teens and kids

Rockin River Trail Rides
by Danielle Ruberto

Wow… it’s been a little over a year since I started this column. In that time, I have had many adventures. But the horseback ride on the banks of the Verde River with Rockin River Trail Rides was a unique and incredible experience.

I must admit that I was a bit nervous as we arrived at the ranch. I had never been on a horse before. However, the friendly and knowledgeable guides put us through a quick orientation. It was easy to tell how much everyone at Rockin R Ranch loved the well cared for horses. The joy and enthusiasm that they showed put everyone, including nervous little me, at ease.

The time finally came to get paired up with a horse. The guides know each animal very well and match the horse’s personality to the rider. My beautiful horse was named Pitch. My brother Jim rode Vice, while mom rode Sandwich. Father was a bit apprehensive because he hadn’t ridden since college. It was no surprise that dad got the largest, strongest and most mellow horse in the stable, named Andrew. It was a bit comical watching him mount Andrew with his beloved backpack full of camera gear. With the help of the guides, each of us mounted our well-trained horses, settled in, and started to relax.

Not only does Rockin River Ranch have a variety of wonderful horses, but they also have something else that is crucial to the full experience of riding, and that is an incredible trail.

Marc Avery, the ranch owner, led us through a gate and started us on the trail. It was beautiful from the beginning, with its gorgeous green plants and trees. After a few minutes Jim and I even spotted vultures flying over the mountaintops. The trail made the ride all the more magical.

My horse, Pitch, also made it quite enjoyable. He was a very fun horse to ride. He enjoyed making his way to the front of our somewhat single file line, and that’s usually where we ended up. My brother’s horse, Vice, was also a character. He was a very young horse, perfect for Jim, and liked to eat along the trail.

Near the end of the trail, we came along something we weren’t expecting: a river! It was a calm, shallow portion of the Verde, and we were about to cross it. Lining up single file, we all got ready to trot across it with our horses. When Pitch and I descended a foot into the river, it was incredible. It felt like something seen only in the movies. I must say it was the most memorable part of the journey.

A short and relaxing stop on the trail had tables waiting for us with lunch coolers for all. It consisted of a turkey sub, a pickle, chips, drinks, and the most delicious cookie Jim and I had ever tasted.

It was a perfect day: riding a horse, beautiful scenery, crossing a river, delicious lunch; all of these things came together and created an amazing experience. If you enjoy horseback riding, or if you have even the slightest interest in trying it, I guarantee you’ll have a breathtaking time Riding The River! Call 928-284-1243 or visit www.RockinRiverTrailRides.com for more information.

Danielle Ruberto is the 16 year old daughter of Key publisher Tom Ruberto and a junior in high school.

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