It’s been at least 20 years since I’ve been on a horse and my friend has never ridden. Can we still participate in these activities?
Great question. 80% of our guests have never ridden before or haven’t ridden in 20 years (or so). Our horses are trained for riders just like you and your friend. But that doesn’t mean they are old and lazy. As you can see in the Meet Our Horses section, I’m mighty proud to say they are all fit and healthy. We will give you riding instructions before you ride so you’ll know how to make them do what you want, whether it’s on the trail or chasin’ cattle around in the arenas.
What is the youngest age a child can be to ride your horses?
We ask that all guests be at least 11 years old. That’s because we really ride around here and you need to be big enough to have some “leg” on the horse.
What is the climate and temperature at the ranch?
Well, depends what time of year you visit. The ranch is located at an elevation of 2,500 feet in the Mojave Desert. This causes the temperature in Sandy Valley to range from the low 30s in the winter to the 110s in the summer. Most days will have a temperature between 50 and 90. Check the current weather on Accuweather.
What is the terrain like at Sandy Valley Ranch?
We are considered high desert, nestled in the Shadow of Clark Mountain, our elevation is 2500 feet. We access 197,000 acres of BLM land where the terrain can vary from nearby pine country at over 5000 feet to mystical sand dunes and a dry lake bed. (Be sure and remember to ask Ted about the “Desert Gators”. Rumor has it they run wild in Sandy Valley.)
I hear that some Mexican rodeo events are cruel to animals. Is that true?
No, Sandy Valley Ranch has respect for all animals and we would never sanction any event that purposefully hurt an animal. Charreada (Mexican Rodeo) events are cultural demonstrations of equestrian skill. All our rodeo events follow the strict guidelines of the Federación Méxicana de Charrería which disqualifies riders who injure animals in any way.
