David Canyon Ride

David Canyon has been mostly off-limits this year due to tree-thinning projects, but David Canyon still remains as one of my favorite local riding locales. I just hope the Forest Service eventually gives David Canyon a rest, so nature lovers can enjoy it's beauty.

So, when an opportunity to ride in David Canyon presents itself, I am always thrilled to head into David Canyon to ride and explore.

It was Loretta's first time to ride in David Canyon, and even though I guided the ride, Loretta mostly led because she rides a gaited horse that moves much faster.

The trail is very narrow with steep drop-offs in places, which made me a little nervous when Apache's blind-side was on that steep-drop-off side of the trail. But I needn't have worried, as Apache was very careful and paid attention to my right leg and my voice.  

Yyonne and Etta Bay joined us on this ride, too.

I always enjoy riding through thick stands of Scrub Oak, because deciduous green plants are not as common as pine trees.

Loretta and her gaited gelding, Duke.

Beautiful trails to explore

Lots of tall trees and shade on this trail.

We finally made it down to the bottom of David Canyon, where we all enjoyed the tall pines trees and grass filled meadows.

Yvonne and her daughter Roxanne.

Me and my Apache mare.

As we rode up the other side of the canyon, we had to negotiate our way over and around many boulders and rocks.

Enjoying the views out over David Canyon looking out towards the south and west.

It's a trail where horses have to be sure-footed and very careful.

Apache, the One Eye Wonder Horse!

Enjoying the vistas over to the east, looking across the AFB lands in the distance.

After riding for a couple hours we stopped for a lunch break.

After mounting back up again, we saw this odd handmade artsy structure.

Up we climb!

Trail Selfie!

Enjoying all the greenery alongside the trail.

We even saw some wildlife, a couple of deer that stood very still and watched us ride past them.

Lots of boulder steps to negotiate.

Loretta and Duke riding up through the rock garden.

Yvonne and Etta Bay making their way through a rock garden.

So beautiful and green!

Lovely red leafed plants with views of the Manzano Mountains in the distance.

My beautiful Apache mare!

Roxanne and her gelding, Shadow.

Loretta and Duke.

There was even a bit of Fall color on the trail.

More Fall color.

Back to the trail head. Apache tied up to my truck, as one of my friends had offered to pick us up because the parking area isn't very large.

Post-ride beers for everyone!

Our horses hung out with us in the shade and rested while we visited.

Wonderfully relaxing post-ride gathering.

Apache resting.

Cheers!

Apache and I together in David Canyon.
Life is Good!