Horseback Riding

If you have your own horses or are experienced riders, you'll probably want to ignore what follows. If you've never ridden or haven't ridden in years and think that a horseback-riding date sounds like a good idea, be prepared to have a really sore rear end and inner thighs without the satisfaction of an orgasm. Horseback riding can be a near-religious experience if you do it all of the time, but it takes a lot of frequency and practice to elevate yourself from the pain and discomfort to satisfaction and bliss.

If you have the fantasy that the two of you will ride off into the sunset, keep in mind that most stables require that you take along one of their employees who will keep an eye on you. This is probably for insurance purposes. Nonetheless, you'll be getting a menage a trois where the third person just lurks. Worse yet, at some stables the employees will help you get on the horse and then an employee will lead each horse—for the entire date. Oh boy, talk about a fun time!

By now you are probably wondering why we included this as a date. We don't know why either, except it's a romantic notion that a lot of people have. Consider yourself forewarned. Also, there really are some ranches that offer very cool day rides, but you'll need to do some serious checking and ask a lot of questions.

COST

Set aside at least $25 per person for horse rental. Rides usually last an hour.

HOW TO FIND

Look in the Yellow Pages under the various "horse" categories. Try www.horserentals.com. They offer a state-by-state listing of ranches that rent horses.

You might try calling a feed store, a farm supply store, an equestrian center or a stable that rents space to horse owners and ask if they know of any ranches that rent horses.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Call the stable ahead of time. Find out what they offer—trail rides, ring rides, beach rides? It's also a good idea to visit the place in person before the date. Check out the horses and ask about the trail rides. If the horses look seriously decrepit, ornery and/or mean, find somewhere else to go or something else to do. Inquire if there will be someone who rides along. If you will be riding during peak rental times (weekends, holidays) inquire about the availability of horses and if you need to make reservations.

ALTERNATIVES—POLO GAMES, HORSE RACES and MORE

Here's a way to get out of the saddle and into the stands. Find out if they have polo fields or polo matches in your area. Where else can you see a lot of really intense, rich people riding around on beautiful-looking horses while trying to hit a ball with a stick? As the folks from www.polonews.com say, "A tough match produces a euphoria that makes the best experiences of life seem commonplace." If that kind of sentiment doesn't rip your heart out, there's more: "We encourage you to bring along your garden chairs, picnic basket and sporting spirit." You'll also need to dress the part—we're talking lots of white with perhaps one or two pastel accents. The good news is, you probably won't need to pay to get in unless it's a tournament. Another polo website to check out is that of the U.S. Polo Association at www.uspolo.org.

Other alternatives to mounting and riding include taking your date to the horse races or harness races. For a list of tracks around the country, try www.horse-races.net/library/links-racetracks.htm.