Storybook Ranch, McKinney

Rowlett Creek burbles through Storybook Ranch, adding a finishing touch to a picturesque landscape where horses roam and the memories of the Old West burn bright. Founded by longtime horseman Wayne Kirk, the ranch hosts horseback-riding programs and events that not only keep the equestrian spirit alive, but also help keep horses themselves alive.

On Horseback

Wayne Kirk wanted to establish a ranch that served underprivileged kids and unwanted horses. For the latter, a horse rescue and sanctuary rehabilitates and retrains steeds so they can nuzzle with students during the ranch's riding programs. These classes and camps help aspiring riders learn good horsemanship, including how to care for a horse, how to ride properly, and where to find the horse's turn signals. Guests can also befriend the stable's horses during rides along the ranch's tree-lined trails.

A Friendly Ghost Town

On exploring the ranch, one might come across a cluster of Old West–era buildings. If so, they've found Dry Bones, a historic and abandoned town that still stands on the ranch's 19 acres. The rustic town is a prime spot for weddings, graduations, and other celebrations—as well as a place to see how people from the 1800s lived without smartphones, televisions, or the Clapper.