For my birthday this year, I asked to go horseback riding, so we went to a nearby neighborhood called La Floresta.  A Mexican family owns and operates a trail ride business in Ajijic, Mexico.

Our guide chose which horses they thought suited us best.  My horse was white with little black spots and was named Luna.  My siblings' horses were named Guayaba and Cuervo. Guayaba looked like Luna, and Cuervo was black.

Me and my horse, Luna

My Dad and Little Brother on a chestnut horse

All of the horses are well-kept and groomed and the tack is clean. The saddles were western style and the saddle blankets were brightly colored Mexican blankets.

We found out when we got there that call ahead reservations are not needed.

There are several different trails.  Two go up the mountain, and another goes by the lake. The lakeside trail is one hour and the mountain trails are around two hours each. We chose to take the lakeside trail.

Cobblestone street ride in Ajijic

The lake was so pretty! The water was a perfect blue-green color, and the distant mountains were surrounded by clouds. It wasn't foggy that day, so you could see right across the lake and see all the little lakeside homes.

On our way back, we went through a small town, and then back to our neighborhood. When we got back my siblings decided that they wanted to go horse back riding for their birthdays, too!

We all had a blast, and I can't wait to go again!

Group photo by Lake Chapala

Joy Whitehead is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program.

All photos courtesy and copyright Joy Whitehead