It is like nothing you have ever tried in the past. Picture yourself racing up and down hills, though woods, across fields and back. The breeze in your face and pulling at your hair, the sun beats down, and all you can hear, bedsides the sound of yourself laughing and screaming with joy, is the sound of hooves pounding down on hard soil. The speed, the independence, the sense of adventure, few activities in the world can rival horseback riding for real excitement.

A great many runaway horses have had the most severe jaw-breaking bits used on them. Most drivers imagine that if they put a severe jaw-breaking bit on the runaway horse that they have a means of control. They continue in this belief until the horse becomes frightened or sees an opportunity to run off, and then, in spite of the action of the jaw-breaking bit, the horse runs away and smashes things to pieces. I have seen horses' tongues almost torn from the mouth, sometimes hanging by a very small piece of flesh or muscle, caused by the use of harsh bits, in the drivers' effort to restrain them.

When horseback riding you may be quickly trained on how to handle your horse with the handling of the reins and basic commands. If you are at a riding stable or ranch then these horses already know what they are to do and therefore, they will pretty much follow each other for a slow comfortable ride.

There are some camps such as Dude Ranches, which teach you roping and herding. These places in some cases will even board your horse for you so you can learn with your own horse. There options seem limitless and there seems to be something for everyone. All ages and all groups or just you or the two of you can enjoy a horseback riding camp. The scenery is beautiful and relaxing with many camps being situated in some of most beautiful places around.

If you are looking to just take a horseback riding lesson so you can take vacations and enjoy horses away from home, there are riding clinics that can teach you the basics that you will need to know the get the best experience. Along with camps, vacation destinations and the stable around the corner near home you will be able to educate yourself on equestrian sports or just pleasure riding whenever and wherever you like. If you take a horseback riding lesson for yourself, you can enjoy a vacation camp to learn the tricks of the trade and enjoy the beautiful scenery as well.

Taking a horseback riding vacation will without a doubt be one that you and your family will never forget. The memories will last a lifetime and you may want to make it a yearly trip every year. It can be a romantic getaway for just the two of you or an experience for the whole family or scout troop. It can be a hunting trip or a peaceful tranquil relaxation trip. The choices are endless. Maybe you want to take a trip to the American West complete with horses and tents.