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ALLEGAN, Mich. — A ranch that was started to give back to animals in need is now offering a unique nighttime experience for trail riders of all skill levels.
Each month, Rise and Ride Ranch in Allegan welcomes riders for one-of-a-kind glow rides, which take them through wooded trails that are decorated with string lights. The horses themselves are decked out in glow-in-the-dark tack like bridles, breastplates and light-up fabric that cascades behind the saddle.
Owner Liz Steffes said the idea began after she started stringing lights up around the riding trails in the woods.
"My sister, she had the idea, why don't we get the horses lit up too?" Steffes said. "She designed the tack and I did the lights on the trails and stuff. And we just kind of made this dream reality."
Steffes said she's always loved animals, but that an abusive relationship inspired her to start Rise and Ride Ranch to give back to others needing help.
"It drew me towards horses because horses have a therapeutic way to them, and it helped me heal," she said. "So I decided that I wanted to rescue animals as well. So a majority of our horses are rescued, not all, but the majority of them and a lot of our other animals as well. Because I felt like they rescued me from my situation and I wanted to return the kindness and do it for them."
For those who might be nervous about riding a horse, Steffes said the trail rides are for everyone, regardless of skill level.
"I encourage people to just give it a try. And our ranch specifically tailors to people kinda like who are nervous or had a bad experience before and want to try again," Steffes said. "We want you to, you know, enjoy this. Take your time. We've got you."
The glow rides are available to anyone 8 years old or older. Steffes said the rides are weather dependent, and that the lights are solar-powered so glow rides may not be available without adequate sunshine.
If you're interested in booking a glow ride, you're encouraged to keep an eye on their website and social media. Steffes said the rides book up fast and are sometimes only posted a week beforehand.
Rise and Ride Ranch also offers year-round trail rides and special holiday events.
For more information, visit Rise and Ride Ranch's website here. The ranch can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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