HORSEBACK RIDING IN BIG SKY
October 20, 2021
As much as it pains me to put it in writing... I just had another birthday, and it was a big one. Like one of those birthdays that they make special cards about... ya, I think that's the most I'll say about that. However, the town of Big Sky closes down in October because it happens to be the slowest month of the year in the area. So, there isn't a WHOLE lot to do, or a whole lot of restaurants open in town, making Croix's job of trying to make my birthday special, even harder. He had to work, but he brought me flowers and a grilled cheese with bacon for lunch... sunflowers, bread, cheese, bacon... so like, we could have called it a day then. After work, we got all dressed up and walked down to a local cocktail bar that we can see from our apartment, called Copper. After running into two of our new friends, and having a cocktail or two, our plans for the night changed. Instead of driving down the hill to a nice restaurant that's been suffering with staffing and quality, we decided to just stay local and try something new! So we walked about 100 yards, our two friends in tow, and tried out the place directly below our apartment, Blue Buddha Sushi. We had a great time for a Wednesday night in a town that's mostly shut down. But Croix assured me the real celebrating would take place that weekend. He is the worst at keeping surprises, well, surprises. But he managed to keep what we were doing on the down low up until a few moments before. I'm so proud of him.
I asked him how I should be dressed, and that was when I started putting the clues together. He said he wasn't sure how cold it would be where we were going, that my shoes would most likely be getting dirty, and that we would be outside the whole time. I asked if I needed to wear a mask, and he said... "you will be six feet away from everyone, including me." At this point, I was pretty sure, I had it figured out. We hopped in the car and drove about a mile from our house to a ranch, and I was immediately so excited- I knew it- we were horseback riding! I LOVE horseback riding, especially with spectacular scenery, like Lone Peak Mountain! There were only six others in our group, which was nice, there was still snow on the ground, and the sun was shining, so it was just perfect. My horse's name was Spandex... I asked why, and they said he's a rescue so they weren't sure, and I suspect it's probably better we don't know. Croix's horse was Mickey, and our horses stayed together pretty much the whole time, which was nice for us.
We went on a beautiful two hour ride through the mountains, through snow, streams, and trees. Apparently it was a different trail than they would normally take a group on because there had been a Grizzly Bear hanging out on that trail. So we went a different direction, where there was remains left by a wolf pack kill a few days before... so equally promising. Half way into this trail, our guide yells "Those are some big ass bear tracks!!! That must be a massive bear!".... huh? Sure enough, the trail we went on to avoid a Grizzly, had just recently within the last few hours had a Grizzly on it. And yes, the tracks were impressively large and very fresh. Exciting! We weren't forty-five minutes into the ride, when Spandex started to show he was struggling, big time. He was breathing/huffing/panting like he was carrying a 300 pound man, and you could hear him from 20 yards away. Let me tell you, it sent my confidence, already bruised from a recent turn of age, through the roof. The guide, who was four horse lengths ahead of me, stopped to turn around and inform us that Spandex is out of shape from being on break for the last month. Wonderful. One of our fellow riders looked at my horse and said "Bend, don't break, Spandex." Also encouraging. But besides my horse showing early signs of cardiac arrest, the ride was wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed our time out there. It was a beautiful day, and anytime we are around animals, there is sure to be a smile on both of our faces.
We would highly recommend horseback riding while in Big Sky if you have two hours, and the weather permits. Make sure to always be honest with the handlers how much experience you have and how comfortable you truly are riding a horse. Some of the horses like to pick up the pace more than others, or are less well-behaved, and certain riders may not be experienced enough for that. Tell them if you are comfortable with heights, or would prefer to stay on a trail that isn't cliffy, or if you are wanting to avoid steep inclines. These are all important points to cover before agreeing to get on a horse. Also, you are given the option, by contract, to either wear a helmet, or "decline a helmet" so that is totally up to you!
We went through Jake's Horses, a ranch just a few short minutes from Town Center in Big Sky. The guides were interesting and entertaining, and they offer multiple different ride lengths and trails. They are also fairly priced.
All in all, we had a great time! Horseback riding is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny afternoon in Big Sky!
Jake's Horses : http://jakeshorses.com/trail.html