Lynge-Tora a Norwegian Fjord horse from Ovre-Eide Farm takes Nancy Brown on a horseback riding vacation in Bergen, Norway.

Bergen, Norway Horseback Riding Vacation

As we rode past the centuries old cemetery, lined with neatly marked tombstones and flowers, the horses hooves clipped clopped along the path. We began the assent of the forested trail and left the World Heritage City of Bergen behind us. The rugged Norwegian Fjord horses moved quietly along the fern-laced trail as we gained elevation.

We passed natural lakes created from snow melt run off and a few abandoned military bunkers; silent remembrances of World War II. Norwegian mother’s pushed baby strollers along the paved path.

It was a lovely summer day, ideal for a horseback riding vacation in Bergen, Norway.

Ovre-Eide Farm Horseback Riding Vacation

If you have plans for a horseback riding vacation in Bergen, Norway, make advance reservations with Ovre-Eide Farm. This historic farmhouse, looking over Jordalswater, offers horseback riding and carriage rides to the public. Ovre-Eide Farm will arrange custom horseback riding vacations for Hurtigruten Cruise Ship passengers, as it is a short cab ride from downtown Bergen, Norway.

Feline, a Norwegian Fjord horse from Ovre-Eide Farm, grazes after a horseback ride in Bergen, Norway.

Norwegian Fjord Horse

The Norwegian Fjord Horse  is a versatile horse. Known for its roached mane, dorsal stripe running down the back and black mane and tail, the Fjord Horse is small and frugal. With an easy-going temperament, the Norwegian Fjord Horse must demonstrate expertise in driving, dressage and jumping.

“I was eight years old when I owned my first horse, a Shetland pony,” remembered Kjersti Anette Botnevik, the leader of the Bergen chapter, Norwegian Fjord Horse Association. “I was 11 when I got my Fjord Horse. It was exciting to own a Fjord horse,” added Botnevik, who specializes in marathon driving of the Fjord horse.

Nancy Brown and Lynge-Tora on a horseback riding vacation in Bergen, Norway

What are your favorite things to do in Bergen, Norway?

If You Go:

Ovre-Eide Farm www.Ovre-Eide.no +47 908 08 379

Ovre-Eide 36, 5105 Eidsvag, Norway

For More Information:

Norwegian Fjord Horse Association, www.fjordhest.no

Bergen Tourist Board, www.visitBergen.com

Hurtigruten Cruise Lines, www.hurtigruten.us

Related Posts:

Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

Hurtigruten Norwegian Cruise

Photos, YouTube video and article by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of  Ovre-Eide Farm and Innovation Norway.

Willa Chapman of Coastal Horseback Riding Adventures leads a horseback riding vacation in Half Moon Bay, California

Coastal Horseback Riding Adventures

There is something magical about a horseback riding vacation on the beach. Riding your own horse on the beach and amongst the California redwoods is an added bonus for any horse lover.
 

Horseback riding vacation through the California redwoods with Coastal Horseback Riding Adventures

Bring Your Own Horse Package

Long time equestrian and Half Moon Bay resident Willa Chapman has joined with partners Larry DeYoung and Lynn Turner to form Coastal Horseback Adventures. With the launch of the new equestrian riding company, they have created a “bring your own horse” weekend package. Upon arrival Friday night and after a full day of riding Saturday, equitrekkers will stay at the Half Moon Bay Lodge. The package also includes horse boarding at Friendly Acres Ranch.

With small groups of no more than six horses and equestrians, this horseback riding vacation offers plenty of individual attention.With specially trained guides on beach and trail-proven horses, Coastal Horseback Adventures provides a safe and supportive environment for your beach horseback riding vacation.
 

Nancy D. Brown on a horseback riding vacation at Poplar Beach, Half Moon Bay, California

Pescadero Redwood Trail and Poplar Beach Ride

The Saturday guided horseback riding vacation begins in Pescadero Creek County Park with several water crossing, bridge crossings and single track trail riding. The Pescadero Redwood trail ride is about 6-7 hours on horseback. On Sunday, your horseback riding vacation will take you to Poplar beach, with lunch at Camerons Restaurant. The Half Moon Bay beach ride is approximately 5-6 hours on horseback. The cost of this weekend horseback riding adventure is $995. and includes lodging for you and your horse, guided horseback riding, continental breakfast and lunch on the trail.

What are your favorite things to do in Half Moon Bay, California?

