Amanda Virrey
Horseback Riding in Camp John Hay
One of the highlights of our Azalea After Summer Family Fun trip in Baguio was horseback riding in Camp John Hay.
Together with our young cowboys and cowgirls, we mounted our horses along the long, steep and rugged trail of the densely pined pasture inside Camp John Hay’s expansive land.
Last summer, I took the half-hour horseback riding trip together with my young daughter, Luna on one horse. The sun-kissed dry terrain offered a surely pleasant ride on the trail, which comprised of a shorter path and a lengthy gallop around the plateau.
That proved to be a good starting ground for a kid of four years old. The one-hour trip on a moistened trail however was a totally different experience.
With Luna riding alone on the back of a horse, and me riding behind her on another horse, with a group of around 15 people on a convoy, we slowly galloped away. We trailed along a series of sloping descents and curves, through the breathtaking landscape of towering pine trees, soft and grassy hills, and black crows hovering about.
Yet with the previous night’s rain nourishing the land, the trail got its fair share of mud, puddles and slippery paths.
So, all the time, I was seated straight and relaxed, while staying in tune with my horse as he descended and ascended on the trail, while listening to my guide’s instructions.
As for my daughter, she had braved the ride; unruffled even by the sight of a rider in front of her who got tipped over on his horse that fell sideways on a slippery curve in the trail.
Thankfully, the rider recovered right away and our convoy continued on with the ride smoothly and enjoyably.
At the latter part of the trail, we passed the flat oval plateau to rest a bit and to have our own photo shots.
We then galloped to an upward winding path and landed back to the point where we had started.
This hour-long horseback ride was truly worth it and quite recommendable for the development of children starting from pre-schooling age.
So before you head out for your Baguio City horseback riding trip, here are tips to ensure you a fun and memorable ride:
- Enjoy and stay calm. Breathe in the aroma of the pine trees and smile always to keep you up on track no matter the odds.
- Suit up like a real cowboy. Wear thick jeans so you don’t slip off the saddle; a hat, a jacket or thick sweater to keep you warm; and boots or rubber shoes with thick socks to keep your feet comfortable against the horse.
- Get your monopods ready so you can document this beautiful experience at a snap.
