Golden Stride Walker Ranch West was situated for perfect horseplay. With a large outdoor arena, round corrals, and paddocks with shade shelters, it adjoined the Tonto National Forest: 3 million acres of trails, rivers, and wilderness. A 6-stall “mare motel” (or western-style covered barn) was available to accommodate visiting horses. Wild horse herds, bald eagles, mule deer, and the occasional rattlesnake were part of our horse-life, amidst the magnificent saguaro cactus stands.