Horse Riding in UTAH

Mark ready to ride on Tough

Saturday Morning was amazing!  We loaded up the car and headed out for the other side of the mountain to go horse back riding.  We arrived just in time, but when we got there we noticed that Alan, Julie, and the rest of the family didn't make it.  

The trail leader said, "let's take this group out, and then we will do the rest later."  So we saddled up and headed out.  This is the first time Robert, Marissa and Devon have been on a horse.  Yahoo!  Here we go.  Robert didn't like being behind Marissa and me, so he took his horse Rubin to the lead - look how happy he looks.  

Robert taking the lead

We were taking a nice walk through a clearing before heading into the forest and we saw a MOOSE!  It is the black image in this photo.  The trail guide said it is very rare to see them, maybe only once a month.  What a treat - I don't think any of us have ever seen a live moose - especially in the wild.  Marissa's horse started trotting over to the moose.  The trail guide had to stop her.  We watched as the moose moved from the south side of us to the north side, and then we traveled on.  TOO COOL!

see the moose

After riding for a while the guide took us across a river (creek) and then back across and that is where we got to let the horses take a drink.  It was a load of fun.  Mark's horse, Tough liked to eat the vegetation while riding - he was told "no" several times.

Mark and Betsy on their horses

Marissa had a great time!  She road a horse named, Alice.  She was a great horse.

Betsy road on a horse named, Chief!  He was a great horse, too.  He knew exactly what to do and didn't try to go off the trail or anything.  We road in a walk and a trot.

Betsy on Chief

Robert was our champion!  He did great - he was so excited about the horse ride.  We actually wanted to go again (actually all of us wanted to ride again).   

Devon had a great time riding, Patriot.  Patriot was a lazy horse.  He liked to walk very slow and then trot or gallop to catch up.  He was off in his own world, but Devon didn't mind as long as he could see us in the distance.  Eventually Patriot decided to catch up.  

Devon on Patriot

 What a great experience.  We road for approximately 1 hour and had such a great time!

After the horse ride, Devon showed signs of an allergic reaction.  He was getting itchy and hives.  Thank goodness, Laurel had some Benedryl with her - mine was back at the Lodge, 25 minutes away.  Devon slept most of the day as a result of the Benedryl but it was worth it.  It kept the allergies away.