Catalina Island has rekindled its equestrian heritage by reintroducing guided trail rides for visitors, marking the return of a beloved island tradition after a 15-year absence.
Catalina Horseback Adventures, based in Avalon, launched its inaugural rides on February 22, offering guests scenic journeys lasting 45-90 minutes through the island's rolling terrain. Riders can explore valleys, hilltops, and cliffsides while taking in breathtaking ocean vistas and potentially spotting local wildlife like deer and island foxes.
The new venture, owned by Jeff Skelton and operating on Catalina Island Co. property, currently maintains a stable of 12 horses, with plans to expand. The operation also includes a miniature horse named Peanut, chosen through a community naming contest.
"I kept saying somebody should do it," said Skelton, who developed the idea while riding with Los Caballeros, a group organizing private island rides since the 1940s. "And as it turns out, it's me."
The guided excursions accommodate riders aged 9 and up, from beginners to advanced levels, with a weight limit of 240 pounds. Introductory prices range from $125-$175 for 45-minute group rides, with private tours available for groups of 2-10 people at premium rates. Local residents receive special discounts.
This revival connects to Catalina's rich equestrian history, dating back to the 1930s when the Wrigley family established El Rancho Escondido, which evolved into an Arabian horse-breeding facility. While the working ranch continues operations 12 miles outside Avalon, the new trail rides operate separately from a restored stable near the Catalina Island Golf Course.
The previous riding program ended in 2008 when the Catalina Island Co. closed the original stables due to flooding concerns following hillside fires. The new operation features a redesigned layout, with riding trails crossing the golf course, creating unique interactions between golfers and equestrians.