Horseback riding is one of my all-time favorite outdoor sports. I don't get to do it frequently (because I don't have my own horse), and I am far from a pro at it, but I love it tremendously.
I started enjoying the outdoor sport of horseback riding when I was a teenager in high school. A friend of mine that lived nearby had horses, and she and I would take the occassional ride through the surrounding apple orchards between our homes.
The last two times that I have enjoyed this outdoor sport have been within the last few years. My husband and I discovered a cozy little inn called the Barkeater, set in the heart of the Adirondacks, near Lake Placid. They own horses, and they are more than willing to take people on an enjoyable trail ride. We make certain to take these rides every time that we can steal away for a weekend alone.
I'll never forget my first ride in the mountains. I fell back in love with the outdoor sport of horseback riding. I call it an outdoor sport, because you are definitely going to get a workout. It takes a lot of leg strength, arm strength, and back strength to ride successfully. Balance is also involved. I remember walking the horse, and then we were able to pick up the pace a bit to a trot. What really got me enjoying the ride was breaking out into a full gallop. My horse took off, and it was like I was twelve again. I was so giddy I even giggled as the wind blew past my face from the speed of the horse. I will remember that for a long, long time!
