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Meet Caitlin Oponski of Corral West Horse Adventures in Goodyear, Waddell and West Valley

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Oponski.

Caitlin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I purchased Corral West at Estrella Mountain Park several years ago when I moved to Arizona from the Midwest. Corral West was an existing trail ride operation, but I saw an opportunity to continue to grow the business and save more slaughterhouse horses in the process… my true passion.

Four years later, we have expanded to the White Tank Mountains and have rescued over 40 slaughter-bound and at-risk equines. It’s been a great privilege to be a small business owner in Arizona and build an amazing community of customers, rescue advocates and more.

Has it been a smooth road?
In small business and animal rescue, there are always challenges, hoops to jump through and heartbreaks, but when your mission and purpose are clear, the struggles are just speed bumps. Having a positive support team is crucial for your mental health and longevity.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Corral West Horse Adventures is a seasonal trail ride operation located in the White Tank and Estrella Mountains. Beyond trail rides, we also offer corporate outings, Cowboy Cookouts, therapeutic riding lessons and more.

We are the only trail ride or dude ranch operation comprised of an entirely rescue horse herd. We plan to continue to grow the size of that herd, rehab others and adopt to private homes, rescue more horses, educate the public on horse slaughter, and provide a premier customer experience in the process.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
As a transplant, I am now a proud Phoenician. The business climate and unique clientele the gorgeous winter weather brings my business possible where it might not be elsewhere. We love having return customers every holiday season and have come to feel that they are part of our CWHA family.

I would highly recommend Phoenix, and Arizona as a whole, to any other young entrepreneurs. While many young people are fleeing our neighboring states due to limited opportunities, Phoenix is thriving and hospitable.

Pricing:

  • $40 per hour (regular ride)
  • $50 per hour (sunset ride)
  • $50 per hour lesson

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Justin Salem Meyer Photography, Emily Plecker Photography, Claire Planeta Photography

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