“There is nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse,” the saying goes. Jeff Skelton would be the first to tell you that’s true.
This burly cowboy with the boots, hat and dusty jeans, the one who looks like he just stepped out of Zane Grey’s novel “Riders of the Purple Sage”? You’d never guess he was born and raised in suburban Orlando, spent most of his professional career in an office as an executive in the fitness and wellness industry. He didn’t actually start riding horses until he was in his 40s, but he always felt the calling.
“I always felt comfortable in boots and a cowboy hat — way before I ever had the chance to saddle up on a horse. There is just something special about the cowboy spirit that I connected with,” says Skelton, who now holds the title of owner and “Chief Experience Officer” at Catalina Island Horseback Adventures.
Or you can just call him the man who returned the cowboy way to Catalina.
Like any part of the West, horses played a big part in the development of the island. The Wrigley family, who once owned the island, brought horses to Catalina in the early 20th century for ranching. In the 1930s, they established El Rancho Escondido, once a world-class Arabian horse ranch that’s still open for tours. But since the Island Company closed Avalon’s public stables in 2008, there had been no way for visitors, or residents for that matter, to get up close to horses or enjoy a trail ride.
Skelton always thought that was a shame, not only because he knew it was an ideal way to see the island, but because just being around horses had changed his own life for the better. He started riding on the island in 2014 as part of Los Caballeros, a private group that organizes an annual week-long ride through the island, bringing horses over from the mainland.
“After that first ride, I was hooked,” he says. “As the years went by, I continued to be more drawn into the cowboy lifestyle and a desire to improve my horsemanship. Then during Covid, when I wasn’t travelling for work any longer and had the opportunity to buy my first horse — I did. That changed everything. I began a sincere journey to be a better horseman for my horse, Sedona.
“As I began to ride the trails each week around LA and Orange County, I always loved to see the smiles and joy the horses brought to both the adults and children we crossed paths with. It became clear to me that the connection between horse and human is something truly special and magical.”
Then, during the final dinner at one of Los Caballeros’ annual rides, Geoff Rusack, CEO of the Catalina Island Company, mentioned in a toast that Philip Wrigley always said the best way to see the island is on the back of a horse.
“It really resonated with me how correct he was,” Skelton says. “That night I remember thinking that more people should be able to experience the joy of riding horseback on Catalina. I began saying, ‘Someone should bring the horses back to Avalon!’”
Then, a friend happened to snap a picture of Skelton on his horse Sedona, on a hill overlooking the horizon. In the photo, the reflection of the setting sun over the ocean creates a dramatic, blazing orange cross. To Skelton, it looked like no less than a divine sign from the Almighty Himself. “When I saw the picture, I knew,” he says. “If nobody else will do this … I will.”
It took some wrangling, but by December of last year Skelton established his business on the grounds next to Avalon’s golf course, where the former public stable had been. By spring, riders were hitting the trail morning and afternoon.
My husband and I enjoyed a ride with Skelton recently on an overnight trip to the island, and after our (glorious) ride, I asked him about some particulars:
What does being a cowboy mean to you?
Once, while I was traveling from Texas out to California for the annual Los Caballeros ride, I was stopped in the airport during a layover by a young boy who took a wide-eyed look at my cowboy hat and asked, “Are you a cowboy?” I was initially at a loss for words; then began to explain that I ride horses on occasion but don’t have cattle or own horses or have a ranch … blah, blah, blah. I spent the final leg of my flight replaying my answer, realizing the young man cared nothing about all of that, and asking myself what it really means to be a cowboy. I reached the personal conclusion that being a cowboy doesn’t have anything to do with how many acres of land you have or how many cattle or horses you own. It’s what’s inside of us. It’s the heart, soul, morals, values, character and spirit of the cowboy that really matter. Since that day I’ve never hesitated when asked that question … Yes, I’m a cowboy!
Why do you want to get people on a horse?
There is something truly special about the connection between horse and human. Riding, grooming or simply being around them … it’s good for the soul.
What can people expect from a trail ride with you?
I think every person has their own unique experience. For some, it’s an exciting, thrilling adventure being on the back of a horse for the first time. For others, it’s a calm, peaceful journey in nature that gives them a natural reset, time to reflect and relax. As wrangler/trail guides, we do our best to be aware and recognize the experience each guest is wanting when they ride with us. Some want to chat and learn about the history of Avalon and the unique elements of the Catalina Island ecosystem. Others simply want to smell the ocean air, hear the birds chirp, feel the wind blow through the canyon. It’s a special experience with incredible views, no matter how you want to experience our adventure.
There are lots of different ways to see the island — hiking, biking, bus tours, even a zip line. What makes a horseback ride stand out from other ways to see it?
You can experience something unique and special in every way a visitor chooses to see the island. But when you’re on horseback, you get off the main roads, into nature and at a pace that enables you to fully experience all the sights, sounds and smells of Catalina Island. You sit tall above the trail and take in the incredible views, both up close and far off in the distance. You can see all the natural flora and fauna unique to the island, and possibly even the Catalina Island mule deer, hawks and eagles that we often encounter out on the trail.
You do more than take people out on the trail, though. What’s your vision for your operation?
Our vision is to create much more than just a trail ride for visitors. While that’s important, we are also proud to have returned the horses to the community of Avalon — bringing with it a renewed journey to a long history. When we were looking into what this might look like, to bring the horses back, I often heard stories from the local community about how much they loved to “hang out” at the old stables. I was inspired, and realized that this new location had to be a place where everyone could come and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ranch. With that in mind, we’ve built the ranch to be a place where all are welcome to come enjoy the ranch experience. We’ve added fun ranch games, have plenty of picnic tables and can provide onsite BBQ through our partnership with Avalon Smokehouse. We are looking forward to hosting weddings, birthday parties, corporate events and more.
We’re also really excited about creating a place where the youth of Avalon can enjoy the ranch experience and develop the care, respect and grit that comes with being a cowboy or cowgirl.
Do you have a favorite horse?
Of course. My favorite is definitely Sedona. He was my first horse and the inspiration for all of this that we’ve built. I’ve learned so much from him. He is truly my heart horse.
Finally, and very importantly for the greenhorns among us: What’s your tip for getting rid of soreness after a ride?
Haha. Yes, that’s a simple one … ride more! There is no substitute for time in the saddle. The more you ride, the more comfortable you become. That’ll give you better positioning and build the muscles used for riding. Eventually, your saddle will become your favorite seat!
Riders must be 9 years of age or older. Ride costs range between $149-$179 per person. For more information go to catalinahorseback.com.