The Great Escape: Riding the Range

With as busy as most mothers are, getting back to nature is not on the top of anyone’s priority list. However, taking just a few hours one afternoon to get away can be of tremendous value.

One of the benefits to living out in the East Bay is our proximity to all kinds of nature. Even in the suburbs of Pinole and Hercules, we are very close to hiking trails, natural preserves and small ranches.

Consider taking an afternoon to go horseback riding. Many moms find that returning to a childhood hobby brings back a lot of good memories. Others, who didn’t grow up around horses, can get a lot of satisfaction from developing a new pastime and achieving the strength, balance and body awareness that riding provides.

There are also many mental health benefits to riding. No matter how much experience someone has with horses, new animals can present new challenges, so learning to adapt and solve problems is good exercise for the brain. Peace and solitude with a horse can also give busy multitaskers a break from doing 26 things at once.

In the East Bay there are many options for private and group riding lessons, both Western and English styles. Close by in Martinez is the , which offers lessons, boarding and many other services.

Try the Bay Area Equestrian Network for other information and referrals.