Desert Riders celebrate 90 years
Since 1930, the Desert Riders have enjoyed the beauty of the Palm Springs landscape.
"The intricate part about Desert Riders is the camaraderie we all have. Annual barbecues, breakfast rides. Everything that's been traditional for many, many years is still alive and well now," said Jason Mascarenas, president of the Desert Riders.
Tuesday morning, the Desert Riders saddled up once again for their annual ride through Palm Springs.
"She's a ten-year-old, buckskin. I've had her for at least six years," Mascarenas said, referring to his trusty steed for this ride.
This year's ride has a bit more history behind it. The group celebrated its 90 years of riding and desert history.
"Palm Springs was basically started as a horse community so it's very important for us to retain some of that for the history," said Lea Douglass-Harrelson, a Desert Riders board member.
This morning, members rode through the Bud Furer trail, going through a golf course, crossing El Cielo and Farrell Drive.
"Many people might not know here on Farrell there's a crosswalk not only for people but also for horses," Doug Evans, a Desert Riders board member.
Palm Springs Police aided the riders, stopping traffic to allow the horses to safely cross.
"People sometimes even get out of their cars they take pictures the people on the golf course that are playing, they stop and take pictures and the pictures get sent all over the world," Evans said.
Desert Riders have been advocates for access into local mountains, part of their mission is maintaining the desert's majestic trails.
"In 90 years our group hasn't changed much. If you look at old pictures and new pictures, it looks like the same group of people. And we celebrate the spirit of camaraderie and horsemanship," Evans said.
