Our 16th Annual Catalina Ride...

"Island Safari"

We have a great ride planned, with lots of fun activities for riders and their horses. With more girls telling us they are planning on attending this year than we have space for on the barge, you'll need to get a sponsorship and submit your application early to secure a reservation.

Our ride is from September 28th through October 3rd, with a day added at each end for horse transportation. The horses must be delivered to the Empty Saddle Club on Monday, September 27th, and won't arrive back on the mainland until Monday, October 4th. (When we are not riding them, they are under the watchful eyes of our wranglers and ride veterinarian.)

Besides all our regular activities, we are offering two ride options Thursday night, Black Jack Camp and Jazz Trax (details below). You can't be two places at once, so you can only pick one, or...you can have a relaxing dinner and enjoy the activities in camp. (Black Jack Camp and Jazz Trax are in addition to your ride fee. )

#1 Black Jack Camp is $25, and is limited to 10 riders. This group rides up Black Jack Mountain to Black Jack campgrounds, which is nestled among towering pines 1600 ft above sea level. The girls make camp with bedrolls, and prepare their dinner over the campfire, while a wrangler watches over their horses. There are breathtaking vistas from this location, but no tents or hot showers. Riders sleep under the stars, and ride back to camp the following day. Don't worry, you won't have to pack in if you choose this option. A wrangler will bring your supplies to camp.

#2 The Jazz Trax barbecue and concert is $100, and is held about a 30 minute ride from base camp at El Rancho Escondido, the historic Wrigley ranch. JazzTrax brings together some of the best international jazz performers in the world, and has been an annual tradition on the island since 1986. This year, the ranch is featuring acoustical guitarist, Craig Chaquico (Cha-kee-so) who played with Gracie Slick and the Jefferson Starship as a young man. His smooth music now has a native American influence. There will be a barbecue in the courtyard, chair and hay bale seating, wranglers to care for the horses, and beautiful music under the stars. After the concert, the girls enjoy a moonlight ride back to camp. This is the last year of Jazz Trax for us, since they will be renovating the ranch, and the performers will be moved to Descanso Beach. This group is limited, but is always a sellout, so if you are planning to attend, you must reserve this option early.

Riding the trails of Catalina island is a privilege enjoyed by very few, and Las Caballeras is the only women's riding group granted permission by the Catalina Conservancy to ride there. We treasure this privilege and want it to continue.  We also want this ride to be both fun and safe for all horses and riders attending. That is why our First Year Guests (FYGs) must have a sponsor to show them the ropes.

If you know a member, ask them to sponsor you. If you don't, contact us. We have lots of members. Maybe there is one near you that may be able to sponsor you.

Date: September 28 to October 3
Theme: Island Safari
Color: Safari Goddess Green (lime) & anything animal print

Ride Fees
Mainland Member                     $1,250
Island Member*                         $1,200
Mainland FYG                            $1,350
Island FYG*                                $1,300
BlackJack Camp                             $25
JazzTrax                                         $100

*Island members and island FYGs cost a bit less because they do not use the boat transportation, and their horses aren’t transported on the barge. If you and your horse are already on the island, you qualify. Otherwise, you are considered a mainland member or mainland FYG.