Horseback Rider at Home in Ballwin's Castlewood

A resident of Ballwin enjoyed near perfect weather on Thursday as she rode Redator, a 22 year-old paso fino that's one of two horses she takes care of on behalf of another Ballwin riding enthusiast.

Sherry Howard said she lives less than a mile from Castlewood State Park, where she rode Thursday after stopping by the stable of Paul Greisemer, the horse's retired owner.

The paso fino or "fine gate" horse Redator had a successful, competitive riding career in his earlier days, Howard said, despite the animal's unusual size for itz breed.

"He's actually big for a paso fino," Howard said. "They're usually smaller."

Howard said that in addition to taking advantage of the time outdoors, light riding helps keep Redator in shape and competitive with Katiana, another paso fino owned by Greisemer.

"The other one, she's about 6, so I have to keep him in shape so he can keep up with her."

In addition to riding at Castlewood, Howard said she and the horses frequently ride through Queeny Park and Lone Elk Park, both of which provide time to relax.

Howard said she's been riding horses since she was a child, which included much barrel-racing when she was growing up.

"Now that I'm older, enjoying gated horses is a lot nicer and more relaxing."