Horsing around in the desert

Riding through Sonoran a memorable experience

Six months after our trip to Phoenix, I can meditate to memories of a horseback ride through Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.

Led by Robert Pablo, a guide with Chuck’s Trail Riding Adventures at the Koli Equestrian Center at Wild Horse Pass, the ride lulled me into peaceful state. It’s remarkable because I never really cared for horseback riding.

I see it a little differently now.

Robert’s father, Chuck Pablo, worked at the Equestrian Center before taking over the trail riding business in 2002.

For his enterprise, he brought in 27 new horses — draft horses, quarter horses and mustangs. Robert and other guides lead small groups of riders on trails through 1,000 acres of ancient tribal lands on the Gila River Indian Reservation.

The entire reservation, home to Pima and Maricopa tribes, covers 372,000 acres about 20 miles from downtown Phoenix.

Our private ride wasn’t so much breathtaking as breath-settling. Something about the wide-open scenery and the steady pace of my horse slowed my thoughts and breathing. I was simply in the moment.

With that calm came awareness of desert-dwellers such as coyotes, jack rabbits, roadrunners and quail.

Chuck says riders may spot snakes in the summertime, and those lucky enough may see a bobcat lounging in one of the spindly trees.

The highlight, though, was the muscular and elegant herd of wild mustangs. We were lucky enough to observe a gangly 3-day-old foal gently nuzzled next to its mama. These horses embody the romance of a wild, free Southwest.

Chuck estimates that several herds – a total of 1,200 to 1,500 wild horses – roam the reservation. Most are uncomfortable with humans and hastily