On another gorgeous New Mexico day, my friends, Yvonne and Roxanne, and I decided to go for a ride in Gutierrez Canyon Open Space, one of my favorite local places to ride.
Smiling and happy to be riding my Apache mare in beautiful nature!
And to our pleasant surprise, we discovered a brand new trail had just been opened up, so of course we had to explore it!
Just like all the other trails in the Open Space, they are a joy to ride.
And Jim Sattler, the Open Space Trail Planner/Builder, has made it his mission to include beautiful vistas at every opportunity!
The views of the Sandia Mountains from this new trail are just spectacular!
Yvonne and Renee enjoyed the new trail just as much as I did!
Apache is so in tune with me, and we both seem to enjoy gorgeous, jaw-dropping vistas, so we often stop to gaze at the views. She is so good about standing patiently while I take photos. I appreciate my mare so much.
The new trail does have a few exposed sections with drop-offs, but thankfully I'm not afraid of heights, like my friend Yvonne is. She will do them, but she prefers not to stop and look at the views. "Keep moving, please" she says...hahah!
But I'm all about those views!
And thanks to my awesome "Tour Bus", I am able to enjoy the views and take lots of photos, too!
Sometimes, I even have to remind Apache to continue down the trail because she loves to stop and gaze out at the views, like I do. She truly is my equine soulmate and best friend.
After riding for about an hour and a half, we stopped at my favorite lunch spot in the canyon. The horses got to enjoy a nice rest beneath the ponderosa pines, and we enjoyed a leisurely lunch.
After lunch we continued riding.
Yvonne and her wonderful mare, Etta Bay.
Roxanne and Yvonne, while we stopped for a potty break.
We all took turns leading.
And following.
There are a few signs installed by the Open Space Division, but most of the trails are without signage. The new trails are beautiful and well made.
Oh! And there's those amazing, breathtaking views again!
Like I said, Jim Sattler did an awesome job planning the trails in Gutierrez Canyon Open Space. And I am so lucky to have these trails just 15-20 minutes from my house.
I love this little stone bridge that was built by Jim Sattler and the volunteer trail builders. It's great to ride a horse across.
We also rode in the adjacent Jon A. Milne Open Space, too. The trails are flatter, smoother and beginner friendly. But they are beautiful, too.
Roxanne and her gelding leading.
And Yvonne and her mare bringing up the rear.
As usual, the ride was fantastic, the day was beautiful, the trails were great, our horses were awesome, and the companionship was wonderful.
I have the best horse in the entire world! My beautiful Apache mare!
Apache, at my trailer, enjoying a well-deserved cool drink of water after our ride.
Oh yeah baby! Life is Good!
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