Galloping on another Planet

Retreat Day Three: Sand Dunes on Horseback

You wouldn’t believe the stars this morning, luckily I’ve got a photo to prove it. Funny how photos never do it justice but this one came pretty close.

We were up early this morning, eager to watch the morning round up. One Wrangler on a horse heads out into the giant pasture screaming, “Whhhheeerrrrrppp, whooop!” at the top of her lungs and the herd starts moving. It was pretty beautiful, watching 60 horses make their way to the corrals. It was a crisp morning, around 43°, but well worth it.

I’m annoying myself with how much I talk about the healing power of horses but it’s something I get to experience every single day, here and at home.

It’s something I think you truly have to experience before you fully believe it.

I woke up today, unbothered by my income shift, business closure, and family pivots. Unbothered feels like a cold word, I think I mean: UNWORRIED.

Is that a word?

Perspective. It’s something the horses bring out, along with forceful presence.

I put my hand on his body and close my eyes, noticing the breath patterns he is producing while I stand nearby.

Suddenly, things seem so simple. Life seems peaceful while worries slip away. I feel the breeze in my hair, notice the smells and his soft body, reminding me that we’re on a giant rock spinning around in space.

How beautiful to be right here, right now.

We got dressed & had breakfast before hopping into trucks that were pulling giant trailers, stuffed with 25 saddled horses.

We drove for about 20 minutes, making our way to Great Sand Dunes National Park. I saw the Dunes when I drove into Zapata for the retreat but being in them, I was shocked at how massive it was. It quite literally felt like you were on a different planet.

I found my horse, Dog, and greeted him with a fist-bump. He smelled me, then had a long blink followed by a big, dramatic yawn. I quietly thanked him for releasing some of the energy I was still carrying.

Dog and I joined the group as we all made our way from the parking lot to the base of the dunes. Massive - all I could do was stare in awe.

Dog seemed pretty amazed too.

The group lined up at the top of a dune as we took some photos and planned our action shots.

This is what I’d been waiting for. I’d seen the photos online of these women galloping through the sand dunes, it looked so cool - I knew it had to be an insane adrenaline rush.

I told MJ before I left, “I just want to gallop through the dunes…”

I’d never gone crazy fast on horseback before. Cesar doesn’t have much get-up-and-go, haha! I’ve cantered him, but that’s about it.

Dog and I paused next to my new friend, Lauren and her horse, Doc. Dog & Doc, they were buds - with a little friendly competition. Lauren and I decided to gallop together as the group split up into small pairs. We would all go two at a time, galloping across the dunes while our retreat leader took our photos.

I looked over at Lauren, “I’m nervous…” she whispered. I smiled, “My heart rate is going wild.” I told her as we gave our boys a little kick to move them forward.

This is why I was here, to feel this.

To feel alive, present, and recharged.