Horseback riding...twenty years later

As a belated birthday present (for me) Drew and I finally went horseback riding this past weekend.  I was a little nervous since the only fond memories flashbacks I have of horseback riding come from an ill-fated overnight trip at Woodward camp (a gymnastics camp in Pennsylvania) when I was eight or nine.  All I can remember is that I made the mistake of putting my hair half up (tight and on top of my head, because that was cool back then) and then having to wear a riding helmet.  A few minutes into the ride my ponytail holder was drilling a hole into the top of my head under the helmet with every bumpy step - and I was too shy to say anything about it.  So I lived with it, for the whole day.  The fact that I remember that detail tells you something, right?  I can't remember the horse at all but I remember the ponytail debacle, and that has been enough to keep me from riding for oh, about twenty years or so.  Why I decided to do this for my birthday, you ask?  I'm not sure - I just bet that pretty fall colors and mountain views had something to do with it (damn pretty colors...they get me every time).

Well after that intro you probably think that we had a horrible time.  We didn't at all - it was pretty fun!  Sure I was nervous at first, and I didn't wear my cowgirl hat 'cause I thought like I might look like I was trying too hard, and anytime we got to a canter I thought I was going to fall out of my saddle (luckily that wasn't all that often) - but overall it was great!  We did a half day ride and we were the only people who booked that day, so we had the trip, and guide, all to ourselves.  I think that made a world of difference - Drew has a hard time when he feels like he's in a "class" since he has the "I can do anything, even the first time" mentality - and he's usually always right.

So we went out with our guide Leah, and after a little horse recall at about a mile or so (apparently we got out before the owner got there and he needed a few of the horses we were on) we ended up with Merle in the lead (begrudgingly), me on Intrepid in the middle, and Drew bringing up the rear on Jonesy.  All beautiful, even Merle who was a donkey/horse mix.  He looked like a Merle, and acted like one, too.  Merle was stubborn and ornery, and we didn't know it at the time but he just truly didn't want to lead the show.  He did much better when Leah finally gave up the lead and let us go ahead.  Merle seemed to fall right in line after that, as if that's what he wanted all along and it was us (ridiculous people) who just couldn't get it right.  Drew took the lead on Jonesy and all was right with the world.  My horse, Intrepid, just liked to be up close and personal with Jonesy's behind - and seemed content to stay there the whole trip no matter how much space I tried to create.

So yes we were sore the next day, but the experience, and the views were well worth it.  We had incredible views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, and even Turquoise Lake (complete with campsites - that's where we're considering taking the canoe one of these weekends).  I got over the whole ponytail debacle (no helmets this time, but I was prepared either way) and even had a fun time nuzzling with my man Intrepid afterwards before we left to drive back home.  I had the camera most of the time, so get ready for some pictures of the "behind the scenes" pictures.  Or maybe scenes of the "behinds".  Ha...