Arizona in the Saddle | Page 49

Glendale Equestrian Club Sophie Flats Ride Report South Buckeye Equestrain Center 10300 S. Miller Rd. Buckeye, AZ 85326 (623) 691-6900 Dunn’s Arena 7653 N. Sarival Rd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 (623) 535-4846 Dynamite Arena 27619 N. 42nd St. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (480) 513-7994 P&M Arena 11404 E. Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207 Downtown Arena 520 N. Tegner St. Wickenburg, AZ 85390 Post Arena Directions to Arena: I-10 exit 236 take eastbound frontage at Chevron 1/2 mile east at Postvale Rd. Horseshoe Park Equestrian Center 20464 E. Riggs Road Queen Creek, Arizona 85142 (480) 358-3710 Horse Lover’s Park 19224 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050 (602) 330-5553 Verde Valley Arena 800 E. Cherry St. Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (928) 634-3290 Prescott Rodeo Grounds 840 Rodeo Dr. Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-3103 Tucson Rodeo Grounds 4823 S. 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85714 (520) 741-2233 S By Robert Piekow, Events Writer for the Glendale Equestrian Club ophie’s Flat was the starting point for seventeen riders embarking on a cross country trek astride four footed equines. After a brief stop at Blue tank to tank up the horses we were off and running. Well, not really running but strolling is more like it. Tracking mostly north and eastward, the riders were enjoying spectacular views of the valleys and hills. As we descended a long hillside, we crossed paths at the pond with the Boyd Ranch Mule Riders, a large group of riders wearing nametags that were on a guided ride enjoying a water stop. While we passed, a comment was made that we didn’t have nametags to which someone said that real cowboys didn’t need nametags. We didn’t stop as our horses were recently watered. The trail then took a turn to the east and down a wash, up and over several hills and small valleys. Our next stop, which was to water the horses at Goat Ranch, turns out to be just a windmill water tank. Perhaps there is a ranch associated with this somewhere. Further along the return trail the horses were afforded yet another opportunity to slake their thirst at a place called Pete’s Well. At this point on the ride it was pretty evident that we were heading back. The ride became more relaxed and we were able to take in the magnificent scenery that surrounded us. The desert blooms started on the floor with bright yellow buttercups and tiny white daisies. Also very much in evidence were the burnt orange blossoms of the stately Ocotillo cactus. Stag horn cholla were displaying light yellow, and occasionally one could feast their eyes on the crimson beauty of the hedge hog cactus. Arriving back at the trailhead, everyone attended to their mounts before assembling around some tables overflowing with such bounty that you would be able to feed an army. Reuben sandwiches being the main course, but only a small portion of the menu. If anyone left hungry it was his or her own fault. Many thanks to all the contributors and participants at our cookout. All in all a perfect ending to a great ride. Corral West Arena 14401 W. Arena Dr. Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 882-3808 To list your arena email: [email protected] AZintheSaddle.com April 2015 49