W e were an interesting mix of Ashkenazic and Sephardic modern and chassidish young and… not as young. With the exception of Ilana and myself none of us were previously acquainted and we moved in entirely different circles. And here we all were helmeted mounted on horseback and ready to move.
I had begun editing Rabbi Eckstein’s book It’s Your Move which outlines an experiential eight-part workshop on the 12 steps. The steps are meant for addicts — a system of tools to recover from addiction and lead a balanced healthy life — but the workshop is designed to empower non-addicts as well.
Despite my limited experience horseback riding I was actually the veteran rider of our group though Ilana had ridden a little when she was young. Rabbi Eckstein rode at the front and Yoram the manager of Retorno’s ranch brought up the rear. Plus there was David a resident in Retorno’s men’s community who came along for the ride.
After being given basic riding instructions we set off. We rode past a wheat field and through a small forest up a hill that offered a wide glorious view of the surrounding countryside: corn fields olive groves grape orchards and a shimmering reservoir. It’s a view I will never tire of. Ever.
