003 – Marshall Creek Ranch

Photo of author
Written By DFW Best

The best people, businesses, adventures, and experiences in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Texas.

Shandra Doran, the owner of Marshall Creek Ranch (MCR), has spent the last 23 years teaching children and adults how to ride and work with horses in Southlake, TX.

One of the best things about visiting Marshall Creek Ranch is that people come to the ranch for a good time. Shandra’s motto is “Making Memories,” she wants you to leave your problems outside the gate. 

All of their horses are gentle in nature and lovingly cared for, and they are picky about which horses they own and let the public ride.

Marshall Creek Ranch is the only Trail Riding Facility in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex that allows “ride-alongs.” Their ride-along program allows four to six-year-olds not ready to ride alone to join a family trail ride. The four to six-year-olds ride along with one of their seasoned staff, “Wranglers,” in a double saddle. The kids sit in front of the Wrangler in the saddle, so they have a safe and amazing ride!

MCR is also the only Trail Riding facility that can accommodate heavier riders. They own and utilize large draft horses that allow larger riders up to 300 lbs to experience the thrill of riding a horse in the great outdoors.

MCR accepts adults or kids of all races, religions, cultures, preferences, groups, or solo riders. 

Shandra said the biggest challenge with operating a horse ranch is overcoming a city or township’s need for growth. Cities often remove nature, woodlands, and lakeshores and replace them with buildings. Green space is disappearing at an alarming rate, and future generations may only see wildlife in a secured state park that they pay to visit if they don’t support and protect property for outdoor activities. As Shandra says, “I don’t think we know how lucky we are that we currently have room to roam.”

The most frequently asked questions we address in this podcast are:

  • Are helmets provided, or should I bring my own?
  • Are there weight restrictions for riders?
  • Can my children ride even though they’ve never been on a horse?
  • Can we ride even though it’s raining?
  • Do people fall off a lot?
  • Do you have to have experience to ride?
  • How long is a typical trail ride at Marshall Creek Ranch?
  • What if my horse takes off while I’m riding?
  • What is the minimum age requirement for horseback riding?
  • What should I wear for the horseback riding adventure?

Contact Info For Marshall Creek Ranch:

This podcast is made possible thanks to the generous support of Funeral Funds of America. Contact your podcast host, Randy, at www.funeralfunds.com or (888) 862-9456 for all your life insurance needs.