In September, I decided I wanted to ride a long loop ride in Oak Flats and Juan Tomas Open Space.
I invited my friend Ginny and met her at the trail head. After saddling up, we headed down the trail.
The forest was so green and lush and the day was blue skies and sunshine.
Ginny and her young Friesian/Andalusian mare.
And Apache and I in our Trail Selfie!
Ginny's mare was in heat, so she was peeing and winking more times than we could count.
The few times that Apache was able to get a good whiff of her mare's fresh urine, she lifted her head and did the flehmen response, inhaling with the mouth which causes the scent to be amplified.
Apache looked pretty goofy doing it, so I just had to take a photo.
Parts of the trail were quite rocky, so I was glad that I had put Apache's Cavallo hoof boots on her front feet.
Many of the scrub oaks had already started turning pretty Fall colors.
My favorite sections of trail travel through the tall ponderosa trees.
We rode north all the way up to the Juan Tomas Forest Service road. We exited the Cibola National Forest through the gates.
And then we rode the Forest Service road for about a half mile.
Since I know these trails like the rooms in my own house, I basically led the ride, although we took turns physically leading, so Ginny's mare could practice being out in front sometimes, too.
We left the Forest Service road and re-entered the Cibola National Forest through another gate.
Apache and I in the lead this time, because Ginny's mare was too nervous about walking through gates.
I really like the trails in this area because they are narrow and lined with vegetation. It just feels somehow more private and secluded. And the way the trail twists and turns as it travels through the forest is just plain fun.
Ginny and her mare posing beside some beautiful Fall color.
Being narrow also means that you will probably encounter a few knee knocker trees on the trail.
We stopped along this section of trail for a lunch break. We hobbled our horses and let them graze on any grass they could find, and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the shade of the ponderosas.
So pretty! And lots of shade on a hot day, too!
Trail Selfie!
The forest was absolutely gorgeous!
We encountered a couple mountain bikers and one guy on a dirt bike/motorcycle. Everyone was polite and respectful of our horses.
Such a fun trail to ride through the trees and thick vegetation!
See how blue the sky was? Not even a cloud in the sky all day!
Perfect riding weather!
Ginny and her mare bringing up the rear.
We rode for about 4-5 hours, including a leisurely lunch break, and approx. 15 miles.
When we got back to our trailers, Apache was eager to have her bucket of water. She earned it. It had been a long, hot day and she had been perfect for me, but I think we both enjoyed ourselves.
We had a fabulous ride!
Life is Good!!
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