tAfter 25 years of offering an organized 4-day cross country trail ride from Tucson to Tombstone the Saddle Club decided to offer a less physically demanding type of trail ride. One in which camp would stay in one location so it could be more comfortable for both horses and riders. We took our 25 years of experience and developed a new to us first class style of ride. After deciding where to hold the first ride we had to decide what to call it. Those who visit and view the terrain at 60 mph out a car window may not agree, but those of us who live and ride horseback in this area believe it to be a beautiful land. Hence the name, Tierra Bella, and every October when we offer our trail ride we try to share another piece of the beauty of the great southwest with those who come. This year, (2006) we will be at the historic Apache Springs Ranch in Gardner Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains, October 18 – 22. Our site is adjacent to the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness area and we will be riding in the Coronado National Forest. This is considered high desert, at approximately 6,000 ft. elevation. There will be beautiful vistas, oak forests and grassland areas. We will be visiting such places as Boston Gulch, Aliso Springs and the historic Kentucky Camp. We will be offering five rides a day of varied length and difficulty. These trails can be rocky, so make sure your horses are prepared. We will have a veterinarian as well as a farrier on site or on call. Our ride will be catered with 11 delicious meals provided by Cowboy Catering. We will have entertainment, evening campfires and our annual Saturday night raffle. A professional photographer will be available for all riders. Port-a-pots will be provided as well as water for the horses. Dogs are permitted this year but must be leashed at all times, pre our agreement with the rancher. They are not allowed in the food area and will be prohibited on the trail. Please be courteous to your neighbors. There are no RV hookups and very few trees. Be prepared with portable corrals, high lines, etc. Any manure or left over feed may be spread out in the immediate area. Ride cost this year is $210 per attendee. The ride will be limited to 80 attendees, so get your applications in early! Current Tucson Saddle Club members get priority for applications postmarked on or before June 1st. After June 1st, remaining openings will be filled on a first come, first served basis.