Even if the closest you’ve ever been to a live horse are old Bonanza reruns, Timber Creek Ranch will get you up on one of their mounts and have you riding through the trails. The Ranch has 40 horses on the grounds but have chosen 11 horses especially for their calm, gentle nature.

For greenhorns, when you arrive they’ll run you through the basics of how to get on and off, how to get the horse moving and how to change directions. If you want to don a helmet, you can bring your own or use one of theirs that they have available for riders.

Once you are ready to go, a guide will lead you through one of the five trails that wind around the Ranch. For the most part, the terrain is good for beginners – flat and easy. But there are a few sections where you can challenge yourself and your horse with rocky trails and gentle inclines. Figure on spending about an hour trotting along. If you are an experienced rider, you’ll enjoy the scenery and maybe even spot some birds or wildlife in the area. But if you’re a newbie, just keep your eyes on the trails.

You can give your inner cowboy or cowgirl a chance to ride every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year -- unless of course, it is pouring rain or snowing. And if you have your own horse, Timber Creek Ranch offers boarding and stable services.