Can anyone attend the Catalina ride? No, The Catalina ride is for adult horsewomen, 21 and over. Also, in order to attend, a new rider must be sponsored by an existing member.

Why do new riders need a sponsor? A sponsor acts like a big sister to introduce new riders to the group. The sponsor is also familiar with the trails and rules of riding on Catalina. Our entire ride is on privately owned Conservancy land. We want to make sure new riders understand how special the ride is, and don't do anything to jeopardize our privilege of riding on the island.

How can I get a sponsor? The easiest way to get a sponsor is if you know someone in Las Caballeras who will sponsor you. If you don’t know a member, we hold rides on the mainland during the year where you could meet some of our members and find a sponsor. We also have a lot of members throughout California and in other states. We may be able to put you in contact with a member in your area for a possible sponsorship.

Are the mainland rides for women only? No, many of our members bring their husbands and boyfriends on the mainland rides.

How many girls go on the Catalina ride? We normally have around 50 girls, with a cutoff at 60. Registration is on a first come-first served basis.

How do I get a ride application? You can get an application from your sponsor or one is available as a download from our website approximately 2 months before the ride.

How much does the Catalina ride cost? We are a non-profit corporation, so there is no profit figured into our ride fee. It usually costs $1,300 to $1,700 per rider, based on barge and fuel charges, food and feed costs, etc. For that reason, we are unable to come up with a set figure until approximately two months before the ride.

What is a FYG? A FYG (pronounced fig) is a First Year Guest.

How do you get to the island? The horses and all the equipment needed for the ride are transported by barge to the island in horse trailers provided by the ride. Our ride vet and ride manager travel with the horses. The riders travel by boat to the island.

What kind of activities are there on the Catalina ride? We start off with a mixer on opening night to help everyone get to know each other before the ride begins. We offer multiple trail options based on the experience and comfort level of our riders and horses, with an emphasis on having fun, but doing it safely. Our Fun Day at El Rancho Escondido, includes shopping in the ranch gift shop, and lots of games and horsey activities. We have “Steamy Novel Night” and singing to guitar music around the campfire, the Cowgirl Challenge, and a “Free Day” where riders can stay in camp, lay on the beach, go for a ride, etc. We have a "No Talent" Talent Show, and Awards Night. We also have a raffle and silent auction. For an additional fee, we offer Cowgirl Camp at Blackjack and a JazzTrax Concert and barbecue at the ranch with a night ride back to camp by moonlight. Our ride is totally customizable. If you want to ride a lot and rest a little, you can. If you want to ride a little and rest a lot, you can do that too.

What is the food like? Sit back and relax ladies…our ride is fully catered. The food is delicious…and nutritious. We have hot and hardy breakfasts or light and healthy…whichever you choose…just let the cooks know. Our lunches vary from a packed lunch on the trail to a scrumptious taco salad at the ranch on Fun Day. Our dinners begin with appetizers during cocktail hour, followed by a delicious entree and a mouthwatering desert.

Will I have “hat hair” for the entire week? We're glad you asked. Although we are on a remote campsite on the beach, we bring in trailers with flushing toilets and hot showers, and our generators provide electricity during the day for blow driers and cell phone chargers.

Is it true you have massage therapists on the ride? Yes, this has become one of our popular extras. After a long day in the saddle, many of the girls like to schedule an appointment for a foot massage and pedicure, or a full body massage with one of our massage therapists.

Do I have to bring a lot of fancy riding clothes? No, just dress sensibly. Most of the girls wear jeans, or riding pants and riding boots, and a riding helmet or hat. We include a packing list in our ride packet, with recommendations on which clothes, camping gear and horse equipment to bring.

What happens to my horse, when I’m not riding? The horses are kept on a picket line. Our experienced wranglers take very good care of them.

My horse is on a special feeding supplement, will he be able to receive it during the ride? Yes, if you bring it with you. You can either instruct the wranglers on how to feed it, or do it yourself.

Is there a farrier on the ride? No. We recommend that you have your horse shod a week or two before the ride. Catalina Island is rocky with lots of hills, dirt roads and trails. If your horse has tough hooves and is used to going barefoot, we recommend your horse’s hooves are in good shape and that you bring easy boots in case you need them during the ride.

My horse is recovering from an injury, and may not be sound in time for the ride. Are there rental horses available? Ladies who have ridden but don't currently have a horse to ride are welcome to join us. Good sensible trail horses are available to rent for the week at an additional cost. This must be arranged for prior to the beginning of the ride.

I don't really know anyone. Will it be difficult to meet other girls? You will meet a great variety of interesting ladies from all walks of life. Hours spent on the boat, the trail and in camp make for sharing time, and the many activities and events encourage interaction. If you are a FYG, you will have a FYG Mom to welcome and guide you. The Las Caballeras ladies who return year after year will become friends and mentors ~ they are a GREAT group.

Is there medical care available in the event of an emergency? Yes, there are Los Angeles County Baywatch paramedics, a small hospital in the nearby town of Avalon, and a helicopter ambulance service available if needed for an emergency.

Can I get prescriptions filled on the island? Our campsite is on a remote beach on the back side of the island. We recommend that you bring any medications that you might need with you.

Once I attend the Catalina ride, am I automatically a member? Not exactly. If your riding behavior jeopardized the safety of horses and/or riders, or if your behavior jeopardized the longevity of our riding privileges on the island, you may not be invited back.

If I am asked to be a member, is there an annual membership fee? Yes, our annual club dues are $80 per year.

Are there membership privileges? Yes, membership definitely has its privileges. Members receive an annual ride book, with photos and contact information of all our members, photos of the previous year's ride, and information on the island. They receive a monthly e-newsletter, and they also receive discounts on the Catalina ride and logowear.

I’ve seen Las Caballeras pins. How can I get one? They are available as a gift to riders on the Catalina ride, and they change each year, in keeping with the ride theme and ride color. Each rider receives a ride gift pack, which contains that year’s ride pin and tee shirt, a ride book, a ride nametag, and a ride gift.

Is there someone I can contact for more information? Yes, you can send us an email from the Contact page. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can, usually within 24 hours.