Horseback Riding in Northern Madrid

There have been several moments throughout my short time here in Spain that I have had to ask, "Is this really my life?" Galloping through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains on the back of a horse named Poderoso (translated: Powerful) was one of those moments. This travel life is the craziest and most amazing thing; I am so blessed.

Centro Hípico Buitrago is located in the town of Buitrago del Lozoya, about 2 hours north of central Madrid by bus. The ranch is family-owned and operated, and they provide lessons and tours for large or small groups. Also, they're pretty much the nicest people I've ever met.

Allow me a moment to gush about Poderoso. This sexy beast is tall, dark, strong, and handsome- everything a girl could want in a man. He also gives my shins little love bites. Not exactly something I look for in a man, but still endearing. In the movie Troy, Poderoso was one of Brad Pitt's horses. "Hello, my name is Kate. My butt has sat on the same horse as Brad Pitt's butt. Nice to meet you." Poderoso also briefly worked on the show Game of Thrones, providing his services to the Mother of Dragons herself. "Hello, my name is Kate, but I prefer to be called The Mother of Dragons. My butt has sat on the same horse as Emilia Clarke and Brad Pitt's butts. Nice to meet you."

As if all of this wasn't enough, we had an authentic Spanish meal waiting for us upon our return. Pueblo bread; tomatoes smothered in garlic, basil, and olive oil; tortillas (a Spanish omelette made with eggs and potatoes); seafood paella; and endless sangria. You can bet your bottom dollar that I was completely passed out in a legendary, mouth-wide-open food coma on the bus ride home.

In addition to a plethora of horses, they have dogs and snuggly barn kittens. If you're the outdoorsy type, this is one of those places that breathes the life back into you. Fresh mountain air, horse kisses, and comfort food- pretty hard to beat that.