ARA Poker Ride ~ My Best Ride Yet!!! You Bet!

 

I’m still going through all the photos I took, and getting some of the awesome photos off of FB that some of the other riders took during the ride and shared on FB. But suffice it to say that Saturday’s ride was my very best trail ride yet!

Even though I wish I could have ridden Apache, our trailer is still mired in snow and mud at the top of our hill beside the barn, and Apache’s currently not conditioned for a ride of that caliber anyway. But I did have the honor of riding Dacodah’s ‘worth her weight in gold’ mare, Splendor, again. My fourth time, too. I think she and I are a pretty good pair and she’s very trustworthy, but also a lot of fun, too.

(Riding over beautiful petrified sand dunes)

This ride took place in a different area of the beautiful San Lorenzo Canyon, that we rode 2 weeks ago during the Centennial Ride Weekend. It was one of the most challenging, and most technical trails I’ve ever had the opportunity to ride.

But it was also a total blast and I learned many new skills. I think I’m a better rider for participating.

Of course the scenery was absolutely incredible!

And even though it was a cloudy, windy day, the views more than made up for the lack of our usual beautiful blue New Mexico skies and warm sunshine. (Made it very challenging to take good photos, though)

And to add the cherry on top, I came in third place with my hand of poker, despite never playing poker before, and this being my first time ever playing poker on horseback, too. I was pretty surprised to win $108.00! Whoohooo!

(Me: “Look Splendor! We won third place in the Poker Ride!” Splendor: “Hmmm, it’s green, but doesn’t smell like hay. Could I have cookies instead for my cut, please?” Me: “Sure sweet girl, and carrots, too!”)

I’ll post more about the ride once I’ve got everything organized.