As we head into this fall & winter season, I’ve been reflecting on the heart of Women Out West and why this club was started in the first place. At its core, WOW was created to gather local community, get outside, and ride trails together here on the Central Coast. We’re a curated, community-oriented space to connect with one another and be with our horses. The heritage of Women Out West is rooted in down-to-earth horsewomen who appreciate good company, beautiful trails, and meaningful connection.

This season, we're leaning into that and keeping it simple: ride together, give back, get outside, share a meal and strengthen our seat along the way. 

Here’s what we have planned:

Sunday, October 25, 11am Ride Out

Trail Ride, Las Flores Ranch

📍Highway 101 at Exit 161 (Equestrian Entrance)

Bring your own horse and join us for a fun day on the trail. This ride is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders and is open to everyone, women and men alike are welcome. Please bring a friendly, well-behaved horse that is comfortable riding safely in a group setting. Come ready for a great day of beautiful scenery and good company. Be sure to pack your own snacks, drinks, and layers, as temperatures can be cooler throughout the day.

Saturday, November 21, 11-2pm

Volunteer Day at All Seated in a Barn

📍30764 Imperial St, Shafter, CA 93263

We’ll be spending the day volunteering and getting a little more insight into all that happens behind the scenes. Mucking stalls, feeding, cleaning, whatever help is needed. Wear your Carhartts and work gloves! Horse rescue is so much more than what we see from the outside. It takes an enormous amount of work, care, time, and dedication. This is our opportunity to show our gratitude and give something back. We recommend carpooling and making new friends. Bring snacks and water for the day, followed by pizza and drinks at Tommy's.

Sunday, December 20, 11am Ride Out

Winter Solstice Ride at Lake Cachuma

📍Live Oak Camp off Highway 154, Santa Barbara

We’ll close out the year with our annual Winter Solstice Ride at Lake Cachuma. Bring your horse, bring your layers, and come spend a beautiful winter day on the trail overlooking the Valley. After the ride, we’ll gather for a potluck and spiced cider. 

FOR ALL TRAIL RIDES: 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both humans and horses, riders will be sent out in small groups. These rides are designed for intermediate to advanced riders who are comfortable navigating varied terrain and maintaining control of their horse in a group setting. We kindly expect that all horses attending are friendly, well-mannered, and safe to ride around others. Rides will be approximately 2 hours long and may include walking, trotting, and cantering as conditions allow, so riders should be comfortable and confident at all mentioned gaits.

This season is about coming back to the basics of what WOW was built upon; good horses, good people, beautiful places, and meaningful memories. Thank you for being a part of this community. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you and I can't wait to see you all soon.