gentle hands equine center

People should check out who takes them into the woods for a trail ride! Ricky Slightam is wanted in AZ for threatening a minor through electronic device which means he sent a life threatening email to a minor! This is a violent EX FELON that is taking your children on trail rides. Watch him punch a horse with a horseshoe in his hands and tell me thats gentle care. Judy Slightham has been charged with embezlement from our local water company where she used to work before they ran to Oregon! She has a rap sheet longer than her violent ex con husband! If you own this ranch you are in danger and should be afraid for your property and your well being. Everyone should stay far away from these people as they do not dare step foot in Arizona again!!!!!!

My friend & I did a 5 hour trip with Rick down to the Waterfall. What an experience! As previous writer stated, this is not your usual butt to nose kind of trail ride, but was somewhat challenging due to rocky trail, but our horses (Caesar & Blue Chip) were magnificent and sure footed. Rick is a wonderful person, and getting to know a little about his life was one of the best parts of the trip. Rick is masterful around horses, and has a heart of gold for all living things. I was so incredibly impressed by the care & love he showers on all his animals---horses, dogs, goats, etc...He related a story about his rescue of 15 abandoned foals a few years ago, and training them to be adopted into good homes. We had originally not planned to go to the waterfall as the day was late when we started due to another earlier customer having used his services, but once we got down the trail he offered to continue the trip to the waterfall for us. My friend & I were thrilled as we would have hated to miss that. If you are heading down the Canyon do wear long pants due to thorny shrubs on narrow trails. The whole day---the great horses & other animals, Rick, the scenery, the waterfall, the conversation---was fascinating, enjoyable, inspirational, and safe. Thank you, Rick, for making the highlight of our vacation!!

We have ridden here twice now with our three kids (4,6,9), and had a great experience both times. The horses are gentle and Rick and his family made sure we had a fun, safe experience!

DO NOT use any other horse stable. I stayed at Kohl's Ranch and Lodge and used this for my first horseback riding in 30 years. Rick Slightam is the owner and you don't ride tail to nose as in other places. You go in the forest and just out and about. He will tailor it for the riders needs and wishes. You can gallop if you want! Make sure you brush up on techniques, he's not so good with sharing that, unless you ask. Like, keep your heels down and your foot sort of flat, with your toes pointed out. Step into the stirrups, it will help your back. I would suggest buying bike shorts, they have padding! I am going back in March. the link is paysontrailrides.com it's kinda hard to find the link. They ride ALL year. He has a mule if you are slightly afraid of horses and like mules. I have learned a mule is the ONLY way to go.