OREGON'S TREASURED TRAILS
Horse and Rider|Spring 2023
Head to Sisters Country in Central Oregon for a slice of trail-riding heaven.
KENT
OREGON'S TREASURED TRAILS

In central Oregon, near the town of Sisters, natural resources and avid equestrians have created rich riding opportunities. Just outside of Sisters lies the 1.6-million-acre Deschutes National Forest (fs.usda.gov/main/deschutes/ home).

Sisters—an 1880s Western-themed town—lies in the heart of what’s known as Sisters Country, a slice of trail-riding heaven nestled on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, 20 miles northwest of Bend. This region stretches from Sisters to the Pacific Crest Trail. Sisters is named for a trio of volcanic peaks to the west; pioneers knew them as Faith (North Sister), Hope (Middle Sister), and Charity (South Sister).

This area offers a guest ranch with an amazing stable, U.S. Forest Service equestrian camps with corrals, and miles of riding trails over varied terrain. The quaint town of Sisters bubbles with art galleries, boutiques, and dining opportunities.

On a recent equestrian adventure, we explored this region with our trusty mounts, Jake, a Spotted Saddle Horse, and Cody, a Tennessee Walking Horse. (Note: To park at trailheads and for federal campgrounds in this area, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass; you can get one at store.usgs.gov.)

Guest Ranch Gem

We were fortunate to spend a few days at Black Butte Ranch (blackbutteranch.com), located 7 miles west of Sisters on U.S. Hwy. 20. This stay was an anniversary treat, and one we had been looking forward to. We weren’t disappointed!

The ranch is situated in the midst of jaw-dropping scenery. From our room, we could see the Cascade Mountain Range caressing a crystal-blue sky. We visited the pool and checked out Phalarope Lake, where colorful mallard ducks noisily squabbled with one another and entertained us with wiggling tail feathers.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2023 de Horse and Rider.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2023 de Horse and Rider.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE HORSE AND RIDERVer todo
The Horse
Horse and Rider

The Horse

LIFE TAKES US DOWN different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse.

time-read
2 minutos  |
Fall 2024
Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test
Horse and Rider

Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test

The six-panel test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the genetic predispositions of horses. It's meant to discover if a horse has or is a carrier for certain hereditary diseases and traits.

time-read
4 minutos  |
Fall 2024
Love is Good
Horse and Rider

Love is Good

All horses are assured a hopeful, compassionate plan of care at This Old Horse, a program that helps not only horses but people, too.

time-read
4 minutos  |
Fall 2024
HORSE PACKING 101
Horse and Rider

HORSE PACKING 101

Take your trail riding to the next level with nature-filled adventures in the back or front country.

time-read
6 minutos  |
Fall 2024
NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS
Horse and Rider

NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS

Anew horse can bring excitement and energy to the barn, and even reinvigorate your passion. However, there are also a myriad of new problems that can come with a new horse, so learn how to introduce him properly to avoid these common issues.

time-read
8 minutos  |
Fall 2024
First-Timer Tips
Horse and Rider

First-Timer Tips

Heading to a young rider's first event with their horse can be intimidating. Use these myths and truths to make it smoother sailing for yourself and your young rider.

time-read
7 minutos  |
Fall 2024
Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story
Horse and Rider

Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story

One special gelding learns about three different types of love during his rescue journey.

time-read
3 minutos  |
Summer 2024
The Country's Hottest Horse Motels
Horse and Rider

The Country's Hottest Horse Motels

Take your next trail-riding adventure to the next level by staying at one of these six horse motels across the United States.

time-read
7 minutos  |
Summer 2024
Outbreak! What We've Learned
Horse and Rider

Outbreak! What We've Learned

Learn how disease outbreaks in recent years have changed the horse industry, and why it's so important to play your part when it comes to disease prevention efforts.

time-read
8 minutos  |
Summer 2024
TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE
Horse and Rider

TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE

Shift your mindset and grow your sensitive horse's pressure-handling skills to improve his confidence and your riding enjoyment.

time-read
8 minutos  |
Summer 2024