Tucked up against I-5 on the outskirts of Ashland, The Flying L Ranch is a haven for horses and humans alike, which is exactly what owner Leslie Hunter envisioned when she purchased the 11-acre spread seven years ago. A former outfitter and guide with the Oregon State Marine Board, and longtime resident of Southern Oregon, Leslie has three decades of hands-on experience working with horses. That knowledge, along with a passion for sharing the health benefits and sheer joy of riding, has helped Hunter provide thousands of people—from no to expert riders—with safe and exhilarating trail ride horseback riding retreats and equestrian adventures.

Hunter owns more than 40 horses, rotating them between several pastures in the Rogue Valley. Safety for the animal and the rider is her number one concern, with fun being “a very close second.” She credits her no-injury record to the fact that she weighs the experience and temperament of both the rider and the horse to make the perfect match.

Destination holidays on horseback include the Cabin-to-Cabin Mountain ride, a five-day
expedition along the Pacific Crest Trail, and an overnight trip to the Coast to canter
along the Pacific shore and saddle up for several hours of riding in the quiet green
beauty of the Redwoods. The rare combination of beach and forest draws riders from
across the country.
Katherine, a recent client, spent nearly 14 hours traveling from Birmingham, Alabama,
for the ride of her life, which, according to her, was “spectacular! I can’t imagine finding
a better riding experience anywhere in the world. I’m already thinking of how I can get
back there!”
For Laura, a professor from Texas, being on horseback as the tide rolled in and the sun
began to drop, turning the sky rosy gold, was her chance to tick an off item on her
Bucket List.
Laura says, “Leslie treated me like a princess, and made sure I got to do everything I
wanted. We went on a variety of rides—different horses, different terrains and different
speeds. We had great food, a wonderful place to stay and sincere hopes to return next
year.”