As part of our honeymoon in Hawaii, we booked a private trail ride in the wilderness of Kauai at a place called Silver Falls Ranch. It was just Stacia and I with our guide, Bruce.
Stacia rode Budders
The ride took us through native and non-native plants across several hundred acres. Our view was spectacular almost the whole time and Bruce was funny, nice, and told us about the island and the plants and animals.
Because of our experience (mostly because Stacia is a pro) and because we did a private ride, we were able to trot and canter along many of the trails. At one point we even were galloping. It was an unbelievable feeling to go that fast, riding towards the mountains and in such a pristine, beautiful environment.
Although I had been riding for a couple years (taking lessons) this was my first trail ride and my first time galloping!
Me on Wheels
After a couple hours of riding we took a lunch break near a waterfall and swimming hole. Here we were visited by some Red-crested Cardinals, a White-rumped Shama, and a couple Cane Toads.
Cane Toad
White-rumped Shama
Right after lunch we swam a bit in the highly refreshing (freezing cold) waterhole.
Then we were back on the horses to finish our 3 hour trail ride.
There would be more photos of the scenery but taking pictures while cantering is not an easy task. And we would ride fast going towards the mountains, away from the stables.
The colors of the shama remind me of the Eastern towhee. I had to chuckle a bit at the red-crested cardinals, being a mainlander. Very cool to see, though!
Horseback riding’s awesome! It’s been too long since I’ve gone, myself. Glad you got to gallop, though! 😉