It was a cold and dreary day, not a typical Phoenix December. I think the high for the day was forecasted at 57. But my girls had been looking forward to a morning horseback ride and breakfast at the Ponderosa ranch for four weeks since their Mom started planning our December trip.
We were not prepared for the chilly damp weather and I thought that everyone would be cold and miserable and complain the entire ride.
We made a quick stop at the near by K-Mart, purchased some mittens and light jackets and drove on.
Needless to say the ride was one of the best and most memorable experiences that my 8 and 10 year old daughters have had all fall.
The hour ride was just the right pace. Just enough up and down hills to teach my girls which way to lean. Just enough accordion effect for a good mix of walking and trotting, and the rare canter. Everyone's legs and behind were a little sore when we dismounted, but it was pain that was well worth the gain. The smiles that I saw on my girls and on my wife's face during and after the ride make me want to do it all over again and not change anything.
Would I recommend this for anyone else? Absolutely!