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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Cowgirls & Coronas

After having so much fun on the cattle drive in Santa Ynez, I finally made it back up there to go horseback riding on Sunday. Jen and I picked up some snacks & beer and drove past all the gorgeous wineries before driving down a long dusty road. We met up with a guy I know who works on the ranch and we saddled up 3 horses for the trail ride. The horses were cutting horses used for chasing cattle, so they were especially responsive.

I thought that Jen had ridden before, but it turns out she was a new rider. So we had a slow and easy trail ride. I was dying to pick it up a notch, so our "cowboy" stayed with Jen while I galloped out in front. It is one of the most amazing experiences...literally takes the breath right out of you.

Cowboy had a saddle bag with a cooler (!), so we downed quite a few Coronas along the way. After a stream crossing, we made it to a small cabin where we had gourmet cheese and crackers...goat cheese, brie, salami, and more Coronas! Cowboy's dog's name was Side, and he would swim on command in the cattle troughs and run ahead to chase the squirrels.

When we got back to the barn, Cowboy suggested that we race around a small track that he keeps free of debris and squirrel holes. I was a little nervous, but took off after him anyway. Wow...we ran the track at a full gallop twice and I could have kept going and going. I love the exhilaration that comes with being on a horse. And the horses were so well trained that for a moment I felt like a true cowgirl : )

I can't image a better way to spend the day. I was pretty sad to come home on Sunday and had to remind myself that I can go up there anytime and ride. And hopefully someday I'll be living on small ranch with a few horses, a "race track," streams, squirrels, and a great guy to share it with. Until then I'm dreaming of my next trip to Santa Ynez...


4 comments:

Amber said...

That looks SO SO fun! I miss riding horses and really need to do it again soon!

Anonymous said...

I've only rode horses once in my life! I am amazed that people do that so often- It is totally not for me but I know it must have been so much fun!

Anais said...

It's true, you can just go up there whenever and go riding!!! When I have a steady job I'd definitely love to bring horseback riding back into my routine :)

I forgot to mention: I love the new layout and the title!!

Anais said...

Hmmm, I don't think my comment posted...I think I said something along the lines that you're very lucky you can just go up there anytime and you should DEFINITELY take advantage of that :)

Oh yeah, and I love the new layout and title!