My husband and I went on the morning ride with Mike. It was the best vacation horseback ride we've ever been on. We had the bonus of being the only two with him. Of course it was beautiful. So why was this special?
Mike provided information about lightning strikes, trees, vegetation, etc. that I have never learned from a National Forest Ranger. He was very engaging. The photos he took with my phone were strategic and wonderful.
As I am not an experienced rider, I rode on sure and steady Cedar. The early part of the ride was relatively flat. By the time we reached the half way point when it became steep, my confidence in myself and trust in Cedar had grown. I loved it and felt safe. Mike taught and coached as needed, not more or less.
My husband is 6'2" so his horse Preacher was a tall, magnificent animal.
Of note: It's the first time I did not ache the day after a ride. I pro-actively took NSAIDS right after the ride. Wear a hat that secures and sunglasses. Have a good pocket for your phone, if you don't use a camera with a strap.
This was our best horse riding experience ever!