54 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {due west} PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF MEGAN MAXWELL-BEY For example? “Lucy is super type A, super ‘Gonna do the job, gonna get it done, gonna do it right.’ And Ernie is like, ‘Yeah man, I’m hanging out, whatever,’” Abbey says. Meanwhile, “Warlock is our metronome on trail. He goes the same speed no matter what.” To set trail rides up for success, Abbey also needs to understand the inter-equine dynamics at play. “Just like you have friends that you like and dislike—or people that you don’t necessarily want to hang out with—so do they,” she explains. “So we don’t put them next to the one they don’t want to hang out with.” Before I know it, we’re back at the paddock and I’m giving Ernie’s chestnut flank one final pat before sliding off his broad back. “With horses, it’s not just learning to communicate with them. It’s also learning to work with them as a partner,” Abbey reflects as she takes the reins. “They’re really wonderful friends.” let’s ride chaparralcorporation.com Eager for other local ranches offering opportunities to roam lovely local trails on horseback? Giddyup to these two spots: MOSS BEACH RANCH Moss Beach Situated on the edge of Rancho Corral de Tierra, a national park that stretches across more than 4,000 acres, Moss Beach Ranch is an idyllic spot for riding. Great for all levels of experience, the ranch’s mild-mannered horses and knowledgeable guides will put you at ease. Trail rides start with a lesson on proper riding techniques to ensure you’re well-equipped. Once you’re out on the trails, wind through eucalyptus trees, pampas grass and, in the spring, plenty of poppies. Though your ride won’t take you out on the beach, expect plenty of ocean outlooks and glimpses of Montara Mountain in the distance. After taking your leave of the ranch, consider lingering in the area by sipping a hazy IPA at Moss Beach Distillery or digging your toes into the sand at Gray Whale Cove. mossbeachranch.com/trail-rides WEBB RANCH Portola Valley No experience, no problem. Novices should hoof it to Webb Ranch. Specializing in beginner trail rides, this ranch builds confidence with a riding lesson to help you learn the ropes before taking you out on the trails. Ringed by oak trees, the property is surrounded by natural beauty and is only a hop, a skip and a trot from the Stanford Dish trail and the San Francisquito Creek. Come back for the ranch’s U-pick berries in the summer, the pumpkin patch in the fall, or English and Western riding lessons all year long. webbranchinc.com/riding-program
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