History and Philosophy of Slide Mountain Guest Ranch



   Over 20 years ago, on their honeymoon, Ike and Cheri Bunney came across a piece of property in the Sierra Foothills of California that seemed like home. From there, they built a unique guest ranch and riding facility that allows them to share their passion for riding fun, intelligent, responsive horses with people from all over the world.

   Over the years, the Bunney's have also bred championship cutting horses and riders. Their daughter, Tiffany, has a long list of accomplishments, as do both Ike and Cheri themselves.

   Beyond raising champions, the Bunney's have good, solid horse-sense and are happy to share insights and observations with their guests. Their goal is never to come off as the experts with all the answers, but to gently help people find the right path to better and safer horsemanship. One regular visitor remembers Ike telling her --as she wiggled back and forth all over the saddle during one of her first lessons--that all that movement made that poor, patient horse, think she was constantly about to ask him to do something. "No one had ever put it to me quite that way and it was the one thing that clicked, especially when I stopped wiggling and my horse settled," she said. "Ike and Cheri seem to find ways to teach you in spite of yourself."



   The mascot of the ranch, Cals Eclipse, has taught countless newbies how to be light, how to really feel the horse, and how to trust. And it's a testament to the Bunney's training and attitude that no matter what, Eclipse would rather be out and working--don't tell him he's semi-retired!

   The Bunney's welcome you to Slide Mountain Guest Ranch, with or without your own horses, to enjoy trail riding in some of the most beautiful country in Northern California. The ranch is a short drive from Yosemite and other Sierra and Gold Country destinations, and is the perfect gateway for backcountry horseback adventures with your own horses. Not to mention a great place to relax with a hot shower and comfortable beds after exploring the mountains!

Come spend time at Slide Mountain Guest Ranch!