We brought the horses out of the pasture to prepare them for the ride. My horse was Duke, a black and really friendly horse. At first we have to clean them, especially before the saddle goes on. After that, our guide told us how to fit the saddle to ourselves and then to fit it on the horse with the use of blankets. We put the saddle on and learnt also how to put the bridle on. I didn’t know before that the halter can stay under the bridle. Duke and all the other horses are so gentle, so you can leave the reins on the ground and they won't walk away even when you go away.
When everybody had prepared their horse, we mounted. Our guide showed us how to lead our horse and told us the meaning of the commands. After a few trial rounds at the gymkhana we started our riding trip through the area. The way leads us up and down a hill, across a creek and up to the “look out”. It was a very, very beautiful view. We took a lot of pictures and then we went downhill a few meters by foot to get warmer because it was really cold without the sun. When we went home the sun was set and the forest was really dark, but for the horses, it didn't matter. They knew the way and took us safely to the Ranch.
After we arrived we took off the saddles and bridles and gave our horses some oats as a bounty for the nice trip. Then we let them out to pasture with the other horses. We tidied up the barn and went into the Ranch house to warm ourselves in front of the fire.