Reporter’s prelude: This past winter, I had so much fun trying out and writing about Central Oregon’s popular snow sports that The Bulletin decided to bring back the series for this summer. Join me as I explore a number of the region’s cherished summer sports and recreational activities. This week, I try horseback riding.

Central Oregon is known as horse country, so I suppose it makes sense that a number of opportunities exist in the region, even for beginners, to go horseback riding.

Of course, having a horse to ride is a key component to horseback riding. If you are new to the activity, it’s probably safe to assume you do not own your own steed. You might also not know anyone willing to lend you one.

Fortunately, you still have plenty of options to go riding on guided tours, which are much less expensive than owning your own horse. Plus, the guides know where they are going, can lead you through some lovely terrain and are there to help in case of trouble.

Stables at three area resorts offer horseback riding: Black Butte Stables, Sunriver Stables and the stables at Seventh Mountain Resort. All three facilities are open to the public, not just resort guests, so if you live in Central Oregon, you can go as often as you want (after making reservations, of course).

Summer is a prime season to ride, but opportunities exist year-round, depending on the stable. At Sunriver Stables, for example, tours are available from March through October, while at Black Butte Stables, you can ride year-round, weather permitting, as the stables operate in one of two different locations, depending on the time of year.

All three stables provide options for riders of varying experience levels and ages. Prices depend on the length of the ride, starting at 30 minutes in length (about $30). Depending on the facility, half-day or longer trips are available for more experienced horse enthusiasts ($150 plus).

“We have opportunities for every level,” said Cody Koch, one of the owners and operators of Black Butte Stables.

Whichever stable you choose, be sure to check its policies and restrictions on everything from age to rider weight limits. At the Black Butte and Seventh Mountain stables, children must be at least 7 to ride and may be required to wear a helmet. According to Koch, Black Butte Stables is able to accommodate heavier riders because many of its 54 horses are draft horse crosses, which are large and durable.

From the back of a horse, there is much to see in Central Oregon. Many of the trails near these stables are located in different areas of the Deschutes National Forest, so with good weather, you should have some access to some lovely backcountry views, thanks to your mount.

“I respect the horses so much, the fact that we’re hiking on horses,” Koch said.

My turn

Through most of my elementary school years, I was completely horse crazy, as is common for little girls. I did not get to be around those magical creatures or ride them much, but I read nearly everything I could get my hands on.

Prior to this past week, the last time I rode a horse was probably sometime in high school, about 10 years ago. So I was looking forward to my ride at Black Butte Stables, which is based out of Black Butte Ranch off U.S. Highway 20 about seven miles west of Sisters.

After I arrived, Koch and his brother Nick helped me onto a chestnut-colored 11-year-old quarter horse named Harkin. Cody Koch gave a quick tutorial on proper riding posture and how to use the reins to direct Harkin, and then we were on our way.

The Koch brothers led a meandering two-hour ride through forests, meadows and a creek, and then up and back down Gobbler’s Knob, a hill along our route.

Black Butte Stables operates under a special-use permit through the U.S. Forest Service, which gives them access to about 15 miles of trails near the ranch, so the stable’s rides offer the chance to cover some protected Central Oregon land.

And what beautiful land it was. That day was particularly breezy, but in the forest, we were mostly protected from the wind, save for the stirring of the trees. Midway through the ride we reached Glaze Meadow, whose long grass rippled in the wind like ocean waves.

At the top of Gobbler’s Knob, we were treated to stunning views of the meadow from above, as well as postcard-pretty Broken Top and North and South Sister, framed by brilliant blue skies.

On our return back to the ranch, we rode through a meadow situated just off the highway that I have often gazed at in appreciation while driving by. And when we reached the forest again, I observed the contrasting sage-green needles of the ponderosa pines and yellow-green leaves of some nearby Aspens.

Not only was the scenery gorgeous, but the actual act of riding also proved enjoyable. Our guides were talkative and engaging, and Harkin was a steady, mellow mount who preferred to amble at his own pace, aside from when we did some trotting.

Over the course of the ride, I became progressively more comfortable on his back. And I also caught some glimpses into his personality, such as when, on a couple of occasions while we were riding through that second meadow, Harkin decided that the long marshy grass was too tempting not to stop for a snack.

Overall, I had a great time — enough so that perhaps I will not wait another 10 years until my next ride.

Gear guide

If you plan to start doing a decent amount of horseback riding and want to acquire some of your own gear, riding boots and helmets are a good place to start.

When it comes to footwear, safety and comfort are key.

“Depending on the type of riding, you want to have a boot that’s comfortable so you can get off and walk — because sometimes you have to do that — and something that is secure in your stirrups,” said Diana Pyle, owner of Riding In Style, an equestrian supply shop located in Tumalo.

Pyle said that riding boots are water resistant, which can be handy if you need to cross water. Since boots are made of leather, she recommends treating them with a water protector.

As for riding helmets, Pyle said all helmets, no matter the price, have to have the same safety rating, so finding one that fits your head properly is the main concern. Pyle said a rider’s helmet should fit snuggly and not flop around, which can be bothersome and cause headaches.

“It’s going to protect your brain,” Pyle said of wearing a helmet while riding. “Your brain is made of Jell-O, basically, and it’s very fragile, and so the helmet protects against anything getting knocked against your head.”

Keep in mind, Pyle said, that if you are ever in a situation where the helmet experiences significant impact — such as from a kick or a fall — you should send your helmet to the manufacturer to see if it needs to be replaced or to replace it.

Quick tips: The essentials

Being prepared is important every time you go on a ride.

“The biggest thing for me is safety,” said Pyle. Pyle suggested carrying a first-aid kit on rides, knowing if your fellow riders have any sort of health issues, and carrying important items such as car keys, cell phones and water on yourself rather than your horse. That way, you will be ready if unexpected issues crop up.

“I’ve been on those ‘short rides’ that lasted three hours, and you want water,” Pyle said.

Cody Koch, one of the owners and operators of Black Butte Stables, said his guides always carry first-aid kits on rides. And Koch was also carrying a cell phone when I went riding with him last week.

Keep in mind that if you are going on a guided ride — rather than by yourself or with a group of friends — know what the rules are and follow them. The stable with which you ride with may have restrictions or requirements to which you must adhere. For example, riders cannot wear flip-flops on rides with Black Butte Stables, and they are not allowed to carry backpacks (for insurance purposes). Helmets are required for underage riders and optional for adults.

If you go

Black Butte Stables

541-595-2061

www.blackbuttestables.com

www.oregoncowboy.com

Offers: Guided trail rides varying in length from 30 minutes to all day

For: Options for beginners to experienced riders of all ages; open to the public

Cost: $33-$195

Seventh Mountain Resort

541-693-9132

www.seventhmountain.com

Offers: Pony rides, horse camps, private lessons and guided trail rides varying in length from 30 minutes to two hours

For: Options for beginners to experienced riders of all ages; open to the public

Cost: $29-$64 (for trail rides)

Sunriver Stables

541-593-6995

www.sunriver-resort.com

Offers: Pony rides, sleigh rides (in winter) and guided trail rides varying in length from 30 minutes to a half-day

For: Options for families and riders of all experience levels and ages; open to the public

Cost: $35-$150 (for trail rides)

open to the public

Cost: $33-$195

— Amanda Miles