We also saw a pheasant fly alongside our taxi briefly on the way to the meet up point for the ride - in Dores. We met up with our horses, learned to put easy boots on, and started off.
This is John's horse, Ginny. She's a sweet paint, very level-headed. Below is me standing with Fern, a Highland pony. I knew they would put me on a pony! I don't think I minded though, she was certainly fast enough and there's something to be said for being matched with something your size . . . although I'm not sure whether we were evenly matched in stubbornness or not. 
The water in the photos above is all Loch Ness, and all taken within a few hours - note the varying sun and clouds! I have to say, the weather was perfect. You don't want it sunny all the time, too hot, but it's nice to have just a bit now and then to warm you up after going through a shaded forest.
I like this one of John:
Maclaine, this one is for you, the only time I took my helmet off!
We went by a lot of farms -- I should have realized it wouldn't be the wildest part of the highlands, as we were following the line of the lakes, which of course would have the most cultivated land.
Here's where we spent the first night, the Whitebridge Hotel. The pasture you see below it was where we put the horses - we could see them from the window in our room.
I believe this was the establishment that had the ridiculous curry, and by ridiculous I mean one of the best things I have ever tasted, anywhere. They had about 6 curries to choose from as well a respectable menu of Scottish fare, and I went with the venison passanda. Let me tell you, if I ever see venison passanda on a menu again, I will order it, but it can't possibly be as good as what they gave me here. Those people are WIZARDS.
Needless to say, we slept extremely well, secure in the knowledge of adequate towel-warming appliances.
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