Leslie is the owner of City Slickers Trail Rides, Oregon Equestrian Vacations and the Flying L Ranch located in Ashland, Oregon. The Flying L Ranch is not only the home to Leslie’s 40 horses, but it is also a vacation rental that was built in 1912 with three adjoining cottages on the property. Vacationers from all over the world come to the Flying L Ranch to enjoy Oregon’s countryside as well as the town of Ashland, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Having met all my fellow riders and sharing tales of past adventures, I decided to call it a night. Fully fed and totally comfortable, I drifted off to sleep greatly anticipating Saturday’s adventures.

How do you know if it is going to be a wonderful day? You wake to bright light, the crowing of roosters and horses whinnying for their breakfast. Just think, one of those lively conversationalists near the stable was going to be my four-legged ride and companion during my stay!

Saturday morning I took the opportunity to explore the town of Ashland which is only three miles from the ranch. I ventured through the farmers’ market, and working up an appetite, enjoyed a sumptuous morning meal at Morning Glory, a local breakfast spot before a day of riding. When I arrived back at the Flying L Ranch, I found a very busy Leslie who had just pulled in from an early morning group ride. Leslie’s energy and devotion to making her guests comfortable was awe-inspiring.  No one feels left out and everyone truly enjoys themselves.

For our ride we trailered horses about 20 miles west to Lilly Glen Equestrian Park and Campground which is located on Howard Prairie Lake. Lilly Glen is extremely popular with avid riders from all over Oregon and Northern California.  Each campsite features a corral and fire pit which makes it just perfect for a weekend of riding and enjoying the magnificent Oregon countryside.

Scouting around, we found the perfect campsite. After getting everything settled, we mounted our horses and took off exploring the 40 acres of trails. One of the most exhilarating moments of our adventure was fording large ponds where the water came up to our horses bellies! When you look up and see the snow-capped mountains in the background, you really get a sense of how some of the pioneers felt when they were moving into the western wilderness.

I felt many years younger when my equine partner and I jumped over fallen trees and splashed in streams along the trail reminding me of explorations in my youth. We trotted around the shoreline of Howard Prairie Lake and galloped  the trails up the mountain. We worked up a good appetite and when out four-hour ride ended, we indulged in a fine meal over the campfire.

Sunday morning Leslie and I enjoyed a relaxing ride at Emigrant Lake, another equestrian friendly park nearby. While we were in our riding zone, we saw groups enjoying other activities like water skiing, boating and hand gliding. There was something for every one of every age. I could go back to the Flying L Ranch time and time again and still not see everything possible from horseback.

I am fortunate to have met Leslie Hunter, her staff and her horses and to have had the opportunity to ride in Southern Oregon. Leslie went way above my expectations to make my stay one that I will never forget. And I truly look forward to my next visit!

A big “Thank You!” to Leslie, staff and volunteers at the Flying J Ranch for welcoming photographer Wil Fernandez and myself with open arms and for making us feel like part of the family the entire weekend.