Travel Back in Time While Trail Riding on Ancient Pueblo Land

New Mexico offers breathtaking landscapes, and there is no better way to view the mesas, arroyos, washes, and Bosque than on horseback. A trail ride offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the equine and nature connection.

I’d been itching to get on a horse and take a relaxing trail ride. So, I have twice arranged to do so at The Stables at Tamaya, which is located on the picturesque Santa Ana Pueblo in Bernalillo. It’s also home to the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program.

Go Back in Time

I doubt you can find another stable where you can go on a 90-minute trail ride on the Native American land. But that’s possible at The Stables at Tamaya.

The property on which the equine center sits—and on which the trail rides take place—is owned and run by Santa Ana Pueblo. A trail ride might take you past petroglyphs etched into volcanic stone centuries ago and the Tuyuna rock formation, where supposedly two Native American warriors are buried.

Trail riding at The Stables at Tamaya is like going back in time. You can imagine what it was like to ride on this land decades ago with the Sandia Mountains rising majestically on the other side of the Rio Grande. As you ride, you enjoy not only your relationship with a horse but nature—the Bosque with its Cottonwood trees, the arroyos and washes, the chollas and other shrubs and cacti, and wildlife. The 400 acres of pueblo land are home to deer, elk, fox, jack rabbits and cottontails, coyotes, ground squirrels, quail, roadrunners, mountain lions, bobcats, bear, lizards, snakes, and a variety of birds. Once beyond the stables, the world seems untouched by modern life.

Your wrangler, or trail leader, will tell you about the horses, stables, native lands, special sites, and other things to see along the way. Plus, the wrangler is there to support you and the horses, so everyone stays safe and enjoys their ride.

One my first ride, the wrangler, Jasper Weller, shared his thoughts about trail riding on the pueblo. “I see a place where we are respectfully showing off the beautiful environment around Tamaya, land, which is being preserved as it was in the past for the future.” He explained. “Plus, we are honoring the horses’ legacy and the things they have done for us in the past. This creates a bridge for us from the past to the future. Horses don’t have a place in the future unless we give them one. Trail riding can be that bridge.”

Additionally, he said, “When we go on trail rides here, we are honoring the heritage of the people that lived here before us.”  

When I asked why someone should consider coming for a trail ride (or lesson) at the Stables at Tamaya, he said, “Because we have comfortable, easy horses, and because horses are a great way to see yourself. You might open yourself up to some vulnerabilities you didn’t know you had and conquer that fear by riding. Of course, horseback riding is a great way to see the country.”

Trail Horses Get New Lease on Life

Not only that, but each trail ride supports horses in need. The horse you ride has gotten a new lease on life. All the trail horses at The Stables at Tamaya are rescues that have been given the opportunity to find a new home and a new job, taking people from all walks of life for a ride on ancient, sacred land. Their rescue has been made possible by the Tamaya Horse Rehab Program, founded in 2012. Over 100 horses have been saved since the rehab program's inception.

On my first trail ride, I rode Roy, a chestnut gelding rescued seven years ago. Prior to coming to Tamaya, he had another life as a bull dogging horse with a rodeo family. When that career ended, the owners wanted to find him a good home.  Connie Collis, founder of the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, took him in and transformed him from an arena horse to a trail horse.

For my second ride, I rode Hollywood, a lovely pinto horse who used to be a roping and barrel racing horse. Connie owned and rode his dam (mother) and him. When she retired Hollywood from competitions, he began taking people like me on relaxing trail rides.

Trail Rides for All Riding Levels

I’ve been riding since I was seven years old. However, I hadn’t ridden a horse for four years when I went on my first trail ride at the Stables at Tamaya. Plus, I’d sustained some injuries about 16 months prior that I was a bit worried would make it difficult for me to ride. I have to admit I was a tad nervous to get in the saddle again.

Roy was the perfect gentleman, making riding again easy, fun, and relaxing. He was just forward-moving enough to make the ride feel a tad challenging but was willing and responsive. I loved looking at the landscape through his ears and seeing his flaxen mane waving in the wind.

I had another great experience on Hollywood. He was comfortable and well-behaved—the perfect gentleman. He didn’t even try to eat tumbleweed or grasses along the way!

No matter your riding level, you’ll find a suitable horse to ride at The Stables at Tamaya. The staff is attentive to your needs and helps you feel comfortable.

Schedule a Trail Ride at The Stables at Tamaya

If you’ve wanted to get in the saddle and see New Mexico from a different perspective, this is a perfect time of year to schedule a trail ride. Simply go to https://www.tamayahorserehab.com/ to find out more and schedule your group or private trail ride. Or call 505-554-5938.

Trail ride times vary depending on the season and weather. Typically, there are two group trail rides per day, one in the evening and one in the morning. Or opt for a magical evening ride.