First solo trail ride = success!

[Lizrd]

I did it! I bought my trailer in April and have used it to haul to a few local shows. I had nothing going on this weekend and finally the weather cooperated for a trail ride. I went to a 3400 acre conservation area that is 10 minutes from where I board. I figured may as well stay close to home for our maiden voyage! Everything went fabulously! Loaded my OTTB myself and got there just fine. He stood like a real gentleman tied to the side of the trailer. Of course he snorted like a dragon for the first ten minutes on the trail and then it was a loose rein for the next 45 minutes. He spooked twice at birds we flushed out of the grass but his spook makes me laugh. He throws all four feet straight out and freezes! I have lived a lifetime to own a horse with a “spook” like that! Finished the trail and loaded right back up.

I am already planning our next outing! There are many county and state preserves near me so I am looking forward to exploring them all. One even has a water crossing! It was soooo great to get out of the arena for a change of pace. I think my horse enjoyed it, too!

I think I have correctly made my facebook album public. Here’s the link if you care to view the scenery in the NW suburbs of Chicago.

https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.freeman3/media_set?set=a.4710652894825.1073741829.1549442096&type=1

[Macimage]

Congratulations! The Nature Preserve is so pretty and looks like a wonderful place to trail ride.

[ezduzit]

Hats off to you…so brave! And a beautiful place…wouldn’t mind that in my backyard either.

I think you boy WILL love that too.

[chicamuxen1]

HaH! You experienced the TB spook! Sort of drop down, in place, legs spread and freeze. Geez how I miss that kinda spook.

Now a true ARAB spook just isn’t fun anymore. I hate that period of laying there, usually face in the dirt, sort of thinking about slowly moving each body part cautiously, you know, is anything broke, can I still move my legs. Then, considering the move to hands and knees before finally regaining my feet and checking for blood. Then looking around for hoof prints and clouds of dust.

I do love a good brave TB.

Bonnie

[Lizrd]

Thanks, everyone! I am still smiling about our whole adventure. I think Atlas will sleep well tonight and so will I. The conservation area is fabulous and it connects to a bike/horse trail that goes all the way to Wisconsin (really only about 8 miles from where we started). I am so fortunate to have access to terrific places to trail ride at!

Chica - this is the first TB I have ridden with the “TB spook.” I’m used to the snort and spin which is NOT fun! I don’t think I am resilient enough for your Arab’s spook…but it is fun to read about!

[katyb]

I’m glad you had fun. Your horse is adorable.

[Simbalism]

Congrats on your horse’s adventure! That park looks so nice to ride.

[cowboymom]

he’s a beautiful horse!

[Lizrd]

Thank you! My horse’s resume is:

1. Raced 17 times - came in first once. Fail. Out of work.

2. Was sold into the “Black Rodeo” in Oklahoma - that’s how the horse trader explained it to me. I guess it is an African American Rodeo circuit? He had no cow sense (go figure - look at those legs!). Fail. Out of work.

3. Sometimes in Oklahoma when you are livestock and you are out of work you don’t eat. Starved for several months.

Next stop: Kill Pen

4. Bailed out by a horse trader who “liked the look in his eye.” Horse trader has two trailers - one for Mexico and one to go home to his ranch. This horse was put on the non-Mexico trailer. Through a very odd set of circumstances shipped from OK to IL for me to try as a jumper.

5. Clears 3’6" with no effort whatsoever. Has natural auto lead changes and can rollback on a dime…6) oh, and he’s a quiet trail horse now. Success!

[cowboymom]

that’s a good story-he’s had a guardian angel with him through his “unemployment” times! So pretty, I’m glad he finally found someone that saw his potential!

[Countrywood]

Wonderful story and what a long way to reach you, and great home he found!

[jessiesgrrl]

Sad! I can’t get through the link to the pics

But very happy to hear his fairy tale ending!!! TB are by far my fav breed

[harnessphoto]

Congratulations! I hope this is just the start of many adventures

[mountainhorse]

Looks like a blast!