Most of our adventures are human powered. We hike, we snowshoe, we climb mountains. Occasionally we make use of other modes of transport when we go fishing or ride bikes. But horses are a different matter entirely.
On our way home from a fishing expedition in Eastern Washington Grandpa Jack decided we needed to go horseback riding at Sun Mountain Lodge. The kids have ridden horses before on our 2013 Oregon Road Trip, but only in a very controlled setting. In fact, it was so controlled they were led around the paddock by a cowboy that walked with them. This would be their first time actually riding a horse they had to control.
The ride began as we were paired with horses. The kids, relative newbies, were matched with gentle horses that were well mannered. Grandpa Jack and I, with a history of horseback riding, were assigned to horses that might have minor issues. As you might expect, there were no wild stallions that needed to be broken. All the horses were perfectly suited for the inexperienced.
The trail was mostly single track with a little road walking in spots. We had three guides. One led, one trailed, and the other floated up and down the line. Although there were 10 riders, it felt like it was just us because we were the first five behind the lead guide. The horses behaved themselves, but better than a sedate ride was the engagement with the guides.
Henry and Lilly were first and second among the guests and they talked the ear off the poor lead guide. Clara was next and then me, so I didn't hear much of what the front three were talking about, but it was nonstop. The lead guide was a college student and could have been there just to lead the line of horses, but she was fully invested in ensuring the kids had a great time.
Clara was too far from the lead to talk with her, but had a great time talking with the guide that moved up and down the line. In addition to being open to any topic of discussion from Clara or Grandpa Jack, she helped us keep our horses in line.
Clara's horse needed a little encouragement to keep up, but Clara was a little timid to give her mount a solid kick. Our guide gave her a switch to use, but I think Clara's use was more like that of a feather tickling the beast.
The route traverses a hillside before descending into an aspen grove. This is the low point of the trail and then the horses have to climb back up out of the trees onto the open slopes and to the big views.
The kids pretended to be disgusted, but were laughing the whole time as the horses stopped for a bathroom break. It's a great reminder of how big the horses are when they let loose with a couple quarts of urine.
All along we saw wildlife. Mostly in the form of deer, but also grouse and rabbits. The best was a doe and fawn in the shade of a tree near the end. The horses remained the stars, though, and the final bonus was taking them for a drink after we returned to the stable.
The hour and a half trail ride was a big win for the kids and added a new type to our usual stable of adventures. (See what I did there?) It's more expensive than going for a hike, but definitely worth it. If you can fit it in to your next trip to the Methow Valley you really should do it.
