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

DFW-Bucket-List

Keeping up with The Haneys

Memorial Day at DFW National Cemetery

 

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USAThis past Memorial Day, I made one of the smartest choices I could possibly make on such a day. I visited the Dallas – Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USA

Each year, many American’s spend Memorial Day celebrating the day off of work, with loved ones, grilling, jumping in the pool or lake or even taking a trip. Many forget the importance of this day. The day that is pays specific tribute to those who have fallen, those who have fought and are no longer with us. This day is in memory of those who dedicated their lives or even a part of their lives protecting not just their loved ones but complete strangers. Helping to grant them, freedom.

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USA

Visiting the cemetery on Monday was astounding. It’s sad but it’s also something to be proud of. Each of the headstones and plaques represented someone. Someone who has dedicated a part of their life to all of us. They have seen and experienced things that most of us probably wouldn’t want to, they have witnessed history. Most importantly, they are our history. Each of these people has a story. They help to make up what this country is.

Next year, please dedicate a few minutes of your time to visit a local cemetery or memorial paying tribute to those who have enlisted. Thank them. They are someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter. You wouldn’t live the life you live without them.

Memorial-Day, U.S.-Military, Heros, USA

 

 

WW: Tolar, Texas

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Tolar, Texas is much like other small Texas towns – if you blink, you’ll pass right on through. In a recent passing, I stopped for just a couple minutes as the sun was starting to come down. Like my dad, the antique car caught my eye.

Hood County, Texas
Location: (by ZIP) 32.407909 N, -97.838613 W
Established: 1890
Population: 2,145

Named for Captain Alfred H.H. Tolar

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-DrivesSmall-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Small-Towns, Texas, Texas-Drives

Today I’m linking up with Communal GlobalPhotography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.