A Trail After the Torrents

After endless days of rain, last weekend was sunny, and Knight and I had a chance to explore trails at our new barn home. It was serendipitous that as I was tacking up, thinking I would just cruise around the lanes between pastures on the property, another rider was tacking up and she invited me to join her on trail.

I don’t ever remember it raining this much in California.

(This past weekend I was down for the count with some weird flu-like bug, but with no fever. So no riding. So sad.)

My new friend on her Paint led the way, and Knight followed like a seasoned trail pony, even as several motorcycles cruised past. We walked along the road for a bit, and then crossed a road and went down a small hill which led us to a place of magical footing. It is a dry riverbed and it has a sandy substance which holds up even in all the rain.

Galway Downs is located on the other side of the street.

At times we rode side by side and as we made the turn for home, Knight took the lead, demonstrating a power walk I didn’t know he had in him. It was really funny.

I was proud that my boy can lead or follow or ride abreast.

I was proud that I could ride him on the buckle on a brand new trail, after not having been in much work due to the rain.

I’m loving having him on pasture 24/7. Have I mentioned that I have to put the girth on at the last hole on both sides until I can get him out and moving and tighten a little more? I’ve never had that “problem” before!

By the way, if you’re reading this and are in Southern California, going to the Mary’s Tack and Feed Tent Sale March 2, stop by and say hi. I’ll be there signing copies of my book Horses Adored and Men Endured. 🙂

Not sure if I like the clouds or shadow of us better.

At one point during the ride I mentioned to my trail partner that she had to read the latest Denny Emerson book and how he devotes several pages to the merits of walking.

She told me she had heard of an upper level eventer who has a particular horse that in order to keep fit and not cause undue stress on the horse’s legs has the horse walked for fitness. I believe she said the horse goes out a few times a day at a walk and only gallops at shows. This was fascinating.! (And if you’re reading this and have heard of this before, please do tell more in the comments section.)

The golden hour between the ears.

Except for the motorcycles, it was so beautiful and peaceful out under the puffy clouds, clip clopping along with my favorite steed. The wind picked up a bit as we rode home, but despite the chill, I had the warm fuzzies thinking how we’re one step closer to being an actual field hunter team.

When I looked at the time, I realized we had been out for about an hour and ten minutes. Now that was a pleasant way to spend my afternoon. I can’t wait to be 100% healthy again and have another such fantastic trail experience soon!

Share your comment (scroll down): When’s the last time you went on a trail ride? How do you cope with riding in inclement weather?

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