Lower Pine Trail Ride

Recently I invited two of my friends to join me riding some local trails that I hadn't ridden in a few years. The Lower Pine Trails actually connect to another one of my favorite areas to ride, Oak Flats.

The day's weather could not have been more perfect with temps in the mid-70s, abundant sunshine and brilliant blue skies.

The trails in this area are often rocky, but the scenery and nature are beautiful.

Trail riding selfie!

My two friends were thrilled to be out on the trails and having me lead the ride. My friend Gin's horse is fairly green to trails and needs to follow another trail savvy horse, like my awesome Apache mare, quite closely. Gin's mare still lacks the courage to lead or leave other horses behind. Yet, her mare also needs consistent discipline due to her double standard of kicking out at any horses that follow her too closely.

Over the years, Apache has come to enjoy leading and being out in front. The problem had always been riding with other riders with much faster horses. Even though Apache has always had a much more laid back way of going, when we're leading, Apache is much more forward and eager. She seems to enjoy being out in front.

Just check out those gorgeous blue skies!
And many beautiful tall ponderosa trees, too!
It was a fairly warm day, so I was grateful for their shade.

The trails were well marked and easy to follow.

My friend Yvonne took a turn at leading for a short time, while I took another trail selfie!

We were out on the trails for over 4 hours, which included a leisurely lunch beside the trail.

On our return, the sun created long shadows in the late afternoon.

Shadow Riders!

One of my favorite sections was riding through an expansive meadow with impressive views of the tops of the Sandia Mountains in the distance.

Although we were all a little tired, our horses knew that we were on our way back to our trailers, and they moved with purpose.

Although the trail head was a bit crowded before we headed out, we only saw two mountain bikers the entire day. It was as if we had all of the trails to ourselves.

Yvonne and Etta Bay mosying behind.

My friends rarely ever take photos because they wear gloves and their horses aren't the best at standing still long enough for them to point, focus and shoot. So, I take trail selfies so I at least have a photographic record that I there and was riding. haha!

Almost at the end of our ride.....

One final rocky trail obstacle for our horses to maneuver.

My tired pony resting beside my rig, after the ride.

Gin and Yvonne shared a ride in Gin's rig that day.

 

What a great ride someplace that I hadn't ridden for a long time. I am looking forward to going back soon and riding the trails in reverse and adding in a couple new trails in the area to ride, too.

Life is Good!!