When Barbara Bollenbach is in the saddle, everything seems a little brighter and beautiful.

Enjoying horseback riding since she was young, Bollenbach recently had the opportunity to share her passion with well-known businesswoman and homemaking icon Martha Stewart on her Cantitoe Corners Estate in Katonah, N.Y.

Bollenbach and her younger sister, Beverly Ellis of Oklahoma City, have been “riding buddies” for years and when Ellis won a silent auction for a “Ride with Martha,” sponsored by the Bedford Riding Lanes Association, of course, she invited her sister.

Actually, the package gave Ellis and up to five friends the opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride with Stewart through the historic trails on her expansive farm and a picnic lunch following.

The event’s proceeds help support the maintenance of the extensive trail system which traverses various upscale properties in the area and is open to BRLA members.

Once the date was set for Oct. 14, Bollenbach, Ellis and two friends set out to meet with Ellis’ daughter, who resides in the same neighborhoods as Stewart.

On the day they were to meet with Stewart, Bollenbach said it was raining heavily and luckily they were able to postpone the ride until the next day, which also gave them the opportunity to view the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City.

When they arrived at Stewart’s property the following day, Bollenbach said the weather was beautiful and she and Ellis each had the opportunity to ride Frie- sian horses owned by Stewart.

“They are big, beautiful horses,” Bollenbach said. “Martha rode with us on her trusty Friesian, which evidently takes really good care of her.”

An outfitter provided the horses for others in the group, which Bollenbach described as rock solid horses as well.

With Stewart and her barn manager in the lead, the group fell in single file behind them.

Riding directly behind Stewart, Bollenbach said Stewart led them around along trails on the almost 160-acre property pointing out different aspects of the farm and describing some of the daily activities she and her staff perform.

She has a studio on her property, a beautiful garden, chickens, other animals, orchards and all kinds of trees, Bollenbach said. They also cut all their own hay, compost and use everything on the property for something, she added.

“It was a beautiful ride around her property,” Bollenbach said.

“She was in a great mood and was happy we were there, because we were sharing her passion.”

Recounting the barn manager’s words that Stewart is never happier than when she’s on the horse, Bollenbach said: “My girls tell me ‘that’s just the way you are.’” Stewart has a love for trees, Bollenbach said, and during the picnic the group enjoyed fresh-pressed apple juice from some of the apple trees on the property.

Many of the homes in the area have hitching posts in their backyards along the trails and it’s a real neat feel if you’re a horse lover, Bollenbach said.

Throughout the experience, Bollenbach said Stewart was really nice and absolutely delightful.

“She’s got a twinkle in her eye and a soft smile,” she said.

“I was very impressed with how warm and easy she was to be with and it was just a great day.”

Traveling with her horses to various places throughout the year, sometimes for two months straight, Bollenbach said she’s thankful for her husband, Scott, who keeps her truck and trailer in top condition so she can pursue her passion.

On those trips she often meets up with Ellis to ride and just enjoy their time together on horseback.

Thrilled to have been able to experience a once in a lifetime ride with Martha Stewart, Bollenbach said she also checked off another bucket list wish this summer with her sister.

The pair rode Bollenbach’s horses through the trails of Bryce Canyon in Utah.

“It was just amazing,” Bollenbach said.

“I’ve had a great summer.”