Laying out the tools............
Loading up the pack equines...........
Tacking up our horses...............
Apache taking a power nap before we head down the trail...........
Riding down the trail............
We don't get far before we encounter our first work project..........
Equines are all tied up to wait patiently..........
Apache takes another nap.......
And we get to work clearing the fallen trees off the trail........
One down....one to go.....
All done....time to wake up the equines........
Beautiful vistas as we climb higher......
Ginny and her Arab mare are on their first Back Country Horsemen work project. Ginny's mare latches onto Apache as her mentor and security blanket........
Another blocked section of trail...time to tie up the equines again.....
That was quick....we only had some 'draggers', small logs that are easily dragged off of the trail...
Time to enjoy some trail riding.........
That guy in front of us joined BCHM for his first work project but his horse was young and green, and a bit cranky. The guy had a great seat and did a good job dealing with the bucking and crankiness his horse had for having to work and not liking wearing saddlebags.
Looks like it's time to stop and clear trail again......
Apache is tied up and ready to take another nap.......
Apache proved her worth and trustworthiness yet again, just before the above photo was taken. I was dismounting on the steep upslope side of the trail, because the trail was narrow and the opposite side dropped steeply down the mountain, and I wasn't able to get my right foot kicked out of the stirrup before my left foot landed on the slope. Before I could do anything about it, my left foot slipped and I landed on my butt, sliding underneath my horse, while my right foot was still in the stirrup. Apache didn't move a muscle or take a step with me underneath her, even when I used the saddle fender to help pull myself up. She is the best trail partner and I am so thankful for her!)
Horses have to get used to humans walking past them carrying saws, axes and loppers.....even on narrow trails....
It's hard work removing fallen trees off the trail. We all take turns using the crosscut saw, so no one gets too tired or sore.....
After the logs are cut and moved off the trail, we rehab and rebuild the damaged trail.....
Just a little further up the trail, another fallen tree to clear off the trail....
Apache is tired of naps and eager to head down the trail.....
I was so proud of Apache for tolerating Ginny's mare following us so closely and even resting her head on Apache's butt and using Apache's butt to rub her itchy face. My Apache mare has become such a wonderful trail horse, and makes it possible for us to easily ride with anyone and in large groups. I love my girl.
Apache appreciated drinking the refreshingly cool water from the tank at Fourth of July Canyon Springs.
Time for lunch.......
And another nap for Apache.......
Heading back down the trail...........
My favorite New Mexico tree, the Alligator Juniper. This a big 'un!
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