Category Archives: Blog Series

DFW Bucket List: Horseback Riding at Benbrook Stables

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this blog post, however I did receive a free trail ride in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

When thinking of Texas, what comes to mind? Cowboys? Horses? Ranches? Those are on mine and I live here. It only makes sense that if you have only a short period here, those things should be integrated into the visit. This is Texas after all! Let’s get some interaction going! Why only watch when you can take part?! Let’s go horseback riding!

Visiting Dallas / Fort Worth shouldn’t all be “city living”. Quite frankly, it’s pretty easy to get out of all the hustle and bustle and retreat to the quiet tranquility of “country livin’” to get away from it all, even if it’s just for a little while.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Just outside of Fort Worth, I found Benbrook Stables in Benbrook, Texas. It’s a short drive and I’ll be darned if it’s not a good excuse to get out of the metroplex. Heck, it took me only 30 minutes from my place in North Arlington. Once arrived, turn off your phones and forget about all the stresses. This is a place of retreat.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities

I recently had a couple friends visit from Vermont. This was high on their list of things to do and definitely left an impression. The main office provides some of that good ole Texas charm. A cowhide rug lines the floor, Texas art hangs on the walls showcasing chaps, cowboy boots and landscapes followed by an old saddle holding course.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Outside – a hundred horses. No joke, our trail lead told us they currently have over 100 horses at the stables, which he knew all their names. It’s a small town.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Once our trail ride began, we met the tranquility that we’ve longed. We started on our hour trail ride leaving the stables and entering the Benbrook Park. Through woods, over a creek until we finally reached the high point fit for a camera. We had a scenic view of Lake Benbrook and some perfect Texas sights – Bluebonnets. Bluebonnets lining an untouched meadow filled with wildflowers and cactus.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

There was only one disappointment – the ride just wasn’t long enough. I could’ve continued all day. I wish it continued all day! The horses were gentle and friendly. We took a few photos afterwards and checked out the rest of the stables. There’s even a great site for an event.

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This is definitely something that I would put on a Texas Bucket List and be sure to check it off! It’ll leave you wanting to gallop around Texas fields all day and the arena nearby may spark some dreams of wanting to barrel race (at least it did for me). It’s such a reasonable distance as well as price. $40/hr for a trail ride – one of the most reasonable rates I’ve found.

DFW-Bucket-List, Horseback-Riding, Texas, Horses,Outdoor-Activities, Stables

Benbrook Stables
10001 Benbrook Blvd, Benbrook, TX 76126
817-249-1001
Offers: Trail Rides, Lessons, Camps, Boarding and Rentals

Catch the Moment, Week 20

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Each day in 2014, I am taking a photo. There is no telling what the photo will be or where the “inspiration” will come from. All photos are taken either with my Nikon D5100 or the iPhone (for those times on the go). Come back each Friday for a complete compilation of the past seven days and link to join / view others as part of the 365 projects!

This week: Well, forgive me. I don’t have a lot for you but from what I do have for you, I could tell countless stories! That’s the flip side of this entire deal. There’s lots of stories coming! Please come back, we’ll be talking about steaks, BBQ, dance halls, taxidermy, horses and everything that is greatness!

Day 135/365: May 15, 2014 I skipped this day in preparation of the weekend. Eeek.

Day 136/365: May 16, 2014
This has to be my favorite beverage ever – Sweet Leaf Tea. Yum! I could get them by the case!

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Day 137/365: May 17, 2014 One of my favorite days of the year, I could’ve just posted photos from this day for the entire week! This is a gem that I came across and I was so excited, I was like a kid in a candy store. More to come… (and yes, this place is real and it is as awesome as it looks)!

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Day 138/365: May 18, 2014 Burger’s Lake, Fort Worth. I’ve heard about this place for a while and it is in deed real! It’s a small lake / large pond. Heck, let’s call it a large body of water with a sandy bottom full of toys for the kids, diving boards for the big kids and grills and picnic tables for all the kids. No camping but apparently a great place to spend the day with family and friends that will hold lifelong memories (so I’ve been told).

