27. Horseback Riding — Sixty to Sixty

The thing that scared me the most about the idea of horseback riding? Fear. I was afraid I would be afraid.

As a kid, I rode horses a lot. I never once felt the least little prickle of fear. Getting up close and personal to groom them made me happy, and I loved nothing more than jumping and galloping at full speed.

In my teens, though, I chose skiing over going all-in with horses, and I stopped riding. Years later I got on my friend’s horse, and for the first time in my life I thought, “This animal is huge, and could kill me.”

That happened about 25 years ago, and I haven’t ridden since. So when my nephew, Eric, and his wife, Katherine - a horse vet and lover of all things equine - offered me the opportunity for a lesson, I felt a bit of trepidation. Excited, but scared that I’d be scared.

Then I met Rio.

Come on, would you feel scared around that pretty face? She’s the most gentle soul, and thankfully, I didn’t feel afraid for one second.

Eric and Katherine live in Orange County, California, and graciously hosted my daughter and me for a few days after I picked her up from her summer dance intensive at UC Irvine. On the day of my lesson we first spent some time at the barn where they board their own two horses, then went over to the Peacock Hill Equestrian Center in Orange, where Eric rides.

It was love at first sight when I met Rio. We bonded over carrots, then Eric showed me the ropes (literally - he taught me how to make knots in the lead that easily unravel with one pull). Then my lesson began with my instructor, Olivia, showing me how to put the halter on Rio, hook her up at the outdoor stand, and groom her: curry comb, hard brush, soft brush, hoof pick, and finally, mane comb. After I finished grooming, we put the bridle, pads and saddle on and buckled her up.

Then time to mount up and ride!

I think horseback riding is a bit like riding a bicycle; while I had a lot to learn, I definitely didn’t feel like a first-timer.

I went from walking with Olivia holding the lead, to walking on my own - steering Rio close to the fence instead of letting her take shortcuts of her own device - to trotting. I forgot how much energy posting takes (standing and sitting in rhythm with the horse’s gait as she trots). Or maybe that’s just my age …

My goal for this adventure was galloping, and while it was unrealistic to think Olivia would let me go full throttle on my first lesson, I did get to canter. Close enough! That was SO MUCH FUN.

Olivia is knowledgeable and a terrific teacher. If you live in SoCal and want to ride, I highly recommend a few lessons with her.

I didn’t want to say goodbye to sweet Rio. Will I ride again? Maybe. I can’t see myself jumping into the horse life on a regular basis, but a riding vacation - exploring the vineyards of France from the saddle, perhaps, or seeing Machu Picchu on horseback? Now that’s a dream worth having …

This one was free; Eric and Katherine generously gifted me this lesson. Thanks, you two!!