Ricochet Ridge Ranch California
Canter along deserted ocean beaches, ride the bluffs while the Pacific crashes against rocks far below, and meander on mossy trails through the magnificent Redwood forest on this distinctive vacation on Northern California's rugged Mendocino Coast. This is an area of great beauty, rich in wildlife, where time flows at it's own pace; the ghosts of Russian, Spanish and English adventurers tenaciously cling to this isolated part of the world. Lari Shea, winner of dozens of endurance events, including the prestigious Tevis Cup 100 Mile Endurance race, breeds Akhal-Teke, Russian Orlov crosses, and Arabians, many of whom have excelled in dressage and jumping, as well as on competitive trails. Her Appy and Quarter horses round out the stable of wonderfully well-trained horses, for both English and Western style enthusiasts. You won't believe the quality of the horses!The Redwood Coast Riding Vacation ranges for many miles along ocean beaches, through a working cattle ranch, and up into the coastal mountain range, richly covered with towering conifers, offering views that stretch to eternity. Lodging is at the luxurious Hill House Inn of Mendocino overlooking the Village, complete with elegant dining including fine California wines, delightful hot tubs under the stars, and internationally acclaimed musicians entertaining you at night.
The Riding Company sent Freya out to find out first hand what this ranch experience was about. "Ricochet Ranch was an all-together different experience. Lari took us on rides through the beautiful redwood forests, over hills looking down onto the coast and cantered along the beach. She is an extremely entertaining guide and knows everything about endurance riding. Most of the horses are pure-bred arabs and were just beautiful animals to ride. This is definitely a holiday for riders with experience who are in good shape as the long days might be too much for very young children. A truly unique experience."
The Riding
The Redwood Coast Beach and Forest Riding Vacation is 6 nights/6 days riding and 1/2 day tour of Mendocino. Canter along deserted ocean beaches, ride the bluffs while the Pacific crashes against rocks far below, and meander on mossy trails through the magnificent redwood forest along the rugged Mendocino Coast with endurance riding expert, Lari Shea. Best suited for people comfortable in riding in all three paces and able to spend half days in the saddle.
Accommodation
The Ricochet Ridge Ranch doesn't accommodate overnight stays but there are plenty of picturesque hotels and holiday homes in nearby Mendocino to choose from. Recommended hotels include the Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites and the MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant. The Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites has smallish rooms with plenty of history. The food is delicious and is well complimented by the beautiful views overlooking the sea. The MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant incorporates more luxury with their large rooms, stunning bathrooms and living area, hot tubs and fireplaces in each Cabin. Please contact us for more details.
Activities for rest days
On day three of your stay there is the opportunity to explore the charming town of Mendocino with it's many craft shops, galleries and beaches.
For those seeking a bit more adventure then a fishing trip with Anchor Charter Boats could be your thing. Depending on the season you can choose from:
- Salmon Fishing trips - March through August. 5 hour trip (Includes rod, reel and bait)
- Bottom Fishing trips - Year round with seasonal Ling Cod. 5 hour trip (Includes rod, reel and bait)
- Whale Watching - Mid December through April - 2 hour excursion
Fishing trips and whale watching:
Salmon fishing - $75 plus $5 rental equipment
Bottom fishing - $75 plus $5 rental equipment
Whale watching - $35
Holidays can generally be of any duration and start on any day (except where specified).
Make a reservation / enquiry.
These prices are guidelines only. Please contact us for an exact quote since prices will vary depending on the season, the amount of riding you wish to do and whether you are travelling alone or with a group. To calculate the equivalent cost of your holiday in another currency, please visit XE.com's Universal Currency Converter.
Location and flights
The Mendocino Coast is approximately three and one half hours from the San Francisco Bay Area by car.
Several airlines fly to San Francisco from the UK but most include a connection.
From London Gatwick:
- US Airways - Gatwick (LGW) to Charlotte (CLT) and Charlotte (CLT) to San Francisco (SFO). Return via Charlotte (CLT)
From London Heathrow:
- United - Heathrow (LHR) to Calgary (YYC) and Calgary (YYC) to San Francisco (SFO). Return direct flight.
- Delta - Heathrow (LHR) to Detroit Wayne County (DTW) and Detroit Wayne County (DTW) to San Francisco (SFO). Return via Minneapolis St Paul (MSP)
- KLM - Heathrow (LHR) to Detroit Wayne County (DTW) and Detroit Wayne County (DTW) to San Francisco (SFO). Return via Minneapolis St Paul (MSP)
- American Airlines - Heathrow (LHR) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO). Return via Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
- American Airlines - Heathrow (LHR) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to San Francisco (SFO). Return via Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Los Angeles (LAX)
Environmental issues
You can calculate the CO2 emission of your journey to USA at Climate Care and compensate for your 'environmental footprint'. If you let us know how much it is we will be happy to pay this on your behalf.
In the office, we use paper from sustainably managed forests and recycled material where possible.
We encourage you to travel onwards from your arrival airport by rail when possible, and will book seats on your behalf.
How to book
To make a non-binding enquiry or a provisional booking, please fill in the reservations & enquiries form. Once we have checked availability, we will send you a quote with a holiday reference number by email. To secure your holiday, a deposit is required of £200 per person (or half the cost of the holiday, whichever is lower) and forward any insurance premiums to the insurance company. You should book your flights at this stage, and forward details to us so that we can organise your transfers. The balance of payment must be received by us not less than eight weeks before departure. Payment instructions.
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Insurance: all riders must be fully insured. We can recommend this travel insurance policy. The application form may be printed out to send with your premiums direct to the insurance company.
Please read our Terms and Conditions.
