My First Solo Trail Ride - Update

[stanza]

Well, not ![](y first solo, but one where I trailered my guy out to a place to trail ride instead of riding on the trails around the barn. I got my guy out today in what for our area is considered a very mild winter day, with temps in the low 40s and sunny skies. My usual trail riding buddy has had to get a job, due to the economy, and I haven’t found another dependable and knowledgable trail buddy. So, knowing my guy is fairly good by himself, I trailered him to an open space of around 136 acres and nice trails. I only met two people walking dogs. The pictures aren’t anything special, but I’m just so proud of both me and my horse. If I’m not too tired, I might go out again tomorrow. It’s suppose to be even warmer.

This photo shows you some of the damage from the storm Sandy.
[IMG]http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n38/stanza31/Horses/IMG_1193.jpg)

[IMG]http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n38/stanza31/Horses/IMG_1191.jpg)

I hope this winter remains mild like it did last year, and maybe and I get out more.

Joan

I did get out the next day and decided to take a few videos. But a few explanations are needed. The first video, I want to apologize for the sniffles, but when it gets cold my nose tends to run, and I wasn’t able to pull out a kleenex when I was holding the reins in one hand and the camera in the other. The reference to my BIL, Michael, was because of a FB comment that I went out on the trails alone because I couldn’t find anyone to go with me, and even though he is all the way on the other coast, he said he would have. Also, Cote, as I mentioned loves to stop and look quite frequently, and when I’m not with other people, I let him be himself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9j9alR9Xkc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_G46w9BQ_8
And last:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKFjDqRC4gc

Enjoy! I did.

[Shermy]

Congrats! I love hauling out alone. I smuggle my dog into a few of the State Parks too, if I go during the week. Is a new explanation of PEACEFUL, isnt it?!?

[stanza]

[QUOTE=Shermy;6715500]
Congrats! I love hauling out alone. I smuggle my dog into a few of the State Parks too, if I go during the week. Is a new explanation of PEACEFUL, isnt it?!?[/QUOTE]

That is a good point about being peaceful. My horse is half Andalusian and by nature a very curious guy. I like to call him “my little tourist.” He likes to stop from time to time to just observe, and people who have horses that are very energetic, have a hard time with his slow speed and stopping. So, it was nice to just let him be himself, and take time to smell the trees.

[irish_horse]

Good job! It is nice when you can venture out by yourself (though you’re never alone when you’re with your horse, hopefully!) It is hard to find good riding buddies, and nice to sometimes take your time, look around, go when you think is fun, stop when you see something interesting. Those trails look so nice and well maintained, but brrr, cold!

[ChocoMare]

Good on you! If you’re on FaceBook, you should share those Thru The Ears pics with the group: As Seen Through Horse’s Ears

[cloudy18]

Good for you! I love going alone. Although I worry about black bears, occasionally, and have seen them. It’s nice to be able to pick your own pace, stop when you want to, and not have to cater to the needs of anyone else. Happy trails!

[SouthernOakFarm]

Inspiration! Looks like a blast was had by you both! I am going to do this as well. Thanks for the much needed push in the right direction

[GotMyPony]

Congratulations! Isn’t it great to feel that sense of self-accomplishment for you and your horse?? Hope this is just one of a lifetime of successful trail rides, alone or with friends. It’s all good!

[Simbalism]

Congrats! I do that on occasion too. I went on a ride last weekend. Trailered out by myself. I knew there was going to be a group ride there(knew a few of the people), but if I didn’t feel like riding with anyone, I would ride by myself. I did hit it off with a group of about 5 ladies so hooked up with them. My mare is older and when we start off she likes to go slow(think she’s probably a little stiff) I told them we are slow, don’t wait . I will catch up as needed. We pretty much stayed in the back of the line, sometimes close enough to chat, sometimes back far enough that I could just barely see them thru the trees. My horse could care less if horses leave or pass. So we just enjoyed the day. Got back to the trail head after a nice two hour ride and had a potluck with about 20 riders, then headed home.

[Effie1221]

Congratulations to you both - what a nice day for a ride and it sounds like you have a remarkable horse. Hope you have many more trail rides together.

[wendybird]

My arabian Ben, is a tourist too. He likes to stop and admire the view, look at walkers, and so on. Usually he doesn’t care if he gets left behind and simply steps up his walking pace to catch up if we are in company .
I have a an arabian mare, and she loves to find her own path through the trees - if she doesn’t find it interesting, she will turn around and go back to the main trail. She like to trot along all by herself too.

It’s all most enjoyable -