OMG, horseback riding through the Arizona desert was BEAUTIFUL!
The horses were well trained and very gentle. Our instructor told us that they rescue abandoned or abused horses and give them a new life there. They train them, they house them and they feed them appropriately.
Me and my friend did the 1 hour course. We just rode through the flat desert area. I think the 2 hour course actually takes you through the mountains.
Our instructor was super knowledgeable of the vegetation, animals, and geography of the area which made it very interesting. Learning fun facts about Arizona while riding through the "wild wild west" is always a plus.
One recommendation is to do this when it's not too hot. Since there are a lot of cactus and other prickly plants that you brush against when you ride by, you are recommended to wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt. However, because of that and the beaming sunlight, you have tendency to overheat if you don't be careful!
I would definitely do it again when I get a chance. Next, I want to do the 2 hour course!