It’s important to try new things. Neither Emilie or I had been horseback riding since we were children, so when we had the opportunity to go for a tour in Soldier Hollow near Park City, Utah, we thought it was a great idea.
We arrived at the ranch around 9am for the first ride of the morning, which was to last about 2 hours.
It was a quaint little lodge under cover of large trees with a corral in front.
We were each assigned horses. Here’s Emilie with hers. We were told her horse was easy to ride and obedient.
My horse, on the other hand, was old and ornery.
The scenery alternated between the famously barren Utah landscape….
…and groves of trees bright with the colors of fall. I’ve never seen anywhere as colourful as Utah in the fall.
We ascended a long gradual hillside in the still quiet morning, enjoying the scenery. It was quite peaceful and relaxing.
At the top we stopped at the Crow’s Nest (said to be the original hunting camp of the Ute Indian tribe) for a quick break and to take some photos. Far off in the distance we spotted a moose grazing on a hillside.
On the way back down, the sunlight streaming through the dust kicked up by our horses made for some beautiful photos like this one of Emilie.
And this one taken by Emilie.
Here I am, back at the ranch after the ride, looking goofy and awkward on my horse.
It was a great morning. But, the ride was over, so it was time to hang up our spurs and head into town for some lunch. In celebration of our newfound cowboyness, I suggested we get “a mess o’ vittles”.
About the Trip
This trip was provided by Cloud 9 Living, a company specializing in experiences and experience gifts. They feel that, rather than give somebody another gadget that they don’t need, experience gifts are more personal offer something you don’t get from a physical gift — great memories.
Cloud 9 Living is currently running a 9 Days of Christmas contest in which they’re going to be giving away one experience each day for 9 days. Experiences range from spa pampering to stock car driving. Enter now on Cloud 9 Living’s website.
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What beautiful country for horseback riding. Beautiful fall pics. Hope your ornery horse didn’t give you too much trouble. 🙂
Such lovely, almost angelic photos!!! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Beautiful photos. For someone so close to Utah (2 hours) i still haven’t been. I think once I get my car fixed up a bit, if the weather is still nice enough I should go there.
P.s. I LOVE your horses model pose. Very haute couture.
Thanks Dani! If your car is working you should totally stop by!
Stunning!! Those fall colors are unbelievable. I went horseback riding for the first time recently since I was a kid. I was less brave than you!
It must have looked pretty similar to here except maybe a few less trees?
Actually, I have no idea what I’m talking about. I’ve only driven through Nevada once, and have never been to Vegas 😉