open air trail rides

We trail ride alot when vacationing, and take a few lessons when we can at home. This was an above-and-beyond ride!! I was planning a visit to my sister over the Labor Day holiday and riding together is a very important activity for us to share when we have our rare time together. I scoured the internet and found Open Air Trail Riding. I contacted them directly, and they helped us work through a number of issues well before the ride, including my sister's concerns about a smooth horse given her recent hip replacement, and our itinerary, which they opened up for us by offering to take us out on a Friday when you are normally closed. Any concerns I had about trying new places to trail ride..from hard-to-handles horses, head-to-tail boredom, lack of responsible safety measures, unhealthy horses, were all eased within the first 20 minutes of meeting Jamey, Jeneice and their horses. They clearly love their horses, are incredibly good with them (especially Jamey's spirited rescue mare), and they are well suited for their days of meeting new people for a bonding and spectacular day!Starting with grooming and tacking, I could tell safety and enjoyment were key to their approach, as well as putting a sharp eye to the experience level of their riders. Once mounted, our short time in the round pen getting to know our abilities to handle our mounts also helped me start to know my fabulous little mare Gem. Seeing my sister up on Lakoda was starting to ease my mind, and my husband was clearly well suited for Sid, the gentleman's horse.Jeneice gave me all the tips for Gem, her little habits and what to be ready for. Once underway, all I can say is WOW!!!! Once comfort levels were established they gave us the ride of a lifetime! Cantering, galloping, playing in the water, stopping for spectacular scenery, lunch, photography, wildlife, and more cantering and galloping, and - oh yeah - more cantering and galloping! For those of us starved for real riding they have the elixir!!! Always preparing us for the land ahead, things to watch out for, and providing the most amazing video from over your shoulder of each one of us at a full gallop were all part of the truly special and outstanding experience they provided. And, knowing their dog was scouting the trail for us to ensure we didn't gallop over anyone was a joy and a reassurance. The topper was being able to groom and bathe the horses after the ride and watching them roll in the grass.Seeing the smile on my sister's face as she came galloping up on sweet Lakoda was worth a million dollars. For her. knowing she is still strong and able to ride like the wind after a hip replacement was worth another million.I hate to spread the word about ther fantastic business and service, because my sister will not want to compete for time when she comes back! But, people like us need to know there are places to ride like this, and with their keen eyes for all the important things, thier business should flourish.