Horseback Riding with Honey

I love horses. One of my favorite activities wherever I travel is to go horseback riding. There's nothing like exploring a place on horseback, grabbing a totally different perspective. Sometimes, the horses don't always love me back. I've ridden bossy horses that refuse to move. Hungry horses that insist on snacking on nearby bushes instead of galloping and nervous horses that spook  if I dare to hold their reins a tad too tight. So when arrangements for my horseback ride on Amelia Island were planned, I requested a friendly, gentle horse.  Those qualities can be relative but with Debbie Manser, owner of Amelia Island Horseback Riding, I was well taken care of. She paired me with Honey, shown above. I've never met an animal that personified their name quite so perfectly as sweet-natured Honey.

We rode along a luminous stretch of American Beach just as the sun was about to set.

Debbie guided Honey along the shore and even in the water's edge. Honey trotted slowly and galloped carefully, according to what she sensed that I needed.  I took in the beauty of the dunes and the lapping waves without a worry.

Debbie takes in rescue horses and expertly trains them so that they respond to every command. As you can see, Honey even poses for photos!   It was the most beautiful and pleasant horseback riding adventure that I've ever experienced. After the sunset, I gave Honey a treat, which she gobbled eagerly, almost as eagerly as I'll be heading back to Amelia Island.