The Bullet Points:

• Beginner Horseback Trail Ride
• $50/pp
• 15 minute lesson about horses
• 30 minute horseback ride
• Available Wed and Thus mornings

Participant Requirements:

• No prior experience necessary
• Ages 6+ (ages 6-14 must be accompanied by an adult)
  • Ages 6-17 MUST wear helmets
• No double riding
• Must be able to steer your own horse
• Call (970) 657-5463 for questions or special accommodations

You should bring:

• A bottle of water
• Sunscreen
• Closed-toe shoes
• Pants or calf-length shorts
• Appropriate layers (hoodie and/or rain jacket)

Reminders about your trail ride:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled ride time! Rides begins promptly at the scheduled time.
• 15 minutes of learning about horses!
• 30 minutes exploring the trails on horseback!
• A photo opportunity for you and your steed!

The “Conquistador Horse Experience” is a beginner horseback riding experience in Tucson, Arizona. This 45-minute experience is suitable for adults and children ages 6+ and includes 15 minutes of learning about horses and saddles, followed by a 30-minute horseback ride.

Come down to the Corral at El Conquistador to learn about horses! Wranglers will spend approximately 15 minutes explaining how horses communicate with each other, and talk about the parts of their bodies and their tack before mounting up for a 30-minute horseback ride on the property of the El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort. Children must be accompanied by an adult while horseback riding. Tattered Saddle does not support double-riding (which means two people sharing one saddle!) so each person, young and old, must steer their own horse. But don’t worry – we’ll show you how!

How should I prepare for my first trail ride?

After checking in at the office, you and your fellow adventurers will gather around as a wrangler teaches you about horses and how to ride them! One by one, you each will be helped up onto your horses and the wranglers will teach you the basics of communicating with your horse (stop, go, left and right). Then – led by your guide – you will set out as a group to enjoy horseback riding in the mountains and cacti outside Tucson, Arizona.

The trail ride leaves from the Corral at El Conquistador by Tattered Saddle in Tucson, Arizona – only 30 minutes from downtown Tucson!

Out here, you will enjoy learning about the various flora and fauna (such as javelina, and saguaro cacti) while horseback riding. The sight of the occasional hawk overhead or jackrabbit on the trail will remind you of Tucson’s wild west roots.

Helmets are not mandatory for adults. However, children are required to wear an appropriate, equestrian helmet while horseback riding. At the Corral at El Conquistador by Tattered Saddle, helmets are provided for no additional fee.

Joining our 45-minute “Conquistador Horse Experience” is based on your ability to get on the horse with our instruction, and your willingness to follow direction on the trail. If you think you can do those things, we’ll take care of the rest!

Other horseback experiences

The “Conquistador Horse Experience” trail ride is a lot of fun, but if you are looking for something with a little more flair you should know that the Corral at El Conquistador by Tattered Saddle does offer several other horseback riding adventures throughout the day. 

• A more unique experience, while still being beginner-friendly, is the “Sunset Ride.” If you’ve never seen a Tucson desert sunset from the back of a horse, here’s your opportunity! There are few things more memorable than the black mountains standing against a sun-soaked sky. Come alone or bring your friends and enjoy the company of our horses for an evening of peace and beauty.
• For those who get a lot of enjoyment out of bonding with and pampering their horse, the “Scratch and Ride” is a great experience. Available only in the mornings, this beginner-friendly Tucson horseback ride has an extra half-hour built in to allow you to groom and saddle your mount before we even get out of the stable! Don’t know how to do any of these things? No problem! We’ll teach you everything.