On our second day in Lava Hot Springs we went on a guided horseback ride. Our guide, Andon, was patient and charming. He asked us about our skill levels and matched us up with horses that we could handle, putting me in the back to make sure we all stayed together.
When I started thinking about this post, it suddenly occurred to me that not everyone has been horseback riding. I have always been crazy about horses. We had family friends with horses so I loved them from a young age. I read books about them, drew them, and wrote stories about them. I once asked my parents if I could have one. “We could keep it in the garage and I would ride it every day,” I explained.
The first time you walk up to a horse, it can seem Very big! Of course, some are bigger than others. Once you get settled on the saddle though, it doesn’t seem quite so big…maybe. I went with my younger daughter to meet her horse and showed her how to let him smell her hand before she gently stroked his nose and forehead. It was so sweet watching her first interactions with him. Andon helped us all get in our saddles and showed my girls how to use the reins.
Although I rode quite a bit when I was younger and had my oldest daughter in lessons when she was five, none of us had been on a horse for 15 years. I was really wondering if we were going to be able to walk after a two-hour ride. I could remember walking bowlegged for a while the first time.
There was much excitement as we mounted our steeds and prepared to ride! We left the paddock and rode single-file behind our fearless leader, up into the hills outside of Lava Hot Springs. The horses knew what to do, although I had been warned that mine liked to stop and snack if I didn’t keep her on task. I felt muscle memory return as we rode and remembered why I had always enjoyed riding so much. With the exception of a little trot now and then to catch up, we only walked. I wished that we could canter a bit but it wasn’t that sort of ride.
If you haven’t ridden before, when a horse walks there’s a kind of rhythm. If you let yourself move with the rhythm it’s more comfortable. I was taught to hug the horse’s body with my legs and keep my heels down, but if you try to hug too tight, that’s when your muscles are going to be angry after a couple of hours.
When the horse begins to trot, it can be Very uncomfortable because you bounce up and down on the hard saddle. If you keep your heels down with your weight on the stirrups it doesn’t hurt so much. When he begins to go a little faster, into a canter, you can ride with the rhythm again; it’s not so bouncy. There is nothing quite as exhilarating as riding a galloping horse. I have heard it compared to riding a motorcycle but better because you are connected to nature through this magnificent animal. Feeling that speed and power, being connected to it and hopefully in control of it. The feeling of utter freedom, as if you are flying.
We started out on flat ground, crossing some fields, and headed for the hills. As we climbed up and down, we went through several different types of vegetation. Sometimes the land was forested and sometimes it consisted mostly of low-growing brush. The trail varied from flat and winding to steep and deeply rutted. One of the horses in front of me was making me nervous, because he seemed to be losing his footing on the steep gravel, but it seems he just had a hitch in his giddy-up!
Andon stopped at a particularly scenic spot and had us line up for a picture. Unfortunately, we still had that smokey sky from some recent fires so the photo is not as clear as it could have been.
By the time he asked us if we were doing ok and announced that we were about 40 minutes out, we were getting a little tired. The return ride was hot and steep and dusty; I was feeling a little sorry for my horse.
We all had a great time but two hours was plenty, especially since none of us had been riding for a very long time. When we returned to our starting point and dismounted, I put my hands on my horse’s face and she snuggled me for a second. That made me so happy, my heart sang a little! I was pleased that I didn’t hurt and I wasn’t walking funny…but my bottom did feel kind of bruised the next day.
If you happen to be near Lava Hot Springs, I would highly recommend Horseback Adventures. One and two-hour rides are available and appropriate for any level rider. You will have an amazing time whether you are an experienced rider or a first-time beginner. Andon said people even bring young children. I think that the landscape might be prettier a little earlier or later in the season, when it’s not quite so hot and dry, but it was still a magnificent ride. If you are looking for ways to make memories with your kids, this is a great one!
If you would like more information you can visit their website here.
That’s a great way to spend a summer! My nieces do lots of riding! They rent a horse monthly fees that allow them access to work with the horse. I didn’t even know that was an option! Have a great day! Looking forward to seeing more of your family adventures!
The absolute best, when you visit places like these, are people like Andon. They know their stuff, are professional and can make your experience unforgettable! Also, I love horses 😀 When you treat them right and ride together with them, it is the best thing ever.