Discover Oklahoma: State park just made horse sense
Former resort owners open stables at Robbers Cave

BY KELI CLARK Comments 0
Published: March 15, 2009

Riders follow the trail at Sequoyah State Park near Wagoner. Trail rides are offered by Sequoyah Riding Stables.STATE TOURISM PHOTO

The clock is ticking, and eyes everywhere are focused on the calendar. The countdown is on for spring break.

We’re all in agreement that a well-deserved getaway is in order, but making a decision on where to go and what to do could cause a difference of opinion.

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For more information about D bar T Stables, call (918) 465-5770. For more information on equestrian stables and other amenities at state parks, go online to TravelOK.com or call (800) 652-6552.

But there’s an easy solution to make everyone happy: Visit a state park.

Gather the family, the camping gear, hiking boots, picnic basket and a map to choose your favorite destination. And while you’re at it, pull on a pair of cowboy boots and saddle up your trusty steed.

Riding stables and equestrian trails are two popular options to consider when planning a trip to your favorite park.

The newest stable operation in the state park system is the D bar T Stables at Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton. Owners Dan and Laura Tolmachoff have been in business since 1990, when they began at a five-star resort in Phoenix. The Tomalchoffs recently relocated their family and business from Arizona to Oklahoma on a suggestion from Larry Lufkin, Dan Tomalchoff’s former rodeo friend and the current stable operator at Sequoyah State Park.

"Larry convinced us that the state park system in Oklahoma was one of the best to work in, so we came and checked it out and decided to stay,” Dan Tomalchoff said. "We love the area where we live now, and we’re already off and running with our business.”

D bar T Stables offers similar amenities as other operations, and it provides professional wranglers to instruct any "city slickers” on the basics of riding.

Other riding stable operations are available at Beavers Bend near Broken Bow, Lake Murray in Ardmore, Lake Thunderbird in Norman, Roman Nose in Watonga and Sequoyah State Park near Wagoner.

Each stable operation offers a variety of ways for riders to enjoy their horseback experience. The most popular options are the trail rides, where riders are led by a knowledgeable guide along tree-lined paths that wind through the parks and, in some instances, onto bluffs that overlook lakes or rivers.

Most guided rides last about one hour. Hayrides are offered for large groups and chuck-wagon dinners can be booked for groups to enjoy real cowboy cooking offered by the stable operators.

For the younger, inexperienced horse lovers, you-lead pony rides are available for a minimal charge.

If you are fortunate enough to own a horse and have the freedom and expertise to ride the trails, nine other state parks have miles of open equestrian trails. Some have multiple riding areas within the park.

Parks include Arrowhead at Lake Eufaula, Foss in western Oklahoma, Great Salt Plains near Jet, Lake Murray, McGee Creek near Atoka, Osage Hills near Pawhuska, Robbers Cave, Roman Nose, and Walnut Creek near Prue. Equestrian campgrounds at these parks include hitching posts, some campgrounds with recreational vehicle sites that include water and electrical hookups, tent sites and comfort stations for campers.