A couple months ago I decided to join the Back Country Horsemen to not only have more opportunities to ride, but to also give a little back. I've been trail riding for a couple years now and appreciating when those National Forest and Wilderness trails I ride are clear of fallen trees and brush, but also noticing when they're not. Knowing that trail fairies aren't magically clearing the trails, I wanted to be one of those hardworking volunteers that help to keep trails open for everyone.
Our first project began in the Manzano Mountains, at the Red Canyon Trailhead, where I had ridden twice before on Red Canyon Trail and Spruce Spring Trail. But the trails we were working on have been closed for 4 years due to a forest fire. Box Spring Trail and Ox Canyon Trail were in bad shape and needed intensive work done on them to make them accessible to hikers and horseback riders.
Apache, all tacked up and ready to work.
On our first project, I discovered that I didn't need to tack up so quickly, because, with such a large group, with pack mules, horses and donkeys that needed to be loaded up with all our work gear, it takes about an hour before we're ready to head out. So, Apache and I wandered around exploring while we waited.
Heading down the trail.
We had horses, mules and donkeys in our group of 15. We separated into two groups, so we could cover more ground and clear more trail.
Almost immediately, there were fallen trees across the trail and we had to stop and dismount, and tie up our equines and get to work.
We sawed.....
We dragged...........
And the equines waited patiently.......
The cross cut saw is useful for cutting through thicker logs, while using the strength and energy of two people.
Apache seemed confused on our first project with all the stopping and tying up she was asked to do. She's used to motoring on down the trail when we go on trail rides. But she figured out that we were riding with a purpose and she took the time, tied to trees, to nap and rest.
The trail was in bad shape and we worked more than we rode that day.
But the sections that we did ride....and the ride back after we finished for the day, were pretty awesome.
But most of the day, we worked while our equines waited.
Sometimes our other group would pass us, while we worked on one section, after they finished clearing a section behind us. They would ride past us, to reach other blocked sections of trail farther down the trail.
They make it look easy...but it's really hard work. (I was so sore! Four ibuprofen were required, along with a glass of wine, at the end of the day)
It was great to see that the trail signs hadn't burned down in the forest fire four years ago.
This is going to be a beautiful trail when it's completely clear.
But there is still a lot of work to be done.
And a lot of waiting for our equines.......
As the trail climbed higher, the fallen trees got bigger.
A picture of me actually working. haha! The other gal wth me, was also on her first BCHM Work Project, too. We worked our behinds off, but we still didn't work as hard as the more seasoned members of the group. It felt good to see the trail getting cleared and opening up, due to our combined efforts.
Apache worked, too. She waited patiently for long periods and then carried me to the next blocked section. She also learned not to be worried about saws, axes, tools, people, and other equines walking all around her. And she got used to the sounds and sights of trees and logs being sawed and crashing down on the ground. And she learned to ignore me breaking and cutting off branches across the trail and over our heads. Apache was awesome!
And for a little while we got to lead our group down the trail. Apache really enjoys leading and really steps out when out in front.
The rest of our group followiing behind....
The trail got very rocky, so I let someone else lead, as I prefer my barefoot mare walk carefully over the rocks, instead of stepping out.
And then we had more work to do.......
Double whammy logs across the trail......we were here for a while.
The area burned by the forest fire looks so stark, but it also provides great views out to the eastern plains.
I liked how the trail twists and turns and goes up and down small hills and mini-canyons.
Lots of fun for Apache and I!
Well....at least until the trail was blocked again and we had to stop to work. haha!
Apache still seemed too enjoy our new riding experience: riding with a purpose.
And I did, too!
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