June 30 Horseback Ride

Chelsea and Mike

Anyone that knows Chelsea knows that a visit to Big Sky Country is never complete without the obligatory horseback ride. Chelsea begged and pleaded day after day for a trail ride somewhere, anywhere. She will be doing a full day of horseback riding during her camp but that would not be enough for her. She swears that she wants to own a horse some day and, based on the intensity of her conviction, I think I believe her.

Truth be told, I have enjoyed riding horses ever since I was a little tyke, whether it was on a pony going round in a boring little circle like a ride at the fair or a true trail ride like in Bryce Canyon (probably the best ride I have ever done). I used to play Cowboys and Indians as a kid and I have always had a romantic image of living in the west in the late 1800s. It would have been a difficult life but somehow I think I would have liked owning a horse and a pistol or two.

Starbuck

Starbuck was the horse I was initially assigned but unfortunately he was a bit gimpy. I had to laugh when I heard the name. It really should have been Laurie's horse with her love of coffee and all. He was a beautiful horse and I was a bit disappointed when I had to switch to the new horse named Chips. As it turned out Chips gave me the perfect ride, obeying every little command I gave and NOT eating the grass alongside the trail at every stop. Of course, these horses need little in the way of commands. They follow the next horse in line with little prodding. They've done this trail a thousand times before.

My Horse Chips and Chelsea on Her Horse Mike

It was a nice trail ride and I chose the 320 Guest Ranch so that we would go on a different route in the Big Sky area. Last year we did a trail ride with Jake's Horses. That ride was more scenic than this one but, as you can see from the photo below, this one wasn't all bad either. I guess I'm getting pretty spoiled with the scenery around here and the bar is constantly being raised for what I find photo-worthy.

Chelsea's horse, Mike, gave her a few problems here and there. He trotted ahead of a couple other horses at times. No worries. Chelsea is very comfortable in the saddle and thoroughly enjoys that connection between rider and horse.

Now she is looking forward to her full day in the saddle. Today, we drive her to the airport to meet her summer camp group. Let's hope she has a great experience beyond the one day of horseback riding.

Trail Ride with 320 Guest Ranch