It’s been said that the modern horse evolved over three million years ago and then disappeared from this hemisphere 10,000 years ago. The horse then returned to North American when explorers, Cortes and DeSoto, came mounted on magnificent Barbs from northern Africa, Sorraias from Portugal and Andalusians from Spain. Fast forward to modern day in The City Different. A city where horse culture is alive and well.

If you love horses and all things equine, Santa Fe, New Mexico has no shortage of equestrian events and services. Here are a few…

 

Rodeo de Santa Fe

Rodeo de Santa Fe is 68 years old this year. (Photo courtesy of Rodeo de Santa Fe)

You won’t want to miss the 68th [blog_link url="http://rodeodesantafe.org/" text="Rodeo de Santa Fe" date="2017-06-13"] coming to the city June 21-24, 2017. The event brings some of the best acts in rodeo today and this year includes the Rodeo Clown Reunion which is a colorful event that entertains all ages. Think big time rodeo with a small town feeling.

The Rodeo de Santa Fe began in 1949 when Roy Butler, Austin “Slim” Greene, Gene Pechetsky, Paul Ragle and Paul Rutledge and a few others had a dream to organize a professional rodeo in Santa Fe. The dream exceeded their ambitious expectations and today remains one of the top 60 PRCA rodeos in the nation. The Mutton Bustin and youth barrel racers continue to be a crowd favorite for old and young alike!

 

HIPICO Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Summer Series is a premier A-Rated jumper competition. (Photo courtesy of HIPICO Santa Fe)

[blog_link url="https://www.hipicosantafe.com/" text="HIPICO Santa Fe" date="2017-06-13"] is Santa Fe’s premier venue for equestrian events and is located  just three miles from the Santa Fe Airport.

The 2017 Santa Fe Summer Series is a world class A-rated hunter/jumper competition with a southwestern flair. The series is four week-long events. The competitions are held Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the top equestrian competitions held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

HIPICO Santa Fe events feature delicious farm-to-table inspired food from local food trucks and handcrafted beer and wine. You can also shop for jewelry, art and equine merchandise at the carefully curated HIPICO Market Place.

 

Broken Saddle Riding Company

Take a horseback ride on scenic trails. (Photo courtesy of Broken Saddle Riding Company)

If you’re in the mood for a horseback ride, look no further than the [blog_link url="http://www.brokensaddle.com/" text="Broken Saddle Riding Company" date="2017-06-13"].

The horseback riding company takes riders through scenic hills and ranches to the historic mining town of Cerrillos, New Mexico. The ride includes spectacular 360 views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Other trips can include the Madrid Overlook, La Bajada Overlook, Devil’s Canyon, Crooked Hat Canyon, Elkins Canyon, Cash Entry Mine, Grand Central Silver Mine, Franklin Ridge and Miner’s Trail. Keep in mind that riders of all skill level will appreciate their smooth riding gaited horses. If you’re an accomplished horse rider you can also trot, canter or gallop with the horses.

If your love of horses knows no bounds, The City Different will get you back in the saddle. If you want to plan a trip this summer and “horses” are on your checklist, don’t forget to request the [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="2017 Santa Fe Travel Guide" date="2017-06-13"].  Come check out the [blog_link url="https://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/" text="Deals and Specials" date="2017-06-13"] Santa Fe has to offer you. We’re sure you’ll find just the right deals to plan the perfect getaway.