The Lee Family: Summer Vacation Day 3: Andy's Trail Rides

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Summer Vacation Day 3: Andy's Trail Rides

We returned to our little stinky hotel room and changed into jeans and tennis shoes, although Sofia had brought her boots, so she looked like a "real rider." The girls were beyond excited and couldn't wait to get to Andy's Trail Rides and get on a horse! It was a short drive to Andy's and his place was very rustic. We were his only riders for the 2-hour ride and we would be going with Andy! There was another foursome who arrived just after us, but one of Andy's helpers would be leading them on their ride. We were so lucky to go solo with Andy. Andy and the young ladies who helped him selected horses for each of us. Sofia was given Indy, Olivia rode on Annie, CK was on Babe and I rode Sasha. Once we were all mounted, we headed out from the barn following Andy. Within minutes we were in a clearing with a spectacular view of the area around us, which was beautiful. The girls were giddy, they were so excited! We started walking on a path through the trees and Andy explained the area as we continued through the meadow and up a hill. I rode in the back since Sasha was a bit slow, but it allowed for some great picture taking as we rode. He led us through a huge cut made in the granite and explained that it was made by hand by Chinese works who built the railroad that served the area in the 1850/60s. We walked along what was the original rail line for a good portion of our ride. It was a huge undertaking, even by today's standards. I couldn't imagine what it took to create the rail line without the use of modern tools.

We continued on our way after several photos and before long, we were trotting and then galloping! The girls LOVED it! They couldn't believe they had "actually galloped" and Olivia couldn't wait to tell her friend Marisa, who she had just completed horse camp with the week before. The ride lasted the full two hours and we spent equal time walking, trotting, and galloping! It was so much fun! At one point, Andy told us we had to copy him as he rode - and he held both arms straight out as we cantered. It was so invigorating and fun. Along the ride, we saw several deer. Andy also had both girls take turns leading our group and gave them pointers on how to make sure each of their horses responded to them.

Once we returned to Andy's barn, we asked where he kept his horses, and he told us that at the end of the day, he and the girls would untack all of the horses and they had freedom throughout the several hundred acres, with access to lush grass and water. Andy explained that he and his girls would arrive the next morning and tack up the horses that arrived "to work." He said if horses stayed away, they wouldn't be ridden that day. It sounded so perfect and obviously the horses were very happy and well taken care of with Andy. It was such a fun ride and the highlight of our trip for the girls!

We were all dirty and happy after our ride and decided to eat dinner at Stamphill, which is right next to our hotel in Lead. The weather was perfect to sit outside and we were lucky enough to get the last table! It was an absolutely perfect evening! The food was great and just what we needed after our fun day! The girls played on the hill next to the small patio after we ate and then we returned to our room and went to bed!

The girls are SO excited to get started!