Archive for June, 2010
A Checkmark on the Bucket List: Horseback Riding
Wagonwheel Ranch - Hamner, ON
Well, I finally took Jason horseback riding again. This time I went on the trail with him. I would have to say it was the most harrowing 45 minutes of my recent life. I was scared out of my mind.
The horse I was on, his name was Hondo. Lost control of him a couple of times. Dude likes to eat what looks like ferns. A LOT.
Jason was on Sitka. She’s a very well mannered mare that he rode two years ago. Jason had a lead/guide taking control of his horse. Lucky him.
I have to thank whatever or whoever above for letting me figure out pretty fast how to keep Hondo at a walk. Trotting for me is NO FUN! I’m also grateful that some parts of the ride seemed to come naturally. I figured out on slopes we were going down to lean back to keep center of gravity in check and to lean in forward on the inclines.
I think if I weighed less, wasn’t afraid of heights, had better balance (yes, even while sitting), horseback riding would be super fun. To be honest for the most part, I don’t remember much of the actual ride. All I know is that we just got out of sight of the stables and I was asking myself if we could go back now…
I have been saying NEVER AGAIN. But at this point I don’t know if that is going to be true. After I’ve gotten over the fears and whatnot, and my adrenaline came back to normal levels, I’m thinking it’s something that I could do again repeatedly. I need to best that horse. LOL Who knows, it might help me with my height issues, not to mention the utter agony I was in after I was finished the ride, it gave me a full body workout. So yeah, I might go again….. and soon!