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.
Bu hikaye Horse and Rider dergisinin Spring 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse and Rider dergisinin Spring 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The Horse
LIFE TAKES US DOWN different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse.
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.
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.
HORSE PACKING 101
Take your trail riding to the next level with nature-filled adventures in the back or front country.
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.
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.
Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story
One special gelding learns about three different types of love during his rescue journey.
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.
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.
TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE
Shift your mindset and grow your sensitive horse's pressure-handling skills to improve his confidence and your riding enjoyment.
