Phoenix area - trail riding/horse rental

[Madhouse]

My wife and I are escaping the MN winter for a week in February. She would love to go for a trail ride for a day. Where is the best place to rent horses near Phoenix?

She is an experienced rider and competes in endurance events. I ride to make her happy.

My google search has been less than inspiring - I’m not looking for “opportunity to dress up and have fun in our boots, hats and chaps”. I want to rent a safe (I’m really not convinced there is a such and animal) horse that we can trot and canter to feel the wind that isn’t hurting our face.

[Heart_s_Journey]

Apache Junction has a facility that will take you out on a trail rides. I did a 4 hour ride with only 2 other riders and the guide. The guide was excellent, talked a lot about the birds, cactus, etc. He let us move out some with the horses. Arizona riding is quite unique. I read in an Arizona Highway magazine that there are tons of old Indian trails days and weeks long. It said you could ride one every day of your life and not repeat them. After the one day ride, I went on a week long riding holiday out of Cave Creek. We also rode in Prescott and Sedona which is fabulous.

[Nathine]

There are numerous horse riding facilities (trail rides) in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Cave Creek. However you cannot just rent a horse and go. For the most part rides are limited by the least experienced, horses are taught nose to tail, and getting a horse that has any life in it is rare. You will have a guide regardless. You may be able to book a ride from 2 to 4 hours