and she dances on the sand...

  

I know, it's corny. But my horse's name was Rio, and we got comfortable enough with each other that she trotted--no, cantered--along the beach! Horseback riding along the beach (just south of Morro Bay) was offered by J & J Riding, based in Los Osos. We were in a group of 7; I was the least experienced of the group (it had been at least 20 years since I'd ridden) and by default got the gentlest horse.

Rio has absolutely no markings on her body except for a little diamond on her forehead; she was a beautiful deep brown. Sharon noticed that she had a slight limp in her right hindleg; perhaps this was a good thing for me, so that at least Rio wouldn't impulsively bolt.

Horse owner Desirée owned an appaloosa, which describes the wonderful spotting on her skin. Her horse was gorgeous. If I ever got my own horse, I would want an appaloosa.

Sharon, complete with comboy hat and bunny hood, on Sierra. Sierra didn't like other horses riding along next to her, possibly because she got nipped quite a bit by them. She liked to trot off on her own!

The view going through the brush and sand dunes toward the beach.

And the beach itself! Incredible light. Exhilarating breeze. With a group of people on horses, it became a totally different experience.

This mother and daughter trio had some riding experience so they would encourage their horses to canter. The mother's horse, a beautiful brown one I jokingly described as a Barbie horse, was a nipper.

I have to say that horseback riding, especially on the beach, was an amazing experience. Fantastic. Fun. Sharon said that I had a goofy grin on my face. Rio did some spontaneous trotting/cantering, leaving me to hang on for dear life (ha ha! how dramatic). She was so gentle, though, she never went too fast and always knew when to stop.

  

Ocean and horizon views, beautiful light everywhere.

And a spectacular sunset, the best way to end a memorable day!

Who: MJ and Sharon
When: September 1
Where: Horseback riding at Morro Bay, through J & J Riding. This is the closest place to L.A. that allows horses on the beach. And at $65 for 90 minutes, a great value.
Notes: I *highly* recommend wearing padded cycling shorts. The more padding, the better! Your buttbones will hit the saddle when your horse starts to trot, and they will hurt! Also, lean back when they trot. And make sure you can stretch your entire leg out on your stirrup.