Stories and Articles

Of Horsemanship and Friendship

Contributed by Jennifer Anthony

Jennifer, friends, and their horses struggle down the steep path towards the beach.

A month ago, my friend Larisa and I were discussing our Life To-Do Lists: those feats and challenges we dream about accomplishing between daily routines and schedules. My friend has had an active, fascinating life, filled with adventures, travel, and education from many schools, and so I was surprised to find out that she had never been horseback riding.

"I know," she said, when she saw my eyebrows arch up. "It's so basic, but I just haven't had a chance."

Her birthday was galloping toward us within a matter of two weeks, and I resolved to make sure one of her gifts was fulfilling this particular goal. But as I went ahead with planning a girls-day-out event, I realized I didn't have the first clue where to go in the Bay Area. I had been horseback riding several times, but never locally. This is because horseback riding has been an activity I have reserved for vacations–a bit like saving that brand new outfit for a special day in the distant future instead of wearing it to make the day special. But what's the point of putting off until tomorrow something that will make today amazing?

With these thoughts in mind, I lassoed a friend into helping me research local stables, and together we decided on Mar Vista Stables, a site on the beach just south of San Francisco's Sunset District. At only $40 for an hour, it was a great deal and a dazzlingly cheap birthday present when split among four people.

We met one foggy Sunday afternoon at the stables and arranged ourselves in a semi-circle. Our guide paired each of us with horses based on our experience. For Daniela, the expert among us, (who showed up sporting fashionable leather riding boots), the Stallion with fire in his eyes. For me–I had been several times but still had a bit to learn–the easy-going but frisky, chestnut-colored Dude. For Karen, the good-natured and energetic Coffee. A slow-going but occasionally cantankerous horse for Kassie. And Red for Larisa, the redheaded birthday girl.

Jennifer and her horse, Dude, taking in the Ocean Beach air!

Off we went, the horses nimbly picking their way along the paths that ran perpendicular to the shore. Green ice plants surrounded us all on sides, their flowers shielded from the fog. From atop our horses, the view of Ocean Beach was breathtaking, as was the next leg of our trip: a steep descent down to the beach.

Once on the sand, we spread out and the horses were free to show their true colors. The stallion bolted out ahead, with Dude and I bopping along good-naturedly behind. The other horses were content to mosey along the shore, splash in the salt water and investigate the horses and dogs in their path.

The air was salty and fresh, the wind tame by Ocean Beach standards. Dolphins leapt up from the water. Seagulls hover-crafted along on the air currents. Crows cawed and grumbled from the trees.

Spending the afternoon this way reminded me that although saving money and events for a special day is important (I work for a non-profit!), I have found it can also be a slippery slope. If I tell myself, "I'll do this/buy this/try that when I am older/richer/less busy", my life could end up about making excuses instead of living it to its fullest.

And so the five of us fulfilled two life goals that day. We strengthened our horsemanship and our friendships.

For more information on the place where Jennifer took her amazing ride, see the info below!

Mar Vista Stables
2152 Skyline Boulevard, Daly City
650-991-4224
http://marvistastable.tripod.com/