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Lets put together a picture of a day horseback riding in Breckenridge….. Hotel phone rings, “This is Megan at front desk, your shuttle is here”. Excitement builds, you call next-door to rouse your crew. “Saddle up boys!, shuttle is here”. Suit up - pull on chaps, leather cowboy boots, cloth bandana and straw cowboy hat with your check shirt and jeans. Take the stairs to the lobby 6 cowboys with raybands and aviators heading out on an adventure. Most companies who organize Horseback Riding in Colorado provide shuttle pick up services…. Hop into the shuttle, driver: “where you guys from” We’re from California! “California Cowboys!!” Drive to the ranch. Pass epic scenery: Red Mountain, Buffalo Mountain, Cross Colorado River. Mist rising on Lake Dillon. Going to be an epic day. Arrive at the ranch greeted by our guide for the day….”You boys look the part, but can you ride?” Our group is enthusiastic but truth is we have never ridden before. Excitement rises. We saddle horses. Ranch has epic views . Winding trail. Set off single file. Gold rush remnanats. Rustic Wooden Cabins either side. Cows and sheep grazing in pens. Splash! First horse goes into the water. River current strong but our horses are stronger. Guide reaches the far bank, turns watches the troop make the crossing. Horses breathing loudly, cowboy boots and chaps dripping. Smiles all round. Good Start. Horseback riding in Colorado is the best way to access the best Rocky Mountain views….Trek Upwards. Birds Singing. Light wind blowing, some aspen leaves turning. Deep greens browns and golds, scattered wildflowers waving in the breeze. Steep terrain, surefooted horses. Gentle ribbing within the group; “Hurry up McCoy your slowing down the wagons!” Hey Martinez you’re horse is asleep”. Trail winds up through varying landsape….Move from dusty trail onto grass covered plains to pine needle path to rocks and bare earth. Surefooted horses, guide leads the way, comments on history, geography and pokes fun. One of the group now. Grand finale is the all day ride to Williams Peak, overlooking the Gore Mountain range…11,000 feet, top of the world. 36O views horses wait patiently. Group photos, food passed round, guitar strumming. Gore range in distance, snowcapped peaks, evergreens, darkening sky. Horseback riding in Colorado is they way to reconnect with the old west….Begin descent, single file, everyone quiet, submersed in their own thoughts,. Beauty of the scenery, stillness in the air. Temperature drops 4/5 degrees, cools the horses. Sun sets, oranges and pinks flood the sky, spill down the mountain. Clarke’s aviators reflect the scene. Horses smell home, whinney, speed up. Jack rabbit bolts from cover, horses start, we rein them in. Cross the river, stable looms, cabins, lights, home. http://aspencanyon.com/activities/summer-activities/horseback-riding
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