you'll arrange your own evening meals, lunch one day, hot tubs spas and entertainment.

• Lodging Monday through Saturday nights at the Hill House Inn of Mendocino (may begin other days by special arrangement)
• Continental breakfasts Tuesday through Sunday mornings
• Orientation and beach trail ride on Monday
• Trail rides on beaches Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday
• Full all-day rides with lunch on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
• Trail ride overlooking Pacific ocean on Wednesday morning
• Snacks and beverages, including beer and soda at the end of each ride
• Wine with lunch 2 days
• Fully guided, with choice of English, Western, or Australian tack
• Exceptional horses, well trained for all experience levels
• Rides may be divided according to experience level of riders
• Prices do not include gratuities for trail guides
• Double or triple occupancy: $375 additional for single occupancy

3 : Mendocino Romantic Riding Escape

Lodging at the Whitegate Inn, a small, romantic B&B in the heart of Mendocino (or similar accommodations) for four nights, you'll enjoy full country breakfasts every morning and join others for a Wine & Cheese happy hour every afternoon. Mid-mornings, you'll begin a 4 hour guided trailride, leaving afternoons free for sightseeing, kayaking, canoeing or beachcombing. Every day's ride is different, exploring deserted beaches, riding through vast cattle ranches overlooking the ocean, and roaming through forests of giant trees to mountaintop vistas.

• Accommodations at the Whitegate Inn in Mendocino (or similar)
• 4 full breakfasts
• 4 riding days (4 hrs) or 3 rides & 1 six hour wine tasting tour
• Happy hour at the inn each afternoon around 5 PM if staying at the Whitegate B&B
• Single room supplement $375
• Superior Room Upgrade per person (dbl) $190
• Discount for Sunday to Thursday stays from November to June ($50)
• Single room supplement $325
• Superior Room Upgrade pp (dbl)$190

4 : Thanks for the Memories!

Returning Redwood Coast Riding Vacation guests are welcome to 10% off on any of our scheduled RCRVs this season (that's $229.50 per person!), and special consideration on a custom riding vacation.

We can produce custom "Mendocino Magic Riding Vacations of any duration, from one or two days up to two weeks, with accommodations ranging upwards from $99.00- $499.00 per night, with or without breakfast, including if you like the Mendo Wine Tour, and suggestions for ocean or river kayaking, golf, hiking trails, free wine tastings and many other local secrets.

5 : Ride for Free!

And if none of the above entice you... RIDE FOR FREE! Bring 10 friends, and the 11th rides for free on ANY of our private or group trailrides. RIDE FOR 1/2 PRICE! Bring 5 friends and the 6th person rides for 1/2 price on any private trail ride. Ask around at your stables... surely lots of your riding buddies have always wanted to ride in Mendocino and are just waiting for you to get the ball rolling!

Y'all come!

Happy trails,

Lari