Tried horseback riding for the first time at the Madonna Inn with my partner (as I wrote this I am languishing by the fire in the Yosemite Falls room in a fabulous floral robe). I will admit, I though horseback riding would be like hiking with a ride but there was a lot more to it than that!
My lovely horse’s name was Cherokee and she was a beautiful white and brown mix mare. My partner’s horse was a cute but impish brown stallion named Sundance.
The first challenge was getting on the horse. As a chubby explorer I required a horse who could handle my weight (all riders have to provide height and weight info before the experience to get matched with the appropriate horse). Because I am large, I needed a larger horse to handle my weight, but that also meant the horse was very tall and sadly I’m a shortie at 5’2”. However, the people working with the horses were consummate professionals and taught us how to first put one foot in the foot holder, gave us a big boost and then had us sit and adjust our foot in the other strap. Having my feet in the strap was not a resting posture. You touch only with your toes and have your heals free to if in an emergency you fell off the horse, you wouldn’t get trapped/trampled.
The next challenge was balance! I kind of assumed that you just kind of sit there as the horse trots along and that’s kind of true except that you have to be careful to stay balanced so as to not fall off the horse. When going downhill, lean back to counterbalance the weight. Stay centered in the saddle (which feels a lot harder than it sounds). Hold onto the saddle to stay in position and the reins to steer (although mostly the horse will just follow the trail for you).
The last challenge? Equine distraction! We were the last tour before dinner and these cuties knew it. To keep them from stopping and snacking before dinner we pulled up firmly on the reins. We also pulled up on the reins to avoid tailgating between the horses who were walking in a line one behind the other. Overall I loved horseback riding! It involved a leg muscle hurting pointe toe posture and a lot of awareness of balance and center of mass but it is as beautiful: the gorgeous steep terrain with spring green hills, the beautiful views of water and city, and bonding with my sweet horse Cherokee for the hour we had together was a very special experience. I would highly recommend giving horseback riding a chance but only with very well trained professionals like we had at the Madonna Inn.
Millennial's Delight 