At Rancho Indalo, the horse is more than a tool - it is a partner with which to engage in adventure and fun.

At left - Anthony and Latigo view the scenery from one of the many outcroppings that give the area such fabulous character.

Miles of high desert trails and countryside surround our home - no trailering required. And being the only horse owners in the area, you won't have to worry about sharing the trails with other riders. You will see no mountain bikers or motorcyclists on the trails - only Nature.

Beginners, this is not the place for you. But for all you others out there, tired of the same old flat trails covered by dozens of other riders every day, this is the place to challenge yourself and get away from the crowd.

Each day consists of a morning and evening ride to suit your riding skills and comfort level, with Anthony as your riding partner and guide. The hills range from moderate to steep, so you must have riding skills and trail experience before attempting any of the trails.

Trails depart from Rancho Indalo in all directions, and there are numerous paths to follow. You won't be taking any ride twice - unless you want to do that.

We understand the each rider has preferences in regard to the kind of tack they find most comfortable for trail riding. We offer the choice of Western, English or Australian saddles. If you have your own saddle, bring it along. If it fits the horse, you're welcome to use what you are accustomed to riding.

At right: Latigo and Anthony reach the top of the trail on the way home - and Latigo still has energy to spare.

This is not flat land, and our horses have the constitution to handle the terrain. Both are strong muscular horses well-experienced on the trails here. Both respond well to direct reining and moderately to neck reining. Both ride in split snaffle bits and are broken to whipcracking, swordplay, lance work and gun fire. Some of the trails are rocky, but Latigo and Natchez are both experienced at picking their way through any obstacles with sure-footedness.

Latigo is a chestnut registered breeding stock Paint with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred in his background. Born and raised in California, he is 6 years old, stands 16.1 hands high and has great strength and endurance. He is very intelligent and will bow when he begs for carrots. Latigo has performed at the San Fernando Valley's Day of the Horse and the Single Action Shooting Society's End of Trail.

At left: Natchez and actress Kathleen Kinmont crest the top of the ridge - and the smile on Kathleen's face is worth a thousand words.

Natchez is a bay Morgan/Quarter horse mix. Originally from Texas, he is 7 years old and stands 16 hands high. He is very athletic and responds with explosive energy. He has also performed at the Single Action Shooting Society's End of Trail.

At right: the cactus flowers in April and May with a riot of fuschia. These, and many other blooming plants, are scattered all along the trails. Spring is wildflower season; nestled along the hillsides can be found pinks, purples and goldens bursting forth from the cacti and shrubs, and hummingbirds feasting upon their nectar. Summer is sage season, with the heady aroma arising as the horses brush against it along the trails. Autumn comes at the end of the dry season, and the hills are covered in brown velvet that turns to purple at sunset, and the Santa Ana winds hum through the night. And winter brings the brief rainy season, when the mists shroud the mountaintop and the horses seem to float on the air.

There are very few days in the year that the weather is not conducive to riding. Most of the hillsides are soft - perfect footing for easy descents. They also hold up well to rain, so it is rare that the weather interferes with riding. So book your visit with no worries that foul weather might mess up your plans. We have wet weather gear and will be ready to ride - rain or shine.

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Copyright 2004 Anthony De Longis. All contents, unless otherwise noted, are the property of Anthony or Mary De Longis or used with permission of the copyright owner. All text and photos herein may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of Anthony or Mary De Longis, their official representative, or the copyright owner.

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This page last updated June3, 2004