We were a little worried because
as we were on our way to the resort it started raining but in true Florida fashion, it was a passing shower and it cleared up by the time our excursion started.
Once we got to Fort Wilderness, we made our way to the Circle D Ranch where we had to check in. Our reservation was for 1:00 pm and we were told to check in at 12:30 pm. We had already pre-paid but we had to fill out some paper work. We were not allowed to take bags or any unnecessary items on the horse with us so we were able to store them in a free locker provided by the ranch.
There were about 8 people in our group of riders but since my sister and I were the first to arrive, the guides had called for us to mount the horses first. This gave us a lot of time on our horses while we waited for the others to mount up.
We were required to wear helmets while riding. We were also required to wear closed toe shoes. Long pants were not required but suggested because your legs would be rubbing up against the horse and saddle.
My Horse was named Sawyer and Lacey's horse was named Rio. Lacey had made the comments that my horse was like Baylee because he was so submissive and obedient and her horse was like Belle because he was a little stubborn.
Once everyone was mounted up, we were given strict instructions on how to ride. We needed to keep a certain distance between horses. We could not get out of line and we could not let our horse eat along the trail. This proved to be a challenge with every horse because they want to eat grass and leaves on trees.
Because it had previously rained, the trail was not all that dry and I found it funny that when the other horses were trotting right through the mud puddles, my Sawyer would walk around them. He was a good horse.
Our trail ride was a 2 mile loop on the trail in Fort Wilderness. We did see some of the cabins but other than that we were out of the way from any resort guests. We did however see a few deer sitting under a tree. It was kind of funny how they saw all of the horses trotting by (twice) and yet they didn't bother moving. They must be use to it. For safety reasons we did not take any photos while on the trail because we were required to hold on to the reigns the entire time.
I really liked this excursion and I think it's a great activity to do while at Disney if you don't want to spend all day at the parks.
If you've ever been to Disney, have you ever found fun outside of the parks?
I took horse back riding as gym one semester in college. I've always loved horses, but actually riding them kind of scares me so don't ask me why I chose that.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who also took the class, and he was a klutz. He fell off his horse in front of mine, his horse went galloping, mine took off after his . . . somehow I managed to stay on. No idea how!
Funny thing is, a few years ago I found a diary from college, and I write about how much I love the riding -- except I don't remember loving it!
How lucky you were to have that option to ride in college. My college didn't offer riding but we were able to volunteer at a near by equestrian center so I did that.
DeleteWhen I was a kid, I spent a few years at a summer camp learning how to take care of horses. And then when we moved to VA, my mom bribed me with saying we would get a place where we could get a horse. We didn't. To this day she swears she does not remember saying that. But she did.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Love the tie dye shirt! lol
I knew you would like the shirt. I thought it was perfect for the outing. Thanks!
Deletewho even knew they had horse back riding at Disney?! How fun
ReplyDeleteIt was fun and a great thing to do when we wanted to get away from the crowds.
DeleteI used to ride horses as a kid. I always wanted to take a horseback riding excursion! When I was in Louisville last year I visited Churchill Downs for the first time and could have cried...it was so amazing!
ReplyDeleteOh that does sound amazing!
DeleteI had no idea that you could ride horses at Disney, but I shouldn't be surprised since you can do almost anything at Disney. What a fun way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks.
ReplyDeleteI know right? There is so much you can do even outside of the parks!
DeleteWe grew up riding horses but it was never something I enjoyed. I think because I was on a horse once that took off into the woods. Clearly I wasn't master of the reins!
ReplyDeleteOh no. Sorry you did not enjoy it.
DeleteOh, I was thinking of doing this in January! How fast did you go? Did they let you trot or was it walking only?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it was only walking. I thought maybe they would let those who wanted to trot do so at the end but they did not. I think there were many first time riders with us and there were a few kids as well.
DeleteI haven't tried horseback riding since I was a kid but I'd love to do it again. Looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteThis would be the perfect ace to get back into riding.
DeleteLooks like a fun option! Had you ever rode horses before? I think the last time I did it was 5th grade!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have rode horses before!
DeleteI've been to Circle D, and I didn't know they offered this. It was fun seeing the horses they have on property, and we got to meet one of the horses used for the Headless Horseman in MNSSHP.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Last time we were here I saw ponies that had Mickey heads shaved on them!
DeleteI haven't been riding in ages and have only been to Disney for work! Heading to Disneyland next weekend with my niece.
ReplyDeleteWe had horses when I was a kid - they were not nearly as well behaved as the one you rode! Also the only safety rule I followed was close-toed shoes, though I'm sure the Ranch has to be extra careful about safety.
ReplyDeleteWe've stayed in the cabins at Fort Wilderness and came "this close" to doing the trail ride. I love that your horse walked around the mud puddles.
ReplyDeleteIt's been quite sometime since I've been to Disney and even longer since I've been on a horse! Good to know there's more than just parks around there
ReplyDeleteI laugh when they tell you to not let the horses get too close or to stop them from eating. Trail horses know the way & can do it blind folded - & they know the routine - so there's no stopping them from walking the path as close as they want - & I always let them eat - give them a break from the barn & hay ;) haha
ReplyDeleteI like the little mounting area. Easier to get on & off
We haven't been to Disney in a while, and I can't remember the last time I went horseback riding. I bet it's been at least 15 years. Sounds like a fun excursion although being Disney, I'm sure it wasn't cheap! I bet the deer are so used to the horses they barely notice them going by.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been on a horse in years! What a fun alternative to doing the whole park-thing!
ReplyDeleteMy oldest son took horseback riding lessons when he was just a little guy. He loved it, but riding was eventually replaced with soccer, baseball, etc. Too bad!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun activity! Especially as something different other than just going on rides.
ReplyDeleteI loved horse-riding growing up and the best lessons we had was when our trainer would take us out on bush trails. Used to love it - horses have such a beautifully calming effect. I haven't been on a horse in about 20 years. This post reminded me that maybe I should.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Orlando back in late March for Spring Break. For the first time ever, we did nothing Disney-related (though we did stay at Shades of Green, on Disney property). I ran a couple of times on the trail over by the Polynesian resort and we road-tripped to Cocoa Beach. And we just chilled. it was nice!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea you could do this there but it sounds so fun.
ReplyDeleteThe rain here has been absolutely miserable. I hope it didn't absolutely ruin your trip - it can sometimes be just too wet to enjoy the parks.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear the exciting news!