If You Go:

Coastal Horseback Adventures (650) 897-4870

P.O. Box 370546, Montara, CA 94037

Related Posts:

Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay

 Things To Do
Half Moon Bay

Horseback Riding Vacation in Half Moon Bay, California on Poplar Beach

Half Moon Bay Horseback Riding Vacation

Remember the movies where the beautiful woman rides horseback on the beach? Her blonde hair blows in the wind; the hooves of the horse splash waves of brilliant blue water onto the soft white sand as the rider travels off into the sunset? Well, I can’t promise you a sunset with a gorgeous woman on horseback. However, Sea Horse Ranch in Half Moon Bay, California does deliver on a horseback riding vacation on the Northern California coast.

Horseback Trail Riding on Poplar Beach

Whether you are a beginning rider or an accomplished equestrian, equitrekkers will safely enjoy a beach ride on over seven miles of horse-friendly trails in Half Moon Bay, California. My guide at Sea Horse Ranch took me through a creek crossing and along the bluffs of Sunset Beach, down to the sand and waves of Poplar Beach.

Nancy and Thelma on a horseback riding vacation at Sea Horse Ranch in Half Moon Bay, California

Horseback Beach Riding at Sea Horse Ranch

Riding a horse on the beach is a highlight for many horse lovers. Sometimes the ocean waves and loud pounding surf are scary to horses unfamiliar with the ocean. Sea Horse Ranch introduces all of their horses to the beach so that riders of any level will feel safe and secure on their California coast horseback riding vacation. If you have your own horse, you’ll want to read my post on Coastal Horseback Adventures, where riders bring their own horses for an overnight stay in Half Moon Bay, California.

For more information on where equitrekkers may go on a horseback riding vacation in Northern California visit regional open space for equestrians.

 What are your favorite things to do in Half Moon Bay?

Nancy and Thelma on a horseback riding vacation in the forest of Half Moon Bay, California

If You Go: Sea Horse Ranch (650) 726-9903

1828 Cabrillo Highway Half Moon Bay, CA 94019  

Related Posts:

Things to See and Do in Half Moon Bay, California

Horseback Riding in Half Moon Bay, California

Photos, YouTube video and article by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of Seahorse Ranch.

Horseback Riding Vacation with Copper Valley Trail Company, Copperopolis, California

Copper Valley Trail Company Horseback Riding Vacation

Grass hoppers jump in front of our horses, like popcorn kernels exploding in a hot frying pan. The grass is dry on this August day in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras county.  Yet Mike Toberer, owner of Copper Valley Trail Company, guides me on his mule to a flowing creek bed that gives life to the green grass surrounding the natural stream of water.

A former gold mining town, Copperopolis offers some of the best horseback riding around and Toberer’s well trained horses are ready for the adventure.

Family-friendly Horseback Riding in Calaveras County

Husband and wife team Mike and Michelle Toberer have operated Copper Valley Trail Company for five years.  The Copper Valley Trail Company is a family-based business offering family friendly trail rides in Copperopolis, California. Their two older boys enjoy horseback riding and competing in junior rodeo events in Calaveras County. In fact, when I pulled up to the  new storefront in Copperopolis Town Square their younger sister looked on as the older brother successfully roped his sibling’s foot.

Copper Valley Trail Company Horseback Riding Vacation

Wine Tasting Packages and Overnight Pack Trips

If you are looking for an equestrian girl-friend getaway, or more time in the saddle, Toberer is happy to customize a horseback ride. Popular packages are wine tasting rides. For $85, equitrekkers enjoy a one 1/2 hour trail ride, followed with wine tasting at Renner Winery or Snaps Coffee and Wine Bar in Copperopolis Town Square. Cowboys and cowgirls receive five wine tastings and a glass of wine, paired with hors d oeurves.

New in 2010 is the addition of overnight camp packages. These horseback riding vacations include a stocked camp, with everything you need except your personal items and sleeping bags. Package B, is all inclusive, including the cooking! Copper Valley Trail Company provides the guide, tent cabin, cookware, food, bathroom and shower. Heck, they’ll even pack your fishing gear if you like.

Nancy and Beau on a horseback riding vacation with Copper Valley Trail Company

Saddle Creek Resort

After my morning horseback riding vacation with Copper Valley Trail Company, I checked into a bungalow at Saddle Creek Resort. My husband was looking forward to a motorcycle ride from the Bay Area to the Sierra foothills and I was tasked with bringing his golf clubs for a round of golf the next morning at Saddle Creek Golf Course.

Situated less than two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and one hour from the Central Valley, the Copper Valley is positioned between San Francisco, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe in the Sierra foothills. The area offers golf, tennis, boating on Lake Tulloch, dining and wine tasting in nearby Murphys.

What are your tips for things to see and do in Copperopolis and Calaveras County? Where are your favorite places to go on a horseback riding vacation in California?

