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Each spring, the changing season brings one of the most meaningful traditions of life on a working Arizona guest ranch. Sprucedale horses graze open pastures year-round, spending their summers at the main ranch and their winters at the Lower Ranch near Lyman Lake. When spring arrives, it is time to move the horses home. This journey covers roughly fifty miles of rugged terrain, crossing mountain country, forested trails, and juniper-dotted high desert before reaching Sprucedale. It is a tradition rooted in horsemanship, teamwork, and respect for the land, and guests are invited to take part in this authentic experience during our Spring Horse Drive weeks.

The Spring Horse Drive is a hands-on, real-world cattle and horse drive that unfolds over four full days in the saddle. Riders help gather the horses at the Lower Ranch and guide them across changing landscapes toward their summer pastures. Each day involves extended time on horseback, with long stretches of riding that require confidence and stamina.

The most demanding day climbs from Eagar to Big Lake and typically involves at least six hours in the saddle. This experience moves at a purposeful pace, and riders should be comfortable posting and riding for extended periods. A minimum of forty hours of prior riding experience is required to ensure safety and enjoyment for both riders and horses.

Lodging during the horse drive reflects the working nature of the experience, with nights typically spent in tents along the trail and cabins once the group returns to the ranch; however, camping may or may not occur depending on current forest conditions, in which case the group will return to the ranch each night. Sprucedale provides the horses, tack, meals, tents, and cabin accommodations, allowing riders to focus fully on the journey and the work at hand. Participation is intentionally limited to a small group to ensure safety and preserve the authenticity of the experience. At the end of this week, each rider will get a buckle to remember their time.