I was incredibly excited and incredibly nervous too! As mentioned in my last post, this 50+ year old body wasn't quite in the same shape it was 32 years ago and after a run in with Ross River Fever, the joints aren't quite what they used to be either. However, mere details right? It's all about the adventure after all.
Back Country Saddles are 25 kms from Wanaka on the Crown Range Road and their base is situated in the old historic Woolshed on Cardrona Station. I set off and arrived about 15 minutes or so early, thinking I'd have time to get acquainted with the instructor and the horses. The place was surprisingly quiet though and I could only see two other cars. I wandered about and figured they wouldn't be too far away so used the few spare moments to eat an apple.
Ten minutes later and I was a little concerned. The ride I was booked on was supposed to leave in a few minutes and there was still no one to be seen. I had another look around and realised, cripes, I'm in the wrong place!!! The driveway I was supposed to go in should be directly opposite the Snow Farm Cross Country Ski Area and I definitely didn't see that when I drove in. Ack!
So quickly back out to the car, out the driveway and up the road about another 200 metres and the place I was meant to be was on the opposite side of the road, overlooking where I'd just been!
The other riders were on their horses and were waiting for this one last rider to arrive. Oops! Debs the instructor was lovely, we quickly went into the office/tack room to grab a helmet, weather proof jacket and sign some paperwork.
I'd mentioned to Debs in an earlier communication that I hadn't ridden for many years, so it was bit of a big deal for me and she was very reassuring telling me I'd be fine once I got going.
She helped me up onto the very tall horse, none of this springing up and over given I couldn't even reach the dang stirrups! I can't say it was a terribly graceful maneuver, so the dismount at the end was bound to be interesting!
Despite me being ever so organised with my warm gear, apple, and trusty camera, I realised I'd left my gloves back where I was staying in Wanaka. Ah well, how cold could it be? I was rugged up, had a warm scarf and weather proof coat, so all good.
The horses had their own place in the line, so we had to follow the rider in front and I was 3rd last in the queue. I was quite happy with this place as I had time to get re-acquainted with the whole riding thing without a huge audience and could gawk all I liked at the scenery.
We were in some of the high country between Wanaka and Queenstown, just below some of the snow clad alps. The light dusting of snow the night before saw it sitting a little lower down and while there was a light breeze, it wasn't too bad when we started off.
The track wound it's way around some of the hills on the property and across the fields up to the base of the mountains. It was a little slushy and smooshy in parts due to the snow and a little rain fall the day before.
The weather was a little changeable, looking fine for a while before becoming cloudy again, however, the rain stayed away for the ride. We rode to a scenic spot which of course was perfect for pics with the backdrop of the snow capped mountains behind us.
We were riding in western saddles which I've never ridden in before, so they took a little getting used to as the stirrups are worn a little lower than usual. That said, I think my stirrups were a little too low as it wasn't terribly comfortable as the ride went on, so a learning curve for next time.
We continued on and picked our way through a little snow across the countryside at the base of the mountains. It has it's own rugged beauty and around this time, a rather cool wind came up. I was wondering if I'd still be able to feel my fingers by the time we got back!
The ride went for around 2 hours and although I was a little disappointed we didn't get to do anymore than walk or trot, (I had visions of cantering across those fields!) it was great to be out in the great out doors on horse back again.
My fingers were partly frozen by the time we got back and as suspected, the dismount wasn't particularly graceful at all. I wasn't the only person though who was feeling a little stiff, I was delighted to notice the young people who'd been riding behind were walking just as gingerly as I was!
We went back into the old Wool Shed in front of the fire to warm up, get some warmth into our fingers again and get the limbs moving as they should before making our way back out to the car. As usual, I managed to take one last scenic pic before I left.
Once back in Wanaka, I swung by the farmer's market that is held on Thursday afternoon's and picked up a delicious lamb shank pie that went into the oven as soon as I got back to where I was staying. It was ready by the time I'd enjoyed a very hot shower and was a great way to warm up the insides along with a hot chocolate. Have to say it was a great experience and one I look forward to doing again!
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