HORSEBACK RIDING AT GLEN VALLEY STABLES

Langley, British Columbia
By Susie Lee

Strong yet gentle, spirited yet graceful. Horses are majestic creatures that have given us a taste of freedom and speed on earth. Glen Valley Stables offers western style horseback riding lessons and guided forest trail riding. Novice and skilled riders will enjoy this safe and comfortable adventure in the beautiful countryside of Glen Valley, just outside of Langley, British Columbia.

THE COWBOY AND THE COWGIRL

Before this adventure, the closest I got to meeting a real cowboy was watching old John Wayne movies on TV. At Glen Valley Stables, I actually met an authentic cowboy and cowgirl as I met the owners Gene and Carol Park, the husband and wife team who have many years of riding experience between them. Gene has been around horses all his life and has guided for many years. Carol has competed in rodeos and has won numerous awards. They loved riding British Columbia's terrain and trails so much that it inspired them to establish Glen Valley Stables. It's been their joy to share their passion for horses to people of all ages and cultures.

AT THE RANCH

It was a good idea for me to take an introductory riding lesson at the ranch before I blazed into the forest trails. I would definitely recommend this to anyone before they go horse back riding for the first time. I learned many valuable tips like how not to startle a horse by screaming or suddenly approaching its head. For your own safety, it’s never a good idea to walk behind a horse, but if you choose to do so, be sure you are at least a horse length away to avoid being kicked should the horse become suddenly startled. I was taught to face the horse’s head when mounting so that I could fully see what the horse was up to as I hop on. Some riders make the mistake of facing the horse’s rear while mounting. This could be dangerous if the horse decides to wander off while you mount as won’t be able to see the horse’s behavior due to your incorrect positioning.

I felt so privileged to be getting a lesson from Carol who is a former barrel racing champion and a true expert in this field. I haven't ridden a horse for a while, but like riding a bike, once you learn it, you never forget it. Before long, I was getting the hang of it. I practiced riding and controlling the horse in a safe gated area.

After spending time with Carol, I asked Gene to give me a few pointers on how to use a lasso, which is a tightly twisted rope with a loop at one end. The rope was thick and heavy as I swung my hips and the rope in a circular motion above my head. I concentrated on my target and on the rhythm of my swing, then released the loop end and aimed for my helpless prey. On my first try, I lassoed my target - a small bucket! Everyone was impressed and shocked with my hidden talent! My beginner's luck quickly wore out the second time around! I could only imagine how much harder it would be to lasso a moving animal while riding a horse. It was amazing to see Gene and Carol lasso with such finesse.

ON THE TRAILS

After gaining some confidence after my horseback riding lesson, Gene took me to the nearby Derby Reach Regional Park for a leisurely trail ride.

When I glanced over at Gene Park on his horse, I thought to myself, “He's a true cowboy at heart, mind and spirit.” He was wearing his wide brimmed cowboy hat, dusty boots, leathered chaps over his fitted jeans, a folding pocket knife on his belt, and worn out deerskin gloves. He led me down a quiet, enchanted forest where the air smelled crisp and the sun rays streamed through the leaves. I was enjoying the meditative atmosphere until I found myself bouncing up and down in my saddle. Jessie, my horse liked galloping up and down the hills even without my prompting. On the flats she was slow and steady but when we came to a hill she burst forth with a jolt of energy! I was giddy with laughter as I jiggled up and down and side to side on my horse!

In the quietness of the forest trail, I noticed the beauty of harmony between humans, animals and nature. The beauty of nature has a magical way of bringing focus back to the bigger picture of life through its natural appealing ambiance.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The trail opened up to a picturesque grassy meadow bordered by tall thick trees. The horses knew they have reached their destination of rest as they grazed on the tall wheat grass. I can see why horseback riding is romanticized because the strength and gracefulness of the horses stir adventure in humans. Whether they are riding in the open country or in the forest trails, people desire to feel that sense of freedom and adventure within their lives.

“In riding a horse we borrow freedom.”
Helen Thomson

FUN FACTS

Xenophon, an ancient Greek soldier, is regarded as the founder of the principles of Western Style Riding. According to Xenophon, weight control and transfer, gentleness and patience are the keys to a well trained and supple horse. Western Riding is a riding style that uses light pressure and weight transfer to control a horse. (source: www.westernriding.org)

ADVENTURE TIPS

• Wear jeans or long pants instead of shorts
• Wear boots with a heel
• “CASH ONLY” as form of payment
• Arrive 15 minutes prior to lesson or tour
• Persons 18 years or younger must bring and wear a helmet

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Glen Valley Stables
8045-252nd. St.
Langley, British Columbia
Telephone: (604) 888-5516
www.glenvalleystables.com

Western Riding
www.westernriding.org

+ Part 1: CHILLIWACK RIVER KAYAKING
+ Part 2: STEVESTON WHALE WATCHING
+ Part 3: GLENN VALLEY STABLES
+ Part 4: GRAHAM SISTERS TRICK RIDING

+ Download PDF One-sheet
+ www.glenvalleystables.com
+ www.westernriding.org