On Saturday, while getting refill sodas (an addiction that was recently downgraded to an irrational and compulsive habit) we got a call from some neighbors asking if we would join them in an afternoon of horseback riding.
After reflecting on our previous experience with riding horses (together we have a total of 27 minutes riding time, on paved roads, with somebody walking the horse, giving free 20-foot rides to children 5 and younger), we were confident we were up for the challenge and said yes.
We drove down to a quaint, little ranch about 20-30 minutes away, and became real cowboys (now, if we could only be friends with the farmers).
We brushed the pretty horses (meet Mohawk).
We learned how to saddle them and how to get on.
Paul got it first try.
It took me a little longer, however clearly, I managed it with far more grace and sex appeal.
We rode double, so this firm and fit bod was riding bareback, on a wet saddle blanket (yet I managed to come out free of rash or chaffing, though I was in wet jeans for almost 6 hours).
Our friend and guide, Joey, has a theory that if you start with the most difficult thing, then everything else seems easy.
So within our first couple minutes, he had us on the main road, crossing the freeway entrance, the freeway exit, and going up the steepest freaking hill I have ever seen in my life, actually, it wasn't even a hill, it was a small mountain, and not even a solid small mountain, but a small mountain made of loose rock.
That was hands down the scariest thing I have ever done in my entire existence (did I mention I was riding in back, behind a totally inexperienced rider, trying to maneuver a horse into switchbacks, bareback, because that is what was happening).
The hand of the Good Lord was with us yesterday, because I am still alive. And if ye lack faith and seek ye a sign, call me. I will testify. I am alive, therefore I am a witness.
We made it up probably 2/3 of the mountain, before Joey let us hop off and walk the remainder of the hill.
The pictures seriously do not remotely tell the story of how steep or treacherous this place was, but if it helps to visualize, the hill was so steep that my foot on the upside of the hill was nearly touching the ground while I was on the horse.
(This is after we got off, and once we had hiked past the rocky terrain, it was so steep, you can't even see the rocky area)
The cute horse at the top of the hill with Jana (the horse's owner and Joey's gf)
It was actually kind of refreshing to be petrified scared. I tend to play it safe, and I don't venture out on my own, but I do appreciate when somebody kinda makes me, every now and then.
The remainder of the ride was smooth sailing, but that may have been because Joey was babysitting us the rest of the way.
For a first ride, I think we did well. In fact, we are hardly sore at all.
We are not sure when Joey and Jana will allow us the pleasure of spending time with them and their beautiful creatures again, but we will be ready, and we will conquer.
16 comments:
I love your title! Hahah... I've always wanted to ride a horse but never have. Nice job! Fun pics!
That looked so fun!
Thanks Audrey...I must admit though, it was not my idea. Paul was saying it the whole time we were riding.
Fun! Paul looks like Dad when he wears that hat. hee hee.
I'll have to make sure he knows that.
And you lokked pretty doing it. Way to stare death in the face!
poor horse
No kidding. It had a wet saddle blanket, 300lbs on it's back, and it was going straight up. The poor boy was seriously soaking in sweat when we were done.
My sister and I used to ride bareback and double. I always rode in the back, and her favorite thing was to take off at a gallop up hills to see if she could make me slide off the back end.
That was the worst part of the mountain. I was seriously hanging on for dear life.
Paul looks right at home on that horse. It's in his blood. And you were so right about your grace and sex appeal.
Your mom said "Poor horse!"
Was that rude?
I totally feel the same way for the little sweetie. It was a long hard day, and their only reward was a couple of freaking carrots. Lame.
Hilarious post! Loved the "grace and sex appeal" comment. :)
My BFF in high school had 2 horses so we went riding regularly. Horses can be very intimidating if you're not used to them, but it sounds like you guys did a GREAT job! (And the photos attest to the "fun that was had by all"...)
Not so sure about Joey's "Life Philosophy" though... glad no one fell down the mountain. :)
i hope you saw us while he was sitting on the counter letting his spit slowly slip from his mouth to the counter...that was the cutest part of our trip :) you'd better say hello next time!
So you're funny. I've just added you to my blog roll to replace a blog that turned out to be A Big Mistake. I'll be checking on you!
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