MICHELLE HOFFMAN / Scroll
Two horses take a break for lunchtime Saturday at the Henry’s Fork Property. The BYU-Idaho Outdoor Activities Program offers Friday evening and Saturday morning trail rides to students throughout the fall season.

Yee-Haw!  Battle stress and boredom on the back of a horse

Alicia Morrell MOR02026@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Most of us, at one time or another, have drempt of that perfect cinematic ending–– riding into the sunset on the back of a horse. Little did we know that the dream could actually become a reality in Rexburg. 

The Outdoor Activities Program at BYU-Idaho offers Friday evening and Saturday morning trail rides to students throughout the fall season.

The horseback rides are a way to reduce stress, appease boredom and get to know other students while exploring the outdoors.

The horseback rides might also fulfill the dream of the city boy or girl who never had the opportunity to ride a horse. Fortunately, this is a recreational activity with very little skill required. In fact, the experience is open to professional horsemen and beginners alike.

This year (in addition to the regular rides) special off-campus trail rides will be offered Sept. 9 through Sept. 24 along the old railroad path at Bear Gulch.

There are two trips each day leaving from the Henry’s Fork property at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. The cost is $10 per student. Interested students can go to the BYU-I activities Web site or go to the ticket office.

Wagon rides are offered for those who are nervous about riding a horse or simply want to experience an outdoor activity with a large group. The wagon rides follow a path along the Teton and Snake Rivers.

In addition to the regular wagon rides, moonlight wagon rides are offered on certain nights at the Henry’s Fork property. This provides an opportunity to do some star gazing, impress a date and enjoy s’mores by the campfire after the ride.

And when Idaho transforms into a winter wonderland with the first snow, students have the chance to glide across the white drifts in a sleigh pulled by horses.

The sleigh ride combines a traditional activity with a modern day favorite. Add in caroling, and the sleigh ride becomes a unique experience. 

In addition to being fun, horseback riding also provides physical and emotional benefits to the rider.

Horseback riding has been proven to increase balance and muscle strength and improve coordination, respiration and circulation. Riding horses also helps to reduced stress, improve self-confidence and development patience, according to United Cerebral Palsy Web site.

Whether sitting atop a horse, in a wagon or in a sleigh, there is something for every BYU-I student to experience.

It’s time to put down the textbook, grab some friends, saddle up and get on a horse. Yee-haw!