HORSEBACK RIDING
Kay El Bar offers an unforgettable experience for horse lovers. We have horses and trails for every experience level; plus cattle work in the arena.
Our location makes for great riding every day. The spectacular scenery of the Sonoran Desert and hills make Kay El Bar ideal for some of the finest horseback riding anywhere. Riding is done on endless trails through federal lands adjoining the ranch. Ride through the wash of the Hassayampa River beneath sheer canyon walls, or climb rocky ridges for spectacular mountain views.
In addition to the stunning landscape, you may also spot some of the local wildlife. Keep a lookout for the desert tortoise, jackrabbit or banded gecko. You may even catch a glimpse of a coyote or the poisonous but sluggish Gila monster.
Before breakfast, riders have the opportunity to meet and groom their horses in the corral. During orientation, the staff will go over western riding techniques and explain safety precautions with the group. We’ll provide boots and hats if you haven't brought your own. It is suggested you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and sunscreen.
Rides go out twice daily except Sunday and holidays, when the horses have the afternoon off. All-day and half-day rides are available by request, and subject to availability.
Guests who are checking out are welcome to join us for the morning ride before departing the ranch.
Our wranglers select and assign horses to each rider based on his or her experience and comfort level. Wranglers also take the time to get to know each guest and work to accommodate each group's interest for the type of ride and scenery they'd like to experience. After first completing a Slow Ride and then passing a demonstration test (where riders demonstrate they can safely control their horses), more experienced riders are able to ride on one of our "Fast Rides," offered a few times per week, in which they’ll experience walking, trotting and some loping as the terrain permits.
There are a few restrictions for potential riders; riders must weigh less than 240 pounds, and trail riding starts with children 5 years and older. Riders 8 years and older may participate in a Fast Ride, after completing a Slow Ride and passing the demonstration test. There is no minimum age for a child allowed to sit on horse if the parent or legal guardian is present. If you have any additional questions about our riding program, please contact us.
Cattle Work
Guests can also enjoy cattle work at our arena, and participating on horseback in exercises like Team Penning. Team Penning evolved from the common ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding, doctoring or transport. In this activity, groups divide into teams and work together to separate and move specifically identified cattle from the herd to another area of the arena.
This is a popular activity for riders wanting to test their equestrian skills with cattle, with family teams, (children ages 8 and up) and group vacationers; it requires coordination with your horse and with your teammates. Cattle work is subject to availability.
