The Trail Ride That Led To True Love

For this month's Love In A Small Town feature, we asked Patch readers to tell us the story behind a specific spot in town where they fell in love. For Erin, this spot is a horseback riding trail in San Juan Capistrano. Here is her story:

“San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1775 and is home to one of the original Missions of California. Its history is steeped in western tradition and that's where our story starts.

There's something innately romantic about anything connected to horses, from the sound of their hooves to the way their hearts beat. Their size gives you power while making you completely aware of how vulnerable you are. And then there's the fantasy of a knight riding up on his white horse — or in my case, the cowboy.

I grew up riding and always dreamed of meeting a cowboy who would share my passion. Fast forward into my 30s, he was still off somewhere riding the hills. Then, Ortega Equestrian Center, my local stable in San Juan, started offering trail rides. I watched couple after couple ride off together, giggling with excitement, pausing for pictures in the creek, kissing across the saddle.

I would guide them through the shadows of trees, the creek and wind our way through the bamboo as they shared the experience together. Valentine's day, birthdays and Christmas were all celebrated with a trail ride. They always ended the same way: with the couple side by side under a low hanging pepper tree for a beautiful picture.

I finally met my cowboy and invited him on a trail ride, during which we got to take our very own picture. Every time we ride out together, I get the same feeling I did on that first ride, the one all those couples got.

— Erin

Read more Patch reader love stories here.

For next month's Love In A Small Town feature, we want to know: Have you ever had a chance encounter with someone that led to love? Email your story to locallove@patch.com for the chance to be featured. Get more details here.