If You Go:

Copper Valley Trail Company (209) 785-9801

403 Town Square Road, Copperopolis, CA 95228

Photos, YouTube video and article by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of Copper Valley Trail Company.

Related Post:

Things to See and Do in Copperopolis, California

Horseback riding vacation in Middelburg, Zeeland

Ring Riding in Middelburg, Zeeland

Hooves pound the sand and nostrils flare as the horses run full speed toward the ring – an oh-so-small ring. This is the age old sport of the equestrian ring rider. A traditional sport from long ago still played out today in Middelburg, Zeeland, a province in Holland.

Ring Riding, a skilled sport for a horseback riding vacation in Zeeland

Bareback Rider – Skilled Equestrian

A true test of horsemanship, the rider must be bareback – without the aid of a saddle- and the horse must be colorfully decorated.  The ring rider is also dressed in an official costume of white with an orange sash, symbolizing the connection to the royal house.

Take a carriage ride in Zeeland during your horseback riding vacation

Women and men join the equestrian festivities

A centuries old horseback riding activity dominated by male equestrians, today, women are allowed to join in the festivities on horseback or with carriages where the man directs the coach and the woman stabs the rings that are hung in various places along the course.

Horseback riding vacation in Holland - Zeeland Ring Rider

Visit to Middelburg, Zeeland

While I wasn’t able to witness the ring riders in the abbey during my horseback riding vacation in Middelburg, Zeeland, I was able to admire the beautiful Friesian horses that pulled the tourist carriages around Middelburg.

What are your favorite things to do in the Netherlands?

If You Go:

Middelburg, Zeeland Province, Holland

For more information on Ring Riding. For information on Middelburg and Holland.

Bronze Ring Rider photo courtesy of Nancy D. Brown. Additional photos courtesy of Ring Rider website.

Chincoteague Island horses swim on a horseback riding vacation in Virginia

Horseback Riding Vacation on Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Walter Farley’s Black Stallion book series and Margueritte Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague series; if you are a horse lover, you probably read these books growing up in your youth. It’s probably a safe bet that you collected Breyer model horses and perhaps hung a horse shoe over your bedroom door frame for good luck. Imagine going on a horseback riding vacation in Chincoteague Island, Virginia and seeing the ponies of Chincoteague?

Chincoteague Island Pony Swim

Mark July 28th on your calendar, as that is the day Saltwater Cowboys round up the wild horses of Assateague Island to swim across the Assateague Channel to Virginia’s Chincoteague Island. After resting, the wild ponies are then herded by the cowboys to auction at the carnival grounds. Traditionally, the first pony to reach Chincoteague Island is crowned King if it is a colt, or Queen if it is a mare and raffled off to the winning ticket holder.

Saltwater Cowboys on a horseback riding vacation on Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Chincoteague Island Pony Round up

While the Pony Swim began on Chincoteague Island in the 1850s, the pony round up is a festive summer celebration each July. Now in its 85th year, The Chincoteague Firemen’s Carnival, pony swim and auction benefits the local volunteer fire department. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd of wild horses, keeping the size of the herd to approximately 150 head of adult horses to protect the natural resources of the island.

Wild horses rest after swimming on a horseback riding vacation to Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Virginia Horseback Riding Vacation

I’ve yet to visit Virginia’s Chincoteague Island. When I do go on a horseback riding vacation in Virginia, I’ll probably visit during the off season when the ponies can be experienced without fireworks and large crowds.

Have you traveled to Chincoteague Island, chatted with a Saltwater Cowboy or pet a wild pony?

Related Post:

Wild Horses of Camargue, France

Horseback Riding along Paulina Creek Trail, La Pine, Oregon

Horseback Riding Vacation along Paulina Creek, La Pine, Oregon

We whoop and holler as the ice cold cascade mountain snow melt hits our bodies at Paulina Plunge. Our family of four has been riding mountain bikes and hiking the forest service trail to Oregon’s Paulina Plunge for many years. How many years have I looked to the equestrians riding the trail above and said to my husband, “now that’s my idea of a horseback riding vacation!”

Horseback Riding Dreams Do Come True

I’ve been fortunate to go on fantastic horseback riding vacations all over the globe due to my travel writing profession. I never dreamed that I’d be able to go horseback riding on the Peter Skene Ogden Trail along side Paulina Creek.

As luck would have it, our teenagers brought friends along on this central Oregon vacation. One of the girl’s grandmother owned horses in nearby Powell Butte. She asked if I would like to go horseback riding during our trip to Sunriver, Oregon. While the teenagers continued with the mountain biking tradition to Paulina Plunge, we would meet them on horseback at McKay Crossing campground. She loaded up her two Fox Trotters and arrived at the Peter Skene Ogden Group Camp for a day of horseback riding in Central Oregon.

