Early Morning Trail Ride by Lee Cantelon page 2   Rickie and a neighbor head up the road in front of Orange Blossom Farm. The trail head is about two miles away. There is no automobile traffic at this time of day, and even when there is, the drivers know to go slowly, and watch for riders that come and go from the many ranches along the way. The Rocky Mountain horses are so comfortable, I can shoot pictures from the saddle using my heavy Leica camera. I just wish this photograph had sound, so you could hear the sound of the gaiting rhythm on the asphalt. I feel so good riding Ella. I wish everyone could take a test ride on a Rocky Mountain horse. One ride and you're sold! Stress Management, Rocky Mountain Style Ella is as smooth as a sailboat. She glides along at a comfortable pace. I look forward to getting off the road, into the serenity of the surrounding hills. A few minutes off the pavement, the cares of the city seem quickly left behind. As everyone knows, living in Los Angeles is an experience in stress management. People here fight hours of traffic jams, pollution, crime, and noise, all this is added to the normal levels of stress that accompany life in the modern world. This being true, there is nothing better than saddling a Rocky Mountain and getting away from it all. If you are not already familiar with them, you will be amazed at the abundant network of trails in and around the Los Angeles basin. These trails offer diverse routes that bring the rider into contact with many types of flora, open meadows, shaded glens, streams, waterfalls, and ocean panoramas. On this particular morning, we are heading to a trail that overlooks Hidden Hills. Rickie joins the trail ahead of me. This is a lovely photo that illustrates the quiet, serenity of the Santa Monica mountains. These trails are easy underfoot and we ride all morning without encountering another rider!  Even a novice, like myself, is able to sit back and enjoy the experience, thanks to the Rocky Mountain gait and confidence. Don't let the drugstore cowboy hat fool you! I've only just begun to ride again. Having discovered life in the saddle on a Rocky, I'm enjoying every minute of it. It's the best therapy money can buy! Happy trails! LEE CANTELON Los Angeles, California PS: For more information about these incredible horses, contact Rickie by email. Click here! please turn back to page one of Early Morning Ride photographs  about the breed      newspaper      more photos      contact us back to the home page