Cienega Canyon Ride

First time back in the saddle after a self-imposed 9 week hiatus that I had taken to accomplish some home repair and maintenance work.

Cienega Canyon is probably not the best choice for a first ride after having some substantial time off, but I did it anyway, and yes, I was very sore after the ride for a couple days.

But the group that I rode with was great and it was small, just the way I like it.

Apache was especially happy to be back out on the trails again. I believe she was bored. She had even started tearing the bark of some of the trees in her pasture. She only does that when she's bored or frustrated.

The weather was absolutely beautiful with abundant sunshine and blue skies.

Our ride leader even led us on a reverse route, so I  got to ride Apache on the hop-down boulder, but we instead....hopped up! That boulder can be a bit nerve racking hopping down because you feel like you are stepping out into the wide open air of the canyon over 200 feet below. And then just as you hop down, your horse has to make a sharp left turn to stay on the trail. And since Apache is blind on her right side, I was relieved not to ask her to negotiate that particular obstacle, especially on our first ride after having 2 months off.

I did manage to turn around and capture one photo of the rider behind us, just after Apache and I had hopped up the boulders.

It was definitely a lot less scary hopping up, than hopping down.

I also enjoyed riding with a couple friends on this ride, that I hadn't seen for a while. We chatted and caught each other up while we rode.

Apache was so happy to be out on the trails that she was more forward than her usual slow-poke relaxed pace. We had no problems keeping up with everyone.

And we even led the group for about 20 or 30 minutes.

At one point we had to bushwhack off trail because a tree was blocking our path. Apache was so eager to keep moving that she didn't even want to stand still. Pretty rare for my girl.

I loved riding among the tall ponderosas.

Trail Selfie!

We rode a fun 8 mile loop and were out for almost 3 hours. 

Riding back to the trail head parking area.

Apache enjoying a cool drink of water post-ride at our trailer.

Life is Good!!!