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!!

5 Hills Ride

I met some folks in my local riding group at the 5 Hills trailhead. I was to lead/guide the ride.

We saddled up and waited for everyone to get mounted. Apache and I over on the left.

Then we headed on down the trail.

Trail Selfie! Loving life!

We rode past the burned out, rusted old carcass of a stolen car.

We stopped for a about 15 minutes because one of the riders was having issues with their headstall and had lost a Chicago screw. I always keep leather strings wrapped around my saddle horn after experiencing a headstall cheek piece get torn on a trail ride, while bushwhacking off trail. So, I gave him some leather string to use to replace the Chicago screws.

Then we continued on our way down the trail.

My riding companion, Judith joined me on this ride. It was her first time riding with my riding group.

I always enjoy riding among the trees.

Apache and I enjoyed a wonderful day!

Snuggling post-ride.

Apache is my heart horse.

And she truly is a One Eye Wonder Horse!

Life is Good!

Five Hills January Ride

On a warm, sunny January day I invited riding companion Renee to join me for a ride at Five Hills.

Apache and I led the way since it was Renee's first time to ride Five Hills.

On this day I decided to explore a new-to-me trail that I had mapped out earlier. If it worked out the way I planned, it would create a fun loop ride traveling in the opposite direction on the usual trail I ride.

Renee and her Gypsy Vanner, Stella.

We could see South Mountain in the distance.

The trails are lined with trees and so beautiful.

No Reins Trail Selfie!

These are the kinds of trails where I find my Zen.

The sun was filtering through the trees.

Shadow Rider Selfie

There are several lovely meadows to ride through in the Five Hills trail system. 

Another great day and wonderful ride!

Life is Good!!

5 Hills Winter Ride

My friends Sandy and I decided to go on a ride at 5 Hills and I invited another friend, also named, Sandy. So, we had Sandy, Sandy, Abby and I on this beautiful December day!

Apache and I led the way the entire ride since we were the only ones that knew the trails well.

Pretty in Pink Trail Selfie!

It was a beautiful day with hardly a breeze.

I planned a nice loop of about 6-7 miles this day.

Most of the trail was smooth and flat, but there were also some steeper, rocky sections, too.

There were also stately ponderosas to ride among.

Sandy, Sandy and Abby....the company was wonderful and everyone was enjoying themselves.

Little Abby is a true horse girl. She can spend hours on the saddle and never complains.

We rode past the old abandoned, stolen car that had been dumped in the National Forest and then burned, basically in the middle of nowhere, a long way from any maintained roads.

The trail was absolutely gorgeous!

Apache beside my trailer after the ride, enjoying a cool drink of water.

Apache and I on the trail. Hard to believe it was December!




Life is Good!

5 Hills Trail Ride

A bit chilly on this Autumn day, but we headed out onto the trails at 5 Hills.

With me as the guide as my riding companions didn't know the trails.

Apache enjoys leading, especially if she knows the trails. But she also enjoys exploring new trails with me, too.

Trail Selfie!

I rode most of the trails I was familiar with, but I also chose a new trail, and I rode one section in reverse.

I like to ride trails in reverse because they seem like new trails and it helps me memorize the scenery, terrain and trails themselves. I'm less liable to get lost when I ride a trail both directions.

Always happy to be out on the trails with my Apache mare!

The scrub oak leaves mostly hold on through Fall and Winter, only falling off for good when the new green leaves grow in Spring.

A storm was blowing in, but in the trees we hardly felt any wind at all. The dark clouds made for a stunning photo.

The End!

Life is Good!!