Chilly Gutierrez Canyon Ride

On a chilly, mostly cloudy day, my friend Dana and I met up at the Gutierrez Canyon Open Space trail head parking area. We had planned our ride the week prior when we didn't know what the weather was going to be for us.
And although it was tempting to cancel our ride to stay home and  keep warm, we both were eager to ride together since we hadn't seen one another for a few weeks.

So, after saddling up, we headed out onto the trails.

Dana and her mare, Fancy.

Apache and I in our Trail Selfie!

Dana had ridden in the John A. Milne section of the Open Space, which is connected to the Gutierrez Canyon OS, years ago, but she hadn't been back since all of the new trails had been built in both of the John A. Milne and Gutierrez Canyon areas. 

Apache and I know this wonderful Open Space like we know out own backyard. And we love to ride there. The trails are varied and interesting and are well designed and built.

My beautiful Apache mare leading the way down the trail.

As usual, Dana and I take turns leading and following, which is one of the things I appreciate when riding with her.

Dana even took a couple photos of Apache and I. Apache was focused on munching some grass, of course.

We rode for a couple hours and then stopped for a lunch break beneath the tall ponderosa trees in the canyon bottom. It didn't take long for us to become chilled, though. So, we didn't linger for too long.  

We were much warmer moving along on the backs of our horses. Although we were both thankful to have dressed in many warm layers.

Dana and Fancy with the silhouette of the Sandia Mountains behind them.

Dana thoroughly enjoyed the expansive vistas from these hill-hugging trails.

Apache enjoys those vistas just as much as I do. And how do I know that?

Well, anytime we arrive at a beautiful vista, she stops and stands calmly while gazing out at the scenery, soaking it all in.

Its one of the things that I love that about her.

For me, riding my mare out in nature is like having a best friend to travel with that enjoys the same things that I do. It's the best!

Thanks to the Open Space trail designer and trail builders, these trails have many amazing vistas to stop, take in and enjoy!

Peek-a-Boo! We see you behind those pinon trees! The trail is so fun as it travels in and out of small canyons on the hillsides.

Dana captured a photo of me, taking a photo of her! And just look at my stocky, strong and beautiful Apache mare!

Riding 500+ miles over the past year, on mostly steep, rugged mountain trails, has created this amazing trail-eating machine!

 

After a wonderful 3 hour trail ride, we arrived back at the trailer parking area. Dana and I were so glad that we had not cancelled our riding plans together as we had a fantastic ride, even if it was a bit chilly and the sun barely peeked out all day. It was a good thing we rode, though, because the next 4 days were rainy, cold and snowy. Like Dana said, it was like we stole the day for ourselves.

Apache posing for her photo beside my rig.

Life is Good!!