Sunday, June 29, 2014

For Recreational Horseback Riding Long Island Offers Beautiful Trails

By Elsa English


There are high sand dunes and beyond them ocean beaches that are outstandingly beautiful. Equestrian access to these gorgeous shores are limited during the summer season. When searching for the ones available for horseback riding long island is the place to find them.

Spectacular vistas fill the eyes with wonderful things to look at. The soft sound of waves washing on the shore fill the ears. The distinctive scent of salt water wafts up to fill the sense of smell as the animals carry the riders over the sand with waves lapping gently at their hooves.

One happy little girl leans forward and pats her horse on the neck with her free hand. She is rewarded with a soft whinney from the pleasant animal. Both are enjoying the ride and their wonderful surroundings. They join nature as they move forward.

The one hour trail rides are enjoyed by couples and families with children. Each livery stable has its own age and experience requirements. Everyone wears a helmet for safety reasons.

Nine miles of beautiful trails wind through Hempstead Lake State Park. Professional trail guides take riders over trails and beaches for an hour of pleasure. Often the riders will see an eagle soaring in the blue sky. Chipmunks and squirrels run free in the safety of the park sanctuary.

During the summer vacation from school, children can attend a week or two of horseback riding camp at one of the stables. The lessons include how to care for a horse. The child washes, brushes and feeds and waters the horses. He learns about the tack used for riding and sometimes can bridle or saddle the horse before taking a ride.

In small groups they learn about all the activities carried out in the barn. Feeding and demonstrations on hoof care and other grooming activities are given. Riding lessons begin in an enclosed ring outdoors in summer.

They anticipate riding lessons the most. It means they will soon go out on the trails. Summer camps are attended by girl and boy scout troops. They and all children enjoy their days of being around these beautiful horses and learning to ride.

There are trails that wind across rolling hills and around five lakes in the park. Autumn is especially gorgeous with the red and gold leaves on the trees and crunching under the horses hooves. The air is crisp and the sky a winter blue.

There are many livery stables on Long Island that offer riding opportunities. For a birdwatcher, there are yellow-bellied sapsuckers and scarlet tanagers flying among the trees. Small animals scurry through the brush alongside the trails.

Riders of all ages take part in these trail rides. The horses are all well behaved and walk in a single file over the narrow trails. If a groups is composed of all experienced riders, they may be allowed to trot on the wider paths. Safe riding is always the first consideration.

This is a wonderful pastime for children as most are enamored with the horses they ride. They learn to love these animals and enjoy the beauty of nature all at the same time. It is a perfect vacation or weekend recreation enjoyed by children and entire families.




About the Author:



No comments: