Juan Tomas Open Space Autumn Ride

So last Fall, I invited one of my friends to go ride with me at a favorite local riding location, Juan Tomas Open Space.

I was hoping that there would still be some Fall color out on the trails, and there sure was.

There was even a bit of snow and frost in the shady areas beside the trail.

Apache seems to enjoy Juan Tomas OS just as much as I do. The trails are mostly flat, smooth and rock free, and the ponderosa trees are in abundance. It's a beautiful, relaxing trail to ride all year long.

I have several favorite places to stop for lunch on the trail, but the easiest and most convenient is to ride over to the Oak Flats Picnic Ground and eat lunch in one of their picnic areas. Some of the picnic areas have covered gazebos, but we chose to sit out under the sun because it was cold outside.

After we enjoy our lunch, we do some more riding.

Yep...I gotta get my "Happy to be out in nature riding my horse" selfie! And I was stylish and warm in my leopard print!

My friend was happy to be out in nature riding her horse, too!

I truly am a mountain girl! I love riding among the tall ponderosa trees.

Still lots of Fall color out on the trail.



Another one of my favorite New Mexico trees: The Alligator Juniper!

Apache was more interested in nibbling the little bits of Fall grass.



Apache and I posing with the Alligator juniper!




Life is Good!!!