The day before Thanksgiving, I invited a friend of mine to go ride the local trails near my house. She hauled her horse over to my house and we loaded her mare into my trailer for the drive to the trail head.
Apache seemed surprised to have a trailer mate in her trailer.
When we got out onto the trails we were also surprised to see so much snow covering the trails.
Apache seemed surprised to have a trailer mate in her trailer.
When we got out onto the trails we were also surprised to see so much snow covering the trails.
These trails are only about 300-800 ft higher in elevation than my house just 5-6 miles away as the crow flies, and there was no more snow left at my house when we loaded up our horses.
But that little bit of elevation change sure does make a difference in the mountains!
But that little bit of elevation change sure does make a difference in the mountains!
The trails were absolutely gorgeous covered in snow and I am comfortable enough navigating these trails anytime of year, since I ride them so often.
My friend was thrilled to be out on such a beautiful day surrounded by such gorgeous nature all around us!
Surprisingly enough there were mountain bike tracks through the snow.
And there were snow free sections to ride in, too.
The scrub oak were still holing onto their leaves from Fall as we entered the Open Space.
When the leaves finally fall off the trees, it provides breathtakingly beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains towards the northeast.
Oh yeah! This is my "Happy to be out on the trail riding my awesome horse, surrounded by beautiful nature and lovely snow" selfie!
We rode out to one of my favorite lunch locations and tied up our horses.
My friend and her horse snuck in some snuggle time before lunch.
Our amazing lunch spot provided breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains and a comfy and colorful picnic table.
Haha! My friend was excited to enjoy lunch together at such a beautiful place.
Well, of course, I was, too!
Attached to a tree beside the picnic table is a charming surprise!
A journal tucked inside the box for all to sign.
Oh yes! I love these words so much and I strive to live my life this way!
After signing in to the trail journal and writing a few words about our beautiful ride, we packed up our lunch supplies and got ready to remount our horses.
My Apache mare always waits for me to give her a granola bar after a lunch break. But she is an experienced, trail savvy horse with thousands of miles under her cinches, so she usually always takes the opportunity during lunch breaks to enjoy a nap. Smart girl!
There are some crazy and unusual shaped trees along this trail.
And the views from the trail are absolutely spectacular!
My friend and I were smiling all day!
The ride could not have been more perfect!
It's so fun to ride through the snow...makes me want to sing "Jingle Bells"!
Apache and I led the way most of the day.
My friend and her wonderful horse were content to follow.
What I love about riding these trails, is that they are so close to my house, I can ride them all year, and they are always different depending upon the season. It's magical to experience the changes throughout the year.
Some of the trail drops down into a lovely canyon, surrounded by tall ponderosa trees. And just that little bit of lower elevation drop lessens the amount of snow on the trail.
Beautiful trail!
Almost back to the trail head and the elevation climbs a little higher and there is more snow on the trail.
Being among the trees feels warmer because the trees insulate you against the wind. And the sunshine warms us up from above.
We arrived back at my trailer, unsaddled our horses, watered and loaded them. What a great day!
Apache and I posing in front of a beautiful Alligator Juniper. I love 'em!
Life is Good!!!!!!
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