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Los Angeles: Griffith Park – Horseback Riding
Hi everyone and thank you for coming back to my blog. I hope that the majestic horses will convince you to stay! As I previously mentioned, I will be elaborating on specific places and experiences to assist travelers in planning their own vacations. Please enjoy the tips and story of our horseback riding adventures in Griffith Park.
1. Which horse stable did we choose and what was the duration of our trail ride?
We booked our trail ride with LA Horse Rentals. Our local friends recommended them to us after going on the Oak Canyon 1 Hour ride. Originally, we planned on doing the Amir’s Garden 2 Hour Ride but that option was booked up, almost two weeks out! We chose the Skyline Trail 1.5 hour ride which brought great views and fun with the horses!
2. What are our horseback riding levels?
We are enthusiastic beginners. This was only our second time riding horses. I can barely count my horseback riding experience as a kid since it was over ten years ago. Regardless, the trail guides were very attentive to our needs and even selected horses based on our levels!
What are some tips for horseback riding?
Tip #1: Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. The trail guides can deny your ride if you are not dressed appropriately. Sneakers and boots will be accepted as appropriate footwear. As avid riders, we went to a tack shop and bought ourselves riding boots.
Tip #2: Be aware of your weight! I found that most, if not all, stables have their own weight limit requirements. For example, LA Horse Rentals has a limit of 240 lbs for the safety of the horse and rider. If you are determined to go horseback riding, hop on a scale before they make you do it at the stable!
Tip #3: Trust your guide, and don’t be afraid to communicate with them.
Our trail guide was very attentive to our needs. At one point, she noticed my saddle was loose and halted the ride to make adjustments.
Before the ride, our guide said she would take pictures of the two of us on the trail. However, it wasn’t until the end that she realized she forgot. Regardless, it did not ruin our experience. Next time, I’ll ask our guide only if it is convenient.
Tip #4: Relax and enjoy the ride.
Horses are very instinctual creatures and can sense the emotions of people, especially their riders. The more worried their rider is, the more worried the horses become. During our trail ride, Pac-man and Sam took a couple of turns running to be at the front of the herd. Although we were nervous, we remained calm, used our reins, and talked to our horses until they slowed down. Thankfully, our trail guide assisted us when they started getting sassy.
Would I recommend this experience? Would we do this again?
We would highly recommend horseback riding to anyone who loves horses. This is a great option for people who are ready to get out of their comfort zones. LA Horse Rentals provided us with the support we needed and showed us the beauty of California.
Horseback riding in California is definitely a must. The views were breathtaking and the weather was just right. Next time, we want to go on a longer ride to see more of the California scenery.
Thank you for reading about our adventure. Stay tuned for more updates!
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