5 Hills Ride and a Pickle

Earlier, Apache and I invited a riding partner to join us at the 5 Hills trailhead. We saddled and mounted up and headed up the trail.

There was some yummy grass along the way so we stopped in a shady spot and let our horses enjoy a snack.

Apache and I.

Nom, nom, nom!

My trail partner and her horse Bucket.

I love exploring new trails but it's also fun to ride the tried and true...in reverse. I always ride trails in reverse to help me memorize them front and back.

Trail Selfie!

I was glad for the sections of trail that led us through trees. It was a hot day.

Most of these trails are flat or gently rolling, so it's very relaxing. And the meadow sections are beautiful.

But I love riding through the trees the best.

And then we experienced a pickle.

There was one section of trail that was extremely eroded, with steep sides simiiar to an arroyo. It looked like a possibility going in, but once we reached the end, there was a steep upward berm that didn't have anything for a horse's hooves to grab onto as the berm was crumbly sand.

So, I had to back up Apache through this narrow arroyo with steep walls, and at one point the trail split into two separate arroyos. I had to take a deep breath and pause, because Apache was shaking in fear not sure which arroyo was the safest to back up into. And because she has no eye on her right side, she depends on me to guide her.

So, I did. She totally focused on my right leg and we backed up like pros! I've seen some serious wrecks caused by impatient riders and un-trusting horses. Above all else a horse must trust that you have it's safety and best interests at heart. And a horse much be calm, patient and brave.

Apache and I can check all of those attributes off, because we rocked it. I was so proud of her, and of us as a team.

The End!

Life is Good!!