A Guest Perspective on Horseback Riding at the Circle Z Ranch - Circle Z Ranch

Horse-back riding is just a piece of the ranch experience. Interview with guest Julie Ruddy

Q: How did you discover Circle Z Ranch?

A: My husband actually found it online. We’re from Minnesota, and in December, we were looking to travel somewhere warm and Southern Arizona sounded perfect! I’m the horse lover in the family, so I was sold right away. Four years ago we wanted a getaway around the holidays. and it was the perfect opportunity to try something new. And now it’s become our holiday tradition.

Q: What was your first impression of the ranch?

A: Mind-blowing. Truly. You land in Tucson, and an hour later, you’re in this stunning, completely isolated landscape. Mountains, creeks, the San Rafael Valley—it’s just incredible. I’ve been around horses my whole life, in fact I have my own, but I don’t have the ability to ride like this where I live. Circle Z makes it all happen.

Q: Your husband doesn’t ride—how did that work?

A: That’s the magic of Circle Z! They’re masterful at matching horses to riders, whether you’re experienced like myself or never been on a horse. On our most recent trip, I brought my best friend and his husband—neither of whom had ever been on a horse. The ranch team made it seamless. They were welcomed with open arms (literally—Circle Z is a hugging kind of place), and Miko, the ranch foreman, worked his magic, picking two perfect horses for them. And we all rode together – the difference is, ever so subtly, we’re given opportunities to personalize the ride. For me, I was able to peel off from the group for a short time, to run with the horse and then loop back up with everyone.

Q: What makes Circle Z different from other places you’ve been?

A: Everything. The hospitality, the people, the connections you make. Can I just say that we all felt like family – well and part of that is because it’s a family business. Diana, the owner and her managers, Jennie and George – if I could adopt them as my second family, I would. Diana, the horses, the land—it all feels like home now. I don’t usually go back to the same place twice, but I’ve been returning every year for four years. That says everything.

Q: What’s a day at the ranch like?

A: It’s structured but never rigid. In your room, there’s a beautiful leather bound notebook with the itinerary for each day. You wake up to the sound of the breakfast bell at 7:30 AM and have coffee in the coziest lodge. A little secret, if you get to the lodge early, before breakfast, you can join Diana as they gather as a family and start their day. Then it’s off to the barn, where it never feels like it’s staged or just for show—it’s real ranch life. Morning rides, a break for lunch, afternoon rides, and then dinner, where you sit with different people every night. But it doesn’t feel forced and Diana’s team helps introduce guests so no one feels left out.

Q: Any memorable moments that stand out?

A: So many! I once sat at dinner with two women who had come alone and didn’t know each other—one of them casually dropped that she had been married seven times, Elizabeth Taylor style! There’s such a mix of people—retired oncologists, longtime horse owners, folks just looking for a unique escape. And the setting? Unplugged, no distractions, just stunning views and wildlife. I’ve seen jackalopes, deer, and the most amazing birds.

Q: What about the accommodations?

A: Each cabin is beautifully appointed with original Southwestern art. There’s a real sense of history and authenticity. Honestly, everything in the rooms should be for sale from the leather-bound notebook to the horse blanket—it’s that well-curated.

Q: If you had to sum up Circle Z Ranch in one word, what would it be?

A: Stellar. And I’ll keep coming back as long as they’ll have me.