Nancy Brown riding Pax on a horseback riding vacation at McKay Crossing Campground in La Pine, Oregon

Horseback Riding on a Missouri Fox Trotting Horse

Never having ridden a Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, I compared it to my experience riding Tennessee Walking horses at the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. The horses were smooth and steady along the trail. It’s about an hour horseback ride from the base camp parking lot to McKay Crossing Campground.  The ride is much faster if you are trotting the entire way. In fact, my riding partner, Casey James, and I politely stepped off the hiking and equitrekking trail to let two Arabian endurance horses and a mule pass us by during our trail ride.

The American Competitive Trail Horse Association should consider a horseback riding vacation in this Central Oregon area. While the trail is open to hikers and mountain bikes (up hill only) we didn’t encounter any problems during our horseback ride.

Pax the Fox Trotter took me on a horseback riding vacation along Paulina Creek in La Pine, Oregon

Picnic Lunch at McKay Crossing Campground

As I mentioned earlier, my husband and teenagers, along with several other girls, swam and splashed in Paulina Plunge while we went on a horseback riding vacation. An hour or so into our trail ride along Paulina Creek, we met up with our bicycling group for a picnic lunch at McKay Crossing Campground. Surrounded by Ponderosa pine, grand and Douglas fir trees, this shaded campground is a beautiful location for day use or overnight camping.

Peter Skene Ogden Trail

Who was Peter Skene Ogden? Skene Odgen was a trapper with the Hudson Bay Company who made his first recorded visits to Central Oregon in 1825. Ogden, Utah is also named after him.

 If You Go:

Located off highway 97, turn on the Caldera exit. Look for the Peter Skene Odgen Group Camp sign, situated next to Paulina Creek in La Pine, Oregon.

Related Posts:

Horseback Riding at Sunriver Stables

Things to See and Do in Sunriver, Oregon

Horses & Hospitality go hand in hand on a horseback riding vacation at Sunriver Stables

 Sunriver Stables Horseback Riding Vacation

As Diana and I left Sunriver Stables and trotted along beside the Deschutes River, my memory bank worked hard to roll back the years in my mind. How many years ago did I trot along this very trail as a horse-crazy youngster? I had come to love Sunriver Resort as a child. Our family returned each summer to Central Oregon for an eagerly anticipated horseback riding vacation.

Sunriver Stables in the 70’s

Back in the day, Sunriver Stables hosted breakfast horseback riding vacations and cowboy cookouts. Our two children, teenagers now, remember the time when the cowboys arrived on horseback at our chuck wagon dinner. The horses wild-eyed, nostrils flaring, carried gun blazing cowboys into our campsite. Our children were delighted when the bandits shared their “loot” of gold nuggets with the young buckaroos at the dinner table.

While Sunriver Stables no longer offers breakfast or dinner horseback rides,  I remain a faithful fan of Sunriver Stables. Owners Jon and Jackie Russell maintain a herd of 85 well cared for horses at Sunriver Resort and offer welcoming hospitality.

There are many options for your Central Oregon horseback riding vacation. Beginning and not-too-frequent riders will enjoy the 1/2 hour Bald Eagle Loop along the Deschutes River and through the Sunriver Meadows.  The one hour Frontier Ride starts along the Deschutes River and continues into Sunriver’s wooded area. 

Nancy D. Brown riding George and Sunriver Stables Guide Diana on a horseback riding vacation in Central Oregon.

Horseback Riding Vacation for Advanced Equestrians

Often, I have equestrians ask me if I have horse ranch suggestions for advanced riders. While most dude ranches and stables are limited to “walk only” trail rides due to insurance policy restrictions, there are a few places that cater to the advanced rider. Arizona’s Kay El Bar Ranch, California’s Ricochet Ridge Ranch and Sunriver Stables have all offered wonderful horseback riding vacation options for advanced riders once the equestrian  has demonstrated their horseback riding ability.

On this July visit to Sunriver Stables, I took a two hour private trail ride to Ramsey Ridge. Guide Diana and I crossed Cardinal Landing Bridge and entered the Deschutes National Forest, offering sweeping views of the Sunriver Meadows, Sunriver Resort and Newberry Volcanic National Monument.

Sunriver Stables cowgirls look forward to helping you enjoy a first-class horseback riding vacation in Central Oregon.

Camp Abbott – A History Lesson

For the history buffs amongst us, in 1943 the US Army claimed what is now known as Sunriver Meadows and used the area as training grounds, calling it Camp Abbott. It appeared that Central Oregon, with the Deschutes River running through the meadow, was a brilliant location for demolition experts to train, build and blow up bridges in this remote, high desert area.

