Horse Camping ~ Trail Ride to The Mother

 

 Our horse camping weekend was drawing to a close, but first we had to make our final push towards our destination of visiting The Mother.

We left the pond, that Colleen experienced an unexpected dip into, and headed uphill on an old jeep road towards the top of a mountain. 

 

We continued up and across the side of the steep mountain, past an area where someone had been cutting down several large Ponderosas. The stumps and wedges left behind were wide and thick, showing the old age of the trees.

 

We trotted to catch up and found ourselves among a herd of free range cattle. Of course, I just had to say “Mooo!” Please tell me I’m not the only one who moos at cattle. 

 

We finally arrived at a wide open clearing at the top of a mountain. The only thing in front of us, and in the dead center of this clearing……was what we were seeking.

                                 The Mother.

                             Mother Ponderosa.

                               Mother P. Rosa.

                          The Mother of them all.

 

 

 

We all stopped and stood in awe of her grand size and her strong beauty, noticing how she was surrounded by, yet separated from, hundreds of other, smaller ponderosas, as if they were encircling her with honor and protection.

Some may say, “Oh. It’s just a tree” But I don’t agree. All living things have energy, and some exude their energy in powerful, yet understated ways. This tree, The Mother, contained such a quiet, yet strong energy, that, though none of us spoke about it, we all felt in awe of her and were respectful of this massive tree.

A couple of the other riders had been here before and shared how they felt drawn to tears when near this tree. Deb, herself said she often felt the energy of The Mother when she touched her. I decided I wanted to get closer and experience a more intimate connection to her, too. So, I dismounted and led Rosie over to Mother P. Rosa and rested my hand upon her rough bark.

 

I can’t explain exactly what I felt, as there was so much happening all at once…..like a flood. I immediately was calm and relaxed. It felt like everything tight and tense in my body was washed away and it was replaced with a deep sense of peace. I also felt a sadness at the thought of having to leave her, of having to remove my hands from her massive trunk, and having to walk out from beneath her cooling shade. Looking at Rosie, I could tell that she felt something, too. She was calm and relaxed, not searching for food, with her large head hanging low, as if in respect for The Mother.   

                         This lovely Spirit Tree.

 

But sadly, it was time for us to leave so we could get back to the camp in time to make lunch. So, I found a large stump to get mounted back on Rosie, and we headed on down the trail. But I hope someday I can return to visit with The Mother again. And I will plan to linger there a little bit longer to feel her powerful, yet gentle, energy.

A little later, I also saw the slowly waning, forlorn shape of The Grandmother beside her slender daughter, in one last final embrace.

(With Bella’s rotund rump to compare size perspective) 

 

And not far from her, stood the final resting place of The Grandfather, surrounded by all his children and grandchildren. 

 

We continued our journey back to the camp, riding through forest and open meadows, traveling east. 

 

We did a lot of trotting and cantering, and it was so much fun! Rosie took good care of me, and I felt a deeper connection as we ran across the meadows and down the trail. I felt in balance to her movement and I felt at times that we were as one.

 

We rode through a few of the Aspen Glades, of which I would love to build a little cabin within and live forever. There is something so magical and peaceful about the Aspen Glades that makes me want to linger.

(The video is funny because it has Loeta’s and my voice, teasing Colleen about the pond coming up in front of us. And no, Colleen did not allow Jake to take even one step into that pond this time around. lol!))

 

 

 

And then all too soon we were back at camp. Apache was waiting eagerly for us to arrive and seemed happy to see me, nickering to me, even though I was riding another horse.

Something I forgot to mention in my previous post, about Saturday evening, after I came back from riding Rosie. After Apache forgave me for riding someone other than her, I was standing outside of the paddock and Deb came over to chat and to reassure me about my mare and her lame shoulder/leg, as I was still feeling worried and sad. Deb has a wonderful, calming way about her, while still being able to make you laugh and get your mind off your troubles. It’s no wonder that all animals are drawn to her with trust. Animals can sense if a person is genuine and kind.

Anyway, Deb and I stood there, talking, while watching Apache gimp towards the water tank. We were both surprised to see Rosie come over to Apache and walk beside her, and then bend in front of her, as if to block her. I was worried that Rosie might hurt Apache, as Rosie tends to be quite strongly opinionated about her personal space with other horses.

But Rosie was gentle, kind, and seemed to be taking care of my Apache. Her ears were never pinned, and her eyes looked soft. When Apache would try to walk quickly, Rosie would slow her down. After Apache stopped, Rosie would move back and beside my girl and slowly walk together with her. When they reached the water tank, Rosie did make Apache wait while she bent her head down to the water, but she didn’t take a drink. Rosie then moved to the side and allowed Apache to move up beside her.

When Bella moved in to investigate, I think Deb and I were both surprised to see Rosie pin her ears and kick out at Bella, while Rosie remained beside Apache, as if protecting her.

Within a couple moments Rosie and Apache were both drinking deeply from the water tank together.

And when they were through, they both stood near each other for a long time, resting.

I wonder what that was all about? What did Deb and I witness between Apache and Rosie that evening?

I did notice that by Sunday morning, my normally meek, laid back, and submissive Apache had moved up quickly in the herd rankings. The rest of the horses, including Rosie, Bella, Jake, Bandit, even Etta Bay allowed her to guard three piles of hay while only inviting those horses that Apache wanted to come eat beside her. No one chased her away or pinned their ears at her.

(There’s Bella on Apache’s left and Rosie, to her right. Jake on the far left with Etta Bay’s rump facing the camera. Bandit behind Bella. Chester, Jasper and Pal in the next field over.)

It was fascinating to watch. I think I could watch herd behavior all day.

But I like to ride, too. So, whatever Rosie and Apache discussed among themselves that evening must have been good for me, too, because my sweet, gentle mare didn’t seem to hold it against me that I rode Rosie on Sunday morning. 

 

After a delicious lunch of Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwiches and a refreshing watermelon, that Colleen’s husband, John brought up with him that morning (hey! It was July 4th, ya know. hehe!), I got all my tack and camping gear packed up and ready to go. Apache was ready to get back home it seemed and she eagerly jumped up into the horse trailer with gelding Jasper for the three hour ride back home, with Matt and Callie driving.

After hugs and fond farewells with everyone, humans, horses and donkeys alike…….and promises to ride again together soon, I hopped into my van for the long drive home.

I already miss kissing adorable, sweet Ruthie’s velvety nose.