Day 2

Our horses were waiting for us in a pasture behind the Inveraray Castle.  The temperature was pleasantly cool, the air crisp and a sense of calm prevailed.  The sound of a distant bagpiper caused me to feel like I was part of a storybook tale.  My horse was a white stocky mare about 15 hands.  I mused at her common confirmation and the size of her feet which were much larger than the warmblood show horses I was accustom to.

We started off with a long trot on a logging road to a forest path in Glen Shira.  We traversed under low hanging branches and around trees set close together.  I must admit I was annoyed as I thought for the price of this equestrian vacation the least they could do is clear the path.  Afterwards, the guide told us the purpose of the trail was to confirm our riding ability as sometimes people judged themselves more experienced than what they were.  Our group passed her test as we emerged with no eyes blackened by swinging branches or limbs twisted by unforgiving trees and our seats were still firmly in our saddles.

We crossed a stream, had a good canter across a field and then ascended up the side of a mountain.  Near the top of the mountain, the trail steepened and our equestrian tour guide encouraged us to sing to encourage the horses.  I think the singing was also to encourage the riders as this was the steepest trail I had ever ridden on and I am afraid of heights! To challenge us further, she commanded us to canter the last leg of the trail!   The horses responded with a burst of energy; handily reaching the top.

A stunning view of the village, Loch Fyne and the castle greeted us.  On the summit, we visited Dun na Cuaich, a famous watch tower, built to alert the village of invaders coming into the loch from the sea. I took a breath to allay my fear of heights and joined the ride in descending down the mountain.  At the base, we dined in the Castle’s tea room and visited Loch Fyne Whiskey to sample the drink. Not one to drink hard alcohol, the potency squashed all of my remaining nervousness. I reached the hotel feeling quite mellow.

From my room, I could see the tower perched on the mountain and realized the height we had climbed to. As I pondered the challenging terrain, I was thankful for my horses’ big feet as she was as surefooted scaling that mountain as she was walking along the road.  I mused as how I was always fretting over the evenness of the ground traversed by my show horses and  the boots and wraps I encased their  legs as protection  Perhaps horses were tougher than what I was giving them credit for.