I arrived at the ranch in early afternoon. Tired from my journey and sore from an earlier hiking trip I was glad Michelle wasted no time in showing me to my cozy room. She suggested that I take advantage of the hot tub to loosen my stiff muscles. As I entered the sauna the smell of wood acted like aromatherapy and I immediately began to relax.

I was the first to arrive for dinner. As I sat down two guests joined me, Jill and Jan, a mother and daughter from England who were visitng the ranch for a second time having enjoyed their first visit two years earlier. As I walked away after dinner I felt as if I were watching a cow-boy commercial. The staff all had the wholesome look of being comfortable around horses and things western.

The next morning after a hearty farm style breakfast we were ready for the ride. I learned how to brush and saddle my own horse. This was the first ride of our visit and was geared to make us comfortable, to aquaint us with our horses and with our cow-boy for the week. As we headed into the woods we were asked to remain with the group. That's when our cowboy started to explain how to handle our horses. I couldn't wait to learn all the basics so that I could join in on the faster rides later on during the week.

After my stay was over I realized how relaxed I was and how much I now know about horses. I can't wait to come back next year.

 

Sincerely,
Jill an Jan Poppy