Thanks to my beautiful fiancee Stacia, I have been fully introduced to horses and horseback riding and I love it! I took two lessons last year and after a long gap I finally took my third riding lesson.
Stacia has a handsome bay Appendix Quarter Horse named Teddy (pictured on left). He is a ten-year old Thoroughbred (race horse) and Quarter horse. My ultimate goal is to be good enough to ride him confidently.
Me and Teddy
The horse lesson was on a wonderful horse named Dee, who just happens to be 28 like me. I spent the 30 minutes working on trotting and posting. It looks easy but for a newbie like me, it is quite the workout on the legs (and I have strong hiking legs).
The entire time we were riding (and afterward) I could listen and watch birds all over the horse farm. Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks serenaded me constantly from the hay fields. Tons of Killdeer were picking through the mud and Barn Swallows were everywhere.
Sitting up atop a horse you have a commanding view and can pretty much go through any terrain. Talk about the perfect way to go birding! Some day I would love to go birding on horseback and in northern Illinois there are a surprisingly high number of places to do just that.
Teddy . . . what a handsome guy!
I’ve been following your blog for a while now, but wondered what your relationship with Stacia was. Now I know! Congratulations.
I have been horseback riding since I was ten (I’m 38 now) and I have always said it is one of the best ways to get close to nature. I have seen more birds and other wildlife close up when riding than any other time. Enjoy!