Southern Cross Guest Ranch

I have been coming here for years with my mom and my daughter and recently brought my husband and (now) 8 year old son for some equestrian fun! It was a wonderful experience and it got my son hooked on horses! Nikki was especially wonderful during our stay. On our last ride of the trip, she went out of her way to make my little guy feel special and helped us all achieve our individual horse goals! She was personable and kind and very knowledgeable. She really made our trip great. Riley, Chris, and Tawny were also very fun and caring guides! In addition to the horseback riding, another standout is the delicious food and amazing kitchen staff! Every meal was awesome with a lot of options. And Karen (office/front desk manager) is always so warm and welcoming. Love this place!

Just spent a most enjoyable week at Southern Cross Ranch with friends. The trail horses are all in good condition and superbly trained to allow mixed groups to safely go out on the trails together. Never before have I seen horses so willing to stay back and walk while other riders in the group cantered or trotted ahead. The horses were all in good condition, none needing “extra groceries”. The footing on the ranch trails is good, although trails are somewhat limited. Once you proved your riding ability, you could go out on the trails without a guide. Staff were all friendly and competent. My room was clean and the bed was comfy. Food was good and plentiful. It was very enjoyable watching the horses turned out in the large pasture that abuts the ranch/guest house. Very picturesque setting.

My sister Ute came to visit from Germany. 40 years ago she sat on a horse or has been around horses.( we grew up with horses in Germany) Everyone was extremely nice, kind, professional and fun. Her lit up face made me cry of joy. When we left, we both drove down the road with smiles ,thinking we just left heaven. I give this place a 🌟 10× Thank you so kindly, Elke

Bad situation for the trail horses. Trail guide was repeatedly hitting her horse when he was frightened by things on the trail. My assigned horse was quite old and thin with saddle sores and an untreated skin condition. My friend’s horse had a nerve issue that was dismissed by staff. Some horses in dire need of a farrier. They stayed all the time in small pens with deep mud, no grass and often no fresh hay. No shelter from hot sun and pouring rain. Some barn staff were disrespectful of the guests. Plus safety was a problem. Novice riders were not adequately educated then let go ride without a guide. No helmet requirement. In addition our room was dirty with a foul sewage like odor and very musty smell. For the amount of money they are raking in these horses should have excellent care and the rooms should be nice. What a bad experience for my 70th birthday. My friend and we’re brought to tears by the disregard for the horses they are exploiting.

Celebrated a milestone birthday with my close friends here and couldn’t be happier with the arrangements - I wish we could have extended our visit! The staff were incredibly accommodating, the food was delicious, the rooms were spacious with comfortable beds, the pool was refreshing, and the horses were heavenly. Our experience was incredibly relaxing with beautiful scenery, up to 2 horse outings a day, and limitless amounts of space to rejuvenate. Everything about our weekend was beautiful and I recommend everyone to take an opportunity to visit.

I had the most wonderful time horseback riding @ Southern Cross Ranch. The property is simply beautiful, and the horses are well taken care of and loved. I am a new rider and now, new lover of horses. On each visit I have had, the sunshine, the horses, the view, the property, feels like my little place of serenity. It was such a peaceful get away for me and I cannot wait until my next visit. Thanks for having me Southern Cross Ranch! I love it there!!!!

Three friends and I went on February 17th, 2024 and had a blast. It was cold but we still had the best time. The guide was awesome. It would be nice to be able to book a riding trip without the full "experience". I would pay more to ride and not brush and saddle the horse. We arrived at 8:30 for a 9:15 ride. No one showed up until 9:15 to check us in at the barn the we spent an hour preparing the horses. We booked a 2 hour ride (from 9:15 am until 11:15 am) but didn't start the ride until 10:15 because we spent from 9:15 until 10:15 getting the horses ready: brusing them, waiting on someone to wash their legs, getting the saddles and bridles. At 11:15, during the ride, the guide said we had another hour but we couldn't stay for our second hour because we had other plans at noon. We were very disappointed that we couldn't get our full 2 hours due to the delayed start.

My daughter and I went to the ranch for the morning ride and lunch (did not stay the night) with some friends before Christmas break ended and school started. It was a frigid 29 degrees when we arrived at 9:30 AM (for the 9:45 ride). The barn was stirring with activity: stall cleaners, ferrier, feeding, and ride prep. There were heaters blowing and many of the horses were blanketed. Per our usual visits, we brought lots of treats (carrots, apples, and even candy canes...horses love peppermints) to share with the horses both in the barn and in the pasture. It was a smaller riding group than we are normally paired with, but all of us were experienced riders. Jerri was our guide, and she was simply awesome. So engaging, told great stories, catered to our skill sets, and encouraged the horses and the riders to "play" and "have fun". We trail rode, trotted, and cantered for the full two hour ride. Besides our fingertips and toes, there was no time to get cold. We were working! It was the best guided experience we have had to date! And let's not forget their delicious homemade meals. Our lunch was terrific: grilled salmon, French dip sandwiches (with au ju), veggie egg rolls, grilled vegetables, salad, and handmade, homemade ice cream (along with various other desserts). Can't wait to go back!

Overall, great getaway with Friends. The owners and staff were so friendly and made the vacation experience so much fun and very enjoyable. The meals were outstanding, the rooms were large and comfortable. Horseback riding was a bonus and fun for new riders and experienced riders. Lots of repeat visitors and visitors that came alone and felt so comfortable doing so which tells a lot about a place.