A leg workout with an amazing vista
Stephen Heard saddles up for a lesson in horse trekking.
Horseback riding uses isometric contractions – a form of contraction that sees the muscles tense but not change in length.
Horses – the trusty odd-toed ungulate mammals – have been used as a form of transportation for thousands of years. In their current era of leisure they serve in everything from racing to jumping. The practice of trekking allows riders to tackle difficult terrain while absorbing the pristine landscape that typically comes with it. At Cardrona Valley’s Backcountry Saddle Expeditions they run twohour treks twice-daily that make their way through the historic gold mining valley and high country farm plateaus.
After signing a waiver to confirm my absolute beginner status on a horse, I’m fitted with a helmet and an oilskin jacket. The body-length overcoat came with several purposes: for warmth, to protect the legs against harsh backcountry vegetation, and for the look. Backcountry Saddles uses the Appaloosa – originally a mountain bred horse – because of their even temperament and versatility. The horses are selected on the age, height, weight and ability of each rider. Hence, I was paired with Biddy, a trustworthy mare who works like clockwork across the trail.
Backcountry Saddles owner Debs took me through the basics of getting up into the saddle and how to hold and use the reins. Pointers included keeping the pelvis neutral and crown jewels clear of the saddle, moving the reins from either side below the belly button to steer, and the vision of holding an ‘‘icecream that you don’t want to spill’’ when using the one-handed approach. Before setting off a few lastminute precautions were given: the horses should never be side by side and they’re not allowed to stop to eat, drinking water is fine.
The ride was a 16-kilometre journey up the tussock-topped Cardrona plateau. In a line of five horses we trekked up and down rough terrain, through several gates and across frozen water runs. The scenery was ridiculously stunning and warranted several mid-ride photo attempts. Approaching some flat open space on the trail we learned how to trot.
The moderate pace is led by a bouncing rhythm out of the saddle to take the strain off the STEPHEN HEARD horse’s back. Biddy shifted into automatic as I hung on, bounced.
The trek also came with a history lesson, covering the area’s gold mining past as well as potential plans for development of the land.
Somewhere along the the return journey fatigue set in across the knees and legs. Landing back on earth, our guide suggested: ‘‘If you’re not sore, you’re not working hard enough.’’
As well as covering terrain that is not generally accessible by foot, horse trekking also comes with its physical benefits. Horseback riding uses isometric contractions – a form of contraction that sees the muscles tense but not change in length. This is typically experienced across the core and pelvis when keeping balance and the legs when guiding the direction of the horse.
The most common hazard you hear with any form of horse riding is being thrown off. Back Country Saddles advises that by using the peaceful Appaloosa breed it significantly reduces the risk. Treks are also adjusted to suit the experience of each rider and the guides hold a first aid certificate. The use of Western saddles – which are designed to be sat in for long periods of time – offer further security, especially for children or beginner riders. ● For more information about horse trekking visit backcountrysaddles.co.nz