Just along the Santa Catalina Mountains you will find Catalina Riding Club, a unique equestrian experience in the Catalina Foothills. Located at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, the club provides an array of horseback riding opportunities that cater to both beginners and seasoned riders.
Owned and managed by Rose and Robert English, Rose is a Tucson native with an extensive background in equestrian activities, including barrel racing and serving as a turn-back rider for a cutting horse ranch in Texas. She also managed the Rockin’ B Riding Club in Anchorage, Alaska, for 17 years. Her husband, Robert, plays a crucial role in the club's operations, handling horse care, maintenance, and groundskeeping.
Catalina Riding Club's trail rides are a highlight for many visitors. With options ranging from 60-minute walks to 90-minute walk/trot rides, guests can explore 80 acres of private trails lined with iconic saguaro cacti and other diverse desert plants. Ride times change throughout the year with morning rides commencing around 4:30 a.m. in the summer and 9:00 a.m. in the winter, while sunset rides are anywhere from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Both offering breathtaking views of the desert during golden hour. Be sure to check the website for current ride times. Each ride includes a safety briefing, use of an approved helmet, and a water bottle to ensure a comfortable experience.
For more adventurous riders, the club offers off-site excursions from October to April. These two-to-four-hour rides traverse areas like Catalina State Park, Sabino Canyon, and Saguaro National Park, providing a deeper immersion into Arizona's natural beauty.
Beyond trail rides, Catalina Riding Club offers riding lessons for all ages and skill levels. Private and group lessons in horsemanship, Western and English styles are available for individuals aged six and up. For the youngest equestrians, Kinder lead-line lessons cater to children aged two to five, providing a gentle introduction to horseback riding. These sessions also include interactions with the club's friendly mini farm animals, adding an extra layer of engagement for young learners.
During the summer months, Catalina Riding Club hosts horse camps from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. These camps are designed for children of all ages and skill levels, offering activities such as horseback riding lessons and time with the small farm animals, helping feed and take care of them. A unique feature of the camp is the opportunity for campers to cool off with a swim in the resort's pool, blending education with recreation.
“We are the only horse camp that has swimming, since we are part of the resort,” English said. “So, the kids get to ride horses, play with farm animals, and go swimming.”
There are many different horses at the riding club that contribute to the positive environment experienced by customers. The club's diverse herd includes horses like Luna Bonita, a 16-year-old black and white paint mare from Sonora, Mexico who is great for beginners, and Tawny Rose, a 12-year-old buckskin quarter horse mare with a background in high school rodeo competitions. Each horse at the club has its unique personality and history, adding to the rich tapestry of experiences offered to riders.
Engaging in horseback riding at Catalina Riding Club offers more than just physical activity; it's an opportunity to step out of one's comfort zone. Interacting with horses requires trust, communication, and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience. Whether navigating a trail or mastering a new riding technique, riders often discover newfound strengths and perspectives.
“Horses are amazing, spiritual animals, and they have a heart of gold,” English said. “They make us faster, stronger, and bigger than we could ever be on our own. There is really something amazing about being able to ride a horse, and anyone can do it.”
Catalina Riding Club operates daily and is located at 251 E. Ina Road, Tucson, AZ 85704.
For more information or to book a ride, visit their website at catalinariding.net or call 520-833-7338.