As soon as our horses stepped on the beach, their bodies tensed in excitement for we were going to gallop along a three mile stretch of coastline. No fences, no roads, nothing in our path just free open space to gallop! And gallop we did. The sound of the horses’ hooves pounding the sand announced our approach. What a kick! We rested near the River Ad and then swam across to the impressive Crinan Canal built to carry boats around the Mull of Kintyre. A local artist hailed the ride from his gypsy wagon art studio and gave us postcards of his work.

Our trail turned steep and challenging through dense wood. My horse was not bothered by climbing over large rocks or weaving between closely placed trees. I was a little concerned. Unscathed, we reached a clearing in the forest where we rested and enjoyed a picnic lunch.

The trail turned easy as we descended along a logging road to the “fairy isles.” As we rode across the little grassy islands, I mused how a car or bus would not be able to reach the islands and if you hiked, you would have to swim to the isles, yet here I was riding a horse to the land….perfectly dry, with no effort. After we rode around the isles, we returned to the mainland for an invigorating and lengthy gallop to the deserted village of Kilmory Oib.

After this day, all my sleeping problems with sleeping vanished.

My senses where livened from the smell of a good horse, saddle leather, and the fresh scent of the land. My busy mind submitted to quiet focus. My muscles ached with the pain from achievement. My trust in a horse was strengthened. My special connection I share with them confirmed. And the freedom to just ride for miles and miles… I’m hooked