By Blanny Avalon Hagenah
Riding horses on Catalina Island is a very special privilege, thanks to the vision of the Wrigley and Offield Families and the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Horses have been part of the Catalina Island landscape throughout the past 125+ years. Horses have been used for Avalon carriage transportation, stagecoach transport to Two Harbors, ranching at Middle Ranch, cattle roundups, the memorable old Catalina Stables, with boarding and trail rides in Avalon Canyon, carriages and stagecoach tours, the Arabian Horse breeding program at El Ranch Escondido, the Propst Middle Ranch Stables, the Santa Catalina Island Pony Club, the Catalina Island Saddle Club, and just recently the new Avalon stables with Catalina Island Horseback Adventures.
During the past 50+ years the Catalina Island Conservancy has welcomed many organized groups of equestrians, cowboys, and cowgirls to the Island. In return, thousands of individuals in these groups and individuals have shown their appreciation by supporting and donating to the Catalina Conservancy.
A riding club called “Los Vaqueros” was started by Philip K. Wrigley and the Santa Catalina Island Company for its employees who rode and horse-camped across the Island. It was active between 1939 and 1942.
Another group, Los Caballeros, has had an all-men Catalina Ride since the late 1940’s. Their 5 day “Trek” takes its members on horseback from Two Harbors across the Island with stops at many historical locations.
The COBRAs (Catalina Old Broad Riding Association) consisting of female equestriennes, rode in the interior in the 1980’s.
Las Caballeras started as a ladies-only Catalina Ride in 1995 with a week of riding, camping, and camaraderie with small group rides from Little Harbor throughout the Island. Ladies and their horses have attended from all over California and at least 14 other states from Hawaii to New York.
The many recreational horseback riders today enjoy Catalina Island for its beautiful vistas, amazing trails, unique flora and fauna, wildlife, beauty, and the opportunity to enjoy California as it was in its early days. They appreciate and applaud the Catalina Conservancy’s Mission:
“To be an exemplary steward of Island resources though a balance of Conservation, Education, and Recreation.”
- Blanny Avalon Hagenah is the Las Caballeras President
