Horse Trek

Horse is still a common mode of transportation on the East Cape of NZ. It reminded me a little bit of Corolla in the Outer Banks. I saw the horses running along the beach and thought, "This looks like fun." I was wrong. The 2-hour moonlight ride turned out to be very nervewracking.

As Dawn and her horse galloped past me, she asked, "Did you tell this guy we've never done this before?" I had, but that doesn't matter in NZ. We received minimal instruction. I was basically boosted onto the horse, told to pull the reins to stop him, and kick him to make him go. Helmets were optional. I chose to wear one, but it was too small for my large head/hair and caused more pain than a head injury would have.

The sunset was beautiful, but it quickly turned very dark. There was a full moon, but it was still impossible at times to see the horses/riders ahead of me. They weren't overly concerned with keeping the group together.

The horse was having no part of my instructions. It wanted to go very slow or run. I pictured myself being launched headfirst a la Christopher Reeve. At times, I would let him gallop to keep up with the group, but that was strategy was simply too painful to maintain. Let's just say the saddle was less than comfortable, and I required a cushioned chair for the next 24 hours. My back was also very sore from having to sit so straight and rigid. (Note to self: work on posture.) I was able to relieve some of the pain by pushing my feet further into the stirrups. That way, I could my feet to support some of my weight. The next day, I learned that the one piece of advice the instructor gave Dawn was: "Do not push your feet all the way into the stirrups." Apparently, your foot can get stuck and you will be dragged along like a ragdoll if the horse bolts. Who knew?!