Horseback Riding
We had been dreaming of this moment ever since we left Montreal: swimming with horses in the Gaspé Bay, galloping on kilometres of sandy beaches, and camping on the banks of the Dartmouth River. No doubt our unleashed imagination floated towards the Caribbean on this early September morning as we met with Serge Côté, owner of Ranch Le Centaure, in Cap-aux-Os. Even in the first moments of our conversation it was clear to us that we would not be disappointed, that our dreams were about to become a reality.
Sitting in front of a copious breakfast, Serge Côté whet our appetite for adventure. "We're going to bring the horses to Sandy Beach, which is a long strip of sand jutting out into Gaspé Bay, towards Forillon Park. There we can gallop on the beach, swim with the horses, and maybe even see some seals. Later on, we'll cross the river on horseback and camp on a small island. You'll have a hard time believing you' re still in Quebec, you'll see!< he adds.
As soon as we get to Sandy Beach, we quickly hitch up the horses, as if we were afraid we were about to suddenly wake up from this wonderful dream. Comfortably seated on Fire a magnificient golden-maned horse — I yell "Dia!< a command which he seems to understand. He dashes forward, without so much as a glance back, his hooves barely grazing the sand, and his mane standing straight up; I don't dare resist. After a few minutes, I take the reins and yell a which he immediately responds to. Here we stand on a magnificent sandy island, in the heart of the Gaspé Bay. I patiently wait for the rest of the team members, secretly hoping that they will take their time; I have things to discuss with Fire!
When the group finally catches up with me, I am engaged in feverish conversation with my stallion. I tell him all about my life, feeling certain that I won't be judged! , explains Serge.
We slowly ride along Sandy Beach, talking about nothing and everything, as if time had stopped. Now and again, we see a seal poking its head out of the water to watch the cavalry go by. Everything is perfect, just like in our wildest dreams. After a few kilometres, Serge urges us to go faster.
Our curiosity getting the better of us, we ask Serge to demonstrate how to swim with a horse, just in case we don't have time to get back. He doesn't have to be asked twice and plunges into the icy waters of the bay. The second his horse loses its footing, Serge lies down on the animal's back, shifting his weight towards the rump to help the horse keep its nose out of the water. Then, in a magnificent cross-species water ballet, Serge and his horse flap their legs until they reach the other shore. It' s a breathtaking demonstration. As for ourselves, we take a safer, and drier, route to reach the other side. says a shivering Serge,
Once Serge warms up, we start heading towards the Dartmouth River. Our only obstacle lies at our feet, in the form of a somewhat wild river. < warns Serge, < On the other side of the river, the promise of a superb little island encourages us to scrupulously respect this golden rule.
When we reach the island, we let the horses run free while we prepare dinner. We spend the rest of the day talking by the fire and watching the horses as they enjoy their freedom.
