Frommers Guide 2005 Closer to the ocean in the Topanga Canyon is Escape On Horseback (2623 Old Topanga Canyon Rd., Topanga; tel. 818/591-2032; www.topangahorses.com), a small, friendly outfit that offers guided Western-style trail rides for beginners to advanced riders. It's situated at the top of a 1,800-foot ridgeline -- about a 25-minute drive from Santa Monica -- with panoramic views of the ocean and San Fernando Valley (best seen on one of the sunset rides). What I like about this outfit is that, if the guide feels that the group is experienced enough, she'll pick up the pace to a canter. Although same-day reservations are sometimes possible, try to book at least 3 days in advance. Kids 7 and older are welcome, and kids under 16 must wear helmets (bring a bike helmet, if possible)...
Los Angeles 2005 Author: Matthew Richard Poole Pub Date: September 07, 2004 Price: $16.99
September 27, 2004
FITNESS BOUND Saddle up, but don't let the horse do all the work By Jenny Hontz, Special to The Times
For a less intense and more recreational experience, Escape on Horseback in Topanga Canyon offers gentle trail rides with gorgeous mountaintop views of the city...
Most people take it easy, but you can get a workout if you ask. Head wrangler Amanda Rounsaville put me on an Arabian horse named Tiffany. Arabians can be feisty, and Tiffany rapidly sped up to a canter when Rounsaville's horse took off running. Not all trail rides allow you to canter, but Escape on Horseback will cater to the group's skill level. Of course, that made the experience more exciting and better exercise.
"My thighs are like rocks, and I haven't had a gym membership in years," Rounsaville says. "It's great for women, all hips and butt."
Just be prepared for those hips and butts to get a little sore. If you don't buy into the "no pain, no gain" school of exercise, consider wearing padded bike shorts under your jeans. They will, somewhat literally, save your rear.
