Canyon Creek Ranch AZ
My daughter, Lindsey, and I had always talked about spending time on a Dude Ranch since she was a little girl (20 years ago). For some reason we romanticized the experience. So.. when we were invited to a friend’s wedding in Scottsdale, Arizona we knew this was our big chance.
We did our research and found Canyon Creek Ranch, an authentic working ranch with guided trail rides, real cowboys, and only one-hour north of Scottsdale. We were so there!
When we arrived we had to check in, and fill out and sign the disclaimer forms for non-liability on their part. I felt a little weird about that. I was wondering what could possibly happen?
As I was reading, I saw a check-off box about refusing the safety helmet offered to me. I said, “You have helmets?” He pointed directly behind me at a wall full of what looked like bicycle helmets. I was thinking that I didn’t remember wearing a helmet when I went horseback riding as a teenager. Lindsey said, “I’m wearing a helmet!” I was thinking, “What do we need helmets for, we’re not racing.” She kept saying “I want a helmet!” So, I said “I’ll wear one too.”
I helped her with her helmet, making sure the strap was secure beneath her chin. And then started with mine. They brought both horses out… mid-sized, as we were novice riders.
Lins and Mom
Lindsey went over to her horse and they put her up on hers. In a flash, I couldn’t believe how fast it happened, her horse head-butted her on the side of her helmet. Her helmet went flying off and she had a look of pain and shock on her face, rubbing the back of her neck. We were stunned…how could this happen? They said it never happened before (yeah…I get it…the disclaimer) I wanted to get her off the horse and to the hospital. She said she was fine. Thank God she wore a helmet!!!
The only logical explanation was that the reins were hanging on the ground and the horse stepped on one and it pulled at its bit (mouth) and the horse was trying to release it. Of course, the reins should not have been on the ground. But, that’s another story.
Continuing….we actually continued. Now I know where the saying “you have to get back on the horse” comes from. She did. I was watching her for signs of concussion. It felt like a “kiddie horse ride” after that. We travelled the paths very slooooowly.
The bright side to this story is… In the middle of the trail ride we stopped at a “faux western town” where we went into the saloon equipped with a bar and had water and sodas. There were also activities that we participated in including; shooting a pistol at a target about 30 feet away, learning how to lasso bronzed cow horns, and tomahawk throwing. It was a blast and the highlight of our day. Our trail guide was also a very kind man.
Lindsey facebooked her friends: 4 firsts today: 1- getting headbutt by a horse. 2- axe throwing. 3- cattle roping. 4- shooting a gun. Arizona is an interesting place…
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