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Day 139/365: May 19, 2014 Today was a Monday, I worked and had a case of the Monday’s and went grocery shopping. I was so exhausted from the weekend. Picture me curled up on my couch watching Mike and Molly and Friends with Better Lives. Both literally making me laugh out loud.

Day 140/365: May 20, 2014
Tuesday came along and things stayed consistent with Monday. I apologize but I’ll be making up for it shortly!

Day 141/365: May 21, 2014
Sound the trumpets! This is one of, if not my favorite food! I don’t have it often but man, is it wicked delicious! A Canadian delicacy, homemade fries, curd cheese and brown gravy. Don’t knock it until you try it, when you try it – it’ll knock your socks off!

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DFW Bucket List: Ft. Worth Stockyards Championship Rodeo

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Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post however I did receive tickets to the event in return for the publication. As always, all opinions are my own. @VisitFortWorth @StockyardsRodeo

Texas and rodeos. They go hand in hand don’t they? Cowboys, horses, bull riding and barrel racing are just a few thoughts that come to mind when thinking about Texas. It’s only appropriate that a rodeo lands on your DFW Bucket List.

The Fort Worth Stockyards allows visitors to step into the Wild West. It doesn’t take much imagination to see what it would’ve been 100 years ago. Brick layered streets, great music, rodeos, history, cattle drives, gun shows and BBQ are just a few things that can be found in the Stockyards. You’re in the Wild Wild West y’all!

Back in the 1800’s, Fort Worth was the last major stop on the Chisholm Trail. Moving more than four million cattle through the area between 1866 and 1890, Fort Worth quickly became known as “Cowtown”. 1876 provided a major turning point, bringing the railroad. In 1887 the Union Stockyards were build a few miles from the Courthouse. Soon enough, with new ownership, the business bloomed. The Union Stockyards became the Fort Worth Stockyards Company, bringing major packers, a Telegraph office, and other supporting businesses to the city. It’s only appropriate that this is where we can find the Stockyards Championship Rodeo today!

Every Friday and Saturday evening, the Stockyards Championship Rodeo takes place. Hailing competitors from around the world, it isn’t out of the ordinary if you hear of a bull rider coming as far away as Australia.

Shortly after an opening ceremony, be prepared for a wild ride. There’s no cutting back, the bull riding kicks things off. 8 seconds doesn’t seem long to most of us but that’s how long these Cowboys need to hold on! Hold on tight boys!

The best part of the rodeo – seeing the face of someone experiencing the event for the first time. After the first bull comes out of the gate, you’re experience in Fort Worth has entirely changed. It’s priceless.

Double Mugging and Ranch Vet – These events represent sorting, doctoring and branding these young animals. Remember, all events depict something performed out on the ranch! Then it’s time to speed things up with a little barrel racing. This is my favorite event. The speed, control and grasp that these ladies and their horses have is amazing! Whip around three barrels (without tipping them over) and back to the gate as quickly as possible.

The rodeo isn’t just an event to watch, you and your family can take part! In between events, the Rodeo Clowns will gather up folks. This particular evening, there was a round for small children (7 and younger) and children slightly older to go down into the arena. A small sheep or calf will be let out with a piece of paper and the children need to be the first one to grab it! If you’re an adult and are thinking “What about me?!”, there’s chances for you too but it wouldn’t be any fun if I told you what they were!

The Cowboys and Cowgirls participating in the rodeo keep this tradition alive. New to the sport or seasoned veterans, this event includes everyone and is for everyone. It’s a huge part of Fort Worth, it’s everywhere you look. History is alive in this town. Come be part of it! Visit-Fort-Worth, Texas, Stockyards, Rodeo, Fort Worth Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Each Friday & Saturday at 8pm
121 E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth, TX
1-888-COWTOWN
Tickets: Children 12 and Under $10 Adults $12.50-$22.50