By Mary Stein
Santa Catalina Island, an offshore paradise usually associated with beach cottages & boats, has been enjoyed by many equestrian groups since the early 1900’s. Los Caballeros, a men’s riding group, has visited on a weekly trek since the ‘40s and not to be outdone – the women (originally wives/girlfriends of Los Cab members) copied their trek in 1995 and have been perfecting their weeklong celebration of horsemanship and camaraderie ever since. Little Harbor campground is transformed into a tent village of horsewomen, complete with the niceties of catered meals, hot showers, masseuses, and wranglers to keep the horses safe. Our thanks go to the Catalina Island Conservancy for the privilege of riding the island’s trails and to the vision of the Wrigley and Offield families for initiating the equestrian traditions we love today.
Many Las Caballeras cowgirls have participated for 10 or even 20 or more years. These are gals from all walks of life, whose greatest connection is love of the horse and Catalina Island. What keeps them coming back? Here are a few comments from last year’s 2025 ride by first time attendees (first year guests or FYGs). “I wanted to experience this ride, like many cowgirls, because I am a horse and nature lover. Catalina Island itself, the camping, trails, activities, and all the folks working hard behind the scenes made for an experience to love. What stood out the most and what made this experience truly magical were the LC Cowgirls themselves. I can’t wait for my SYG (second year guest) ride with this awesome group of ladies on beautiful Catalina!” From another 2025 first-time rider: “To me, the best part of my Las Caballeras experience is the amazing women: all go getters , so friendly, so accepting, so positive. No complainers. No victims. In addition, there was the great food, the desire to please by all organizers, the wranglers, the horses! Every single person you meet is a ‘YES’ to life. No other adventure can impart more of a ‘Success and Joie de vivre’. If you can ride a horse, this trip is a necessity”.
If you’re lucky enough to be out in the hills this year between Sept 25 and Oct 1, especially around Little Harbor, keep an eye out for some very enthusiastic cowgirls enjoying the island and their horses, and maybe just slow down a little more than usual and let their joy rub off on you!
For information on how you can be sponsored to attend the 2027 Las Caballeras Catalina Island Ride, please check out our website: LasCaballeras.org.
Mary Stein is a member of Catalina Island Saddle Club and Las Caballeras.