Happy Trails Indeed Double Mountain Horse Ranch Offers Adventure, Renewal

Mark Ellis, The Northwest Connection, Assistant Editor
Margo Goodman, owner, Double Mountain Horse Ranch
Hitting the trail at Double Mountain

On a gorgeous spread of farmland plateau above the Columbia River outside Hood River stands the Double Mountain Horse Ranch. It’s hard to imagine a better place for those seeking the adventure and renewal that comes from riding a beautiful trail on horseback.

“Horses captured me from an early age,” says owner Margo Goodman.

When the opportunity arose seven years ago, Goodman made the decision to cash in her retirement account of $80,000 and purchase the ranch. “It has been a wonderful journey,” she says. “The Lord has had His hand in my life, guiding me and keeping me healthy through horsemanship.”

If variety is the spice of life, Double Mountain offers the ride of your life, with eight distinctive trail rides on offer, including a Waterfalls Ride, a Sunset on the Mountain Ride, and a Wine Tour ride that features visits to renowned local wineries. Views of two of Oregon’s spectacular mountains—Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams—are part of the experience.

Double Mountain also has the Pacific Crest Trail covered. Goodman’s expertise with horses and ranch management has enabled her to obtain an exclusive permit with the US Forest Service to conduct for-profit tours along a scenic stretch of the trail between the Herman Creek Trail and the Bridge of the Gods.

Goodman’s equestrian pursuits date back to early childhood, when she learned the ropes from a good friend, borrowed horses from nearby neighbors, and eventually became a 4-H leader in horseback riding. “Every single birthday party for my family featured horses,” she says, “and I always knew my party would be successful because most of my friends had not experienced the ability to ride horses.” Goodman—known around the ranch as “Alpha Mare” bought her first thoroughbred, a rescue from Portland Meadows, for $500.

Variety also distinguishes the breeds of horses that call Double Mountain home. Some examples: Bint and Stormy are Arabians, Risa is Pasa Finos (originally bred in Spain), Trapper is an American-bred Bay Morgan, and Hoo Doo is a Tennessee Walker. Whatever a guest’s skill level or desired horseback experience, the ranch promises to impeccably match ride with saddle and mount.

Goodman says, “I ask people what they want, and try to provide a healing, intimate experience for each individual.”

With adventure and natural beauty, also comes this healing aspect. “The horses strengthen us by giving us a bond with them,” says Goodman. “I think it has to do with the vibration of the animal underneath the human.” She is convinced that horseback riding can help troubled teens, comfort families and friends who have experienced loss, and renew the spirits of those who simply need to escape the stress and strain of modern life.

Goodman raised three children around horses, instilling them with the strong work ethic that comes with working on a ranch. Her children, a son and two daughters, have developed a community education Kid’s Camp that instructs 50 to 100 kids a year on the how to ride a horse. The camp enterprise is providing Goodman’s children summer jobs that will create a fund to help them attend college this fall. Feeling blessed, she values opportunities to give back to the community. She participated in the development of a calendar for the philanthropic Scripts Foundation, and has sponsored riders to raise money for an environmental effort to save the Snake River salmon.

Through such efforts, and affirmed by great reviews on the internet, Double Mountain has attracted national recognition. A blurb about the ranch is featured in the June issue of Martha Stewart Living.

Along the way, Goodman has stored a lifetime of great memories. “Weddings, honeymoons, helping families over a rough patch, are all part of my abundance of cherished memories,” she says. “Capturing that special moment on the trail, that special photo, helping a 90-year-old cowboy who still wants to feel like a rancher.”

Yes, that’s Snoop Dogg with Margo on the Waterfall Trail

She particularly remembers the time rapper Snoop Dogg booked a trail ride for himself and his daughter. “At the end of our adventure I asked him to take a photo with me, because my teenage daughters would never believe I spent the day in the woods with his family.”

“Snoop Dogg showed me how to take my first selfie,” reveals Goodman.

Margo Goodman offers up a final memory that sums up the essence of what her life and work at Double Mountain Horse Ranch is all about. “Sitting in a circle of prayer, holding hands while on horseback, thanking the Lord for all of His provisions.”

“It’s a full plate, fifteen acres of land, fifteen to twenty horses,” she says, concluding the interview. ‘My office is a saddle in the woods, and I love it!”

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