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...
