Juan Tomas Open Space Ride

Earlier this summer, I invited some new riding acquaintances to join me on a ride so I could show them some beautiful local places. One of my favorite local places is the Juan Tomas Open Space.

Apache and I and our trail selfie. Notice the gorgeous electric green scrub oak had leafed out!

It was a typical beautiful New Mexico day.

My two trail buddies.

The vegetation was so thick and lush. Such a joy to ride through.

As we drop down into the lower canyon, stately ponderosas become frequent.

My riding buddies were thrilled to be surrounded by so many beautiful tall ponderosa pines. One of the perks of living in the mountains.

Oh that gorgeous blue New Mexico sky!

We stopped for a few minutes to let our horses enjoy some grass.

The trail was so peaceful and quiet. We all rode separated to immerse ourselves in this tranquil place.

Their horses were a bit faster movers than Apache. But I like it that way, as Apache and I can mosy along and enjoy nature and silence together.

I love the thickly treed sections.

We rode for just over 2 hours and had a wonderful day.

Apache resting at my trailer post-ride.

Life is Good!

Juan Tomas Open Space Ride

Riding at Juan Tomas Open Space is like riding in my own backyard. The trails are always comforting and feel like home.

I met my riding companion at my house and she followed me to the trailhead, just a 15 minute drive. We saddled up and headed down the trail.

There is nothing I like more than being surrounded by green trees and beautiful forest.

We were out to enjoy a relaxing ride, and we certainly did.

Trail Selfie

Apache always seems to enjoy riding at Juan Tomas Open Space, too.

My riding companion never stopped smiling.

I love the sounds of the wind blowing through the tops of the tall ponderosas.

Happy Happy Trail Selfie!

Last year the Open Space and their volunteers built a new section of trail, and it's truly beautiful. I love the way it meanders through the trees.

We rode one of the "hidden trails" through a small canyon that climbs up and out, steeply, where it dead ends.

Apache enjoying a shaded rest and a cool drink of water beside her trailer post-ride.



Apache and I getting ready to "buckle up" and head home.



Life is Good!

Juan Tomas OS December Ride

What an amazing winter for riding opportunities we've had so far!

My riding companion, Renee joined me