I saw an ad for horseback riding lessons at the Columbia Horse Center. I thought about it a bit and decided that since my kids were a little older, and therefore more independent, maybe it was time I started doing something for myself. Besides, my doctor had recently suggested I exercise more and I was too intimidated and bored going to a gym. I always wanted to ride horses, but growing up in a city didn't allow for that opportunity as often as necessary.

So, with curiosity, I called the center to find out what I could about their lesson program. I was relieved at how friendly they were on the phone, and the woman who answered told me right off that she never rode as a child, either. I felt comfortable right away that this was not a place only for the most experienced. She encouraged me to come to come to one of the Introductory Lessons which are held Saturdays at 1:00.

The following Saturday I arrived about 20 minutes before the scheduled time and found myself amidst a group of adults, as well as kids of all ages. All of us looked a little apprehensive, but excited. I felt very at ease when told we adults would be taken separately for our lesson. We were taken through the cheerful barn to a small indoor riding ring, where an instructor waited for us with a lovely chestnut colored horse.

The Introductory Lesson was full of humor, but I was pleasantly surprised at the manner with which the instructor taught us, and everything I learned in that one short hour. After the lesson we did some stretching exercises among a good bit of giggles from the group before dismounting the horse. I decided on the spot that it was so much fun, and so different from what I expected (I don't know, maybe I was a little intimidated by photos of Olympic riders jumping 5' fences and I thought I would stick out like a sore thumb), that I wanted to join the lesson program. I signed up for a new class starting on a weekday evening with about 4 other adults.

My first lesson was so much fun! I rode a lovely horse named Stripe, who I learned during the lesson was an old retired racehorse who now has been teaching humans for about 10 years. Stripe and the instructor were very patient with me as I bobbled along on his back, trying to learn how to use the correct muscles while laughing with the group at our antics. Our first lesson we learned about control and safety, and at the end we even got to learn how to post the trot! Afterwards we all decided to get together for a soda in the lounge and compare our first experience on a horse.

On our second lesson we were taken out on a walking trip through lovely fields and down a few paths out back. It was so beautiful! What a treat on a sunny spring day. Since then I have learned to canter and even jump a little. Recently I went with a group from the barn to a dressage horse show, and was instantly in love with that part of riding. The beautiful movements the horses were making reminded me of a ballet, and now I know exactly what I want to do now as I move forward in my equestrian journey. I am even considering buying my own horse someday, and I know the friendly staff at Columbia Horse Center will walk me through the process every step of the way.