Back in the saddle: Horseback riding at Carousel Horse Farm in Casco

The first time I went horseback riding, I learned a lot about bees.

That's right. Bees.

It so happens that, on my inaugural equestrian ride two decades ago along a well-stomped trail in Wisconsin, my horse suddenly began rearing. In a panic, I clutched the reins. The guide yelled, "Control your horse," forgetting in her trail guide monotony that she'd never shown me how, exactly, one controls a horse.

As the horse continued to rear and thrash about, it occurred to me that I'd inevitably get tossed. And it occurred to me that it'd be better if I could choose the timing of my inevitable fall - at least then I could prepare myself. So I took a breath and let go. And I flew into the air, then into the ground and smack dab onto a bees nest. Or maybe they were wasps. It doesn't matter. What matters is they stung - everywhere.

I couldn't blame the horse - she was only reacting to the swarm she saw and felt before I did. But I still didn't want to get on one again. Ever.

Of course "ever" can only last for so long, and this weekend I found myself swinging my leg over a kindly steed named Rose at Carousel Horse Farm in Casco.

Owner Tiffany Payton offered some horse-steering instructions (hold the reins tightly, keep the elbows loose, give a tug this way or that to steer, pull to stop). She also joked that most beginner riders end up in the woods at some point (or on a bee's nest, I thought).

Payton said if I kept Rose's ears lined up with her horse's tail, and paid attention, I'd be fine. "Use your horse's ears like the sight on a gun," she said.

And off we went - Payton at the lead, followed by me, Remy (a quiet young fellow from France who made a pitstop in Maine on his way to Quebec), my friend Victoria (celebrating her birthday) and Joe (Payton's son).

The sandy trail poked through the woods in parts, then poured out into wide fields of grass and yellow flowers. My horse hoofed along, stealing bites from the easy-access tree branches as we went by. "The buffet line," Payton called it. I thought that, for the horses, it must be like walking through a forest made of grilled cheese sandwiches.

Eventually we wound our way to Pear's Ice Cream, a small local stand serving Gifford's and other hot foodstuffs.

I took the opportunity to try out my new "cowgirl lean."

And Payton took the opportunity to offer some Gifford's to the horses.

Back at the farm, Victoria helped Joe remove the bridle while I checked myself over for stings. Not even a mosquito bite, as it turns out.

A successful return to the saddle - and a much better memory than the last. (Though that bee's-nest toss of yesteryear did quash my fear of bees, despite not being able to sit comfortably for two days).

For more info on guided trail rides, check the Carousel Horse Farm website or call 207-627-4471/615-6948.

A beginner ride to Pears Ice Cream is $50 and includes one hour of trail riding and a tie-up at an old fashioned hitching post to enjoy an ice cream cone at Pear's.