Most people conquer Big Sur by foot, hiking through the various forests, cliffs and random winding, steep paths. But if hiking isn't your thing, or if you want to give your blistered feet a break, see the gorgeous landscape by horse.
Molera Horseback Tours runs horse rides in Andrew Molera State Park and is conveniently located inside the park. You get to set out for a ride through old redwoods, streams—hold on tight when your horse jumps into the water—and best of all, the beach. ]]>
A small movie with big heart has been winning over audiences on the film festival circuit this year, and now horse enthusiasts have the opportunity to study with the man behind the film. The movie Buck follows the life of Buck Brannaman, the real-life Horse Whisperer who inspired the 1998 movie.
Buck documents Brannaman's life, from his abusive childhood to his unusual approach to horse-training. Today, Buck teaches people to communicate with horses through instinct, not punishment. He seems to have the ability to not only transform horses, but also people, through his understanding, compassion and respect. ]]>
On those days when we figure we've spent much too long with the Tivo, it's time to dream us up a bit of adventure travel. The crew of Bailey Robinson have a motto of "travel without compromise" which seems to fit our mood, too, and our eye's been caught by a trip through currently-not-too-dangerous Kenya.
We should mention that this gang is obviously obsessed with horses, and riding features in a lot of their trips; this one in the Maasai Mara is no exception. ]]>
See the Andes under someone else's steam (mostly) this South American summer. While some parts of the Venezuelan Andes may not be traversable on horseback, at least your beast of burden can carry the packs.
The northern Andean llaneros (called gauchos at points further south) patrolled the western grasslands they were named for. There are still 12 million cattle in western Venezuela and Colombia, but that's a task for a more advanced rider.
A passel of outfitters offer horseback riding trips in Venezuela, from luxe resort landings to tent-and-campfire outings. Arassari Trek leads from out of a traditional farm called Finca Yegua Blanca outside of Mérida, and Lost World Adventures will take you to one of the world's highest cable car systems or to glacier lakes. But hey, if your Spanish is good, try going with a local operator once you get there.
Related Stories:
· Fall Adventure Travel: Hiking Angel Falls [Jaunted]
· Summer Vacation with an Edge: Skiing the Andes [Jaunted]
· It's Summer Somewhere coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: miguelmatus]]]>
Most of the year, riding horses in Arizona sounds like a great way to get heat stroke. But just as the Northeast settles in for a long winter, temps in the Grand Canyon state are in the balmy 70s, making the choice to pull on jeans and boots seem less horrible. Spend Thanksgiving weekend letting someone else do the walking at the Grapevine Canyon Ranch in Pearce.
Ride through fields of cacti near this small town southeast of Tucson, then after you get back from the dusty trails--6 to 7 hours of riding a day are included--kick back in a hot tub in your villa before tucking into Thanksgiving dinner. No TV and no in-room phones means you can concentrate on... Well, whatever you do when you're not reading Jaunted. (We'll miss you, but you could use the break!)
Related Stories:
· Cruise, Ride, Fly, Eat and Relax This Thanksgiving: Last-Minute Deals and Discounts [Frommers.com]
· Horsing Around on Beautiful Back Roads [Jaunted]
· Thanksgiving coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: GCranch.com]]]>