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If You Go:

Sunriver Stables  (541) 593-6995

17600 Center Dr. Sunriver, OR 97707

Related Posts:

Sunriver Resort a Horseback Riding Vacation in Central Oregon

Cowboy Christmas in Sisters, Oregon

Long Hollow Ranch, Sisters, Oregon

Photos, YouTube video and article by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of Sunriver Stables.

Horseback Riding Vacation at Long Hollow Ranch, Sisters, Oregon

Long Hollow Ranch Horseback Riding Vacation

Tails swish at flies as our horses climb the slight incline to the scenic overlook. Riders reach for their cameras tucked deep in denim pockets or saddle bags. We are surrounded by 600 acres of trees, volcanic rock, running water and the Three Sisters – Central Oregon’s snow capped mountain jewels.

There are six pairs of horse and riders in our group as we set out for a two hour trail ride at Long Hollow Ranch. Our guide, Katie rides a Premarin rescue horse, her jean-clad legs wrap around the draft horse like a child riding an elephant. An Oregon couple follows –they will stay a week with Long Hollow Ranch. Mr. T, a well behaved Quarter Horse, is my ride for the morning. A husband and wife team bring up the rear; they have trailered their own horses to ride at Long Hollow Ranch.

Dude Ranch Horeback Riding Vacation at Long Hollow Ranch

Depending on your length of stay, Wranger Katie will guide you on several one or two hour horseback riding vacations per day without riding the same trail. Equestrians will be treated to a breakfast ride at the Long Hollow Ranch pond for ranch cooked bacon, eggs and pancakes, as well as a dinner cookout of hamburgers, cowboy baked beans and potato salad.

On my July visit, we sat down to a lunch of barbecued beef sandwiches, watermelon, lemonade and fresh baked brownies. The Long Hollow Ranch main house offers four queen bedrooms and one room with two twin beds. There is also a guest cottage on property. Check the website for rates and availability.

Oregon's Nicole Budden on a horseback riding vacation at Long Hollow Ranch, Sisters, Oregon

Long Hollow Ranch – Working Cattle Ranch

Long Hollow Ranch Owners Shirley and Dick Bloomfelt run 100 head of cattle on the working cattle ranch. “We went to Dude Ranch school,” laughs Shirley. “It’s like cowboys adding egg shells in their coffee. The school is meant to clear things up for us.”

Sisters, Oregon is a horseback riding vacation gold mine. Situated about 20 minutes west of Bend and a ten minute drive from the town of Sisters, Oregon, Long Hollow Ranch offers 600 acres of equestrian horseback riding vacation fun for the outdoor enthusiast. Cast a line in the trout stocked fishing pond or go rafting on the Deschutes River during your stay at Long Hollow Ranch. Long Hollow Ranch is a member of the Dude Ranchers Association.

Nancy D. Brown on an Oregon horseback riding vacation with the Three Sisters mountains in the background.

If You Go:

Long Hollow Ranch  (877) 923-1901 or (541) 923-1901

71105 Holmes Road, Sisters, OR 97759

Related Posts:

Rodeo Horseback Riding Vacation, Sisters, Oregon

Cowboy Christmas in Sisters, Oregon

Photos, YouTube video and article by Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip. I was a guest of Long Hollow Ranch.

Horseback Riding Vacation at Makena Ranch, Maui, Hawaii

Horseback Riding Vacation – Staycation

Hold your horses!  Today we are going on a horseback riding staycation vacation. What’s a horseback riding staycation? I was invited to be a guest on the Stable Scoop Radio Show. This 96th episode of Stable Scoop Radio was a twitter marathon. I was one of 10 guests on the Stable Scoop Radio show.

Listen to the Stable Scoop Radio Show

Today you will be able to listen to the podcast and learn about all sorts of horse-related people and places without having to leave your home, barn, computer, or horse for that matter. You can listen in from your office or ranch. Today is a horseback riding vacation staycation.

Sit back, relax, put your boots up and have a listen to the

Stable Scoop Radio Show pod cast.

Horse Lovers Tune into Stable Scoop Radio

If you don’t have time to listen to the entire radio show, you may scroll ahead to 23.31 on the dial and listen to my four minute segment toward the end of the show. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite riding locations including:

• Kay El Bar Ranch, Wickenburg, Arizona
• Princeville Ranch, Kauai, Hawaii
• Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii
• Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Mendocino County, California

A horseback riding staycation vacation with Stable Scoop Radio Show

 Twitter Marathon Guests Include: 

For More Information:

Stable Scoop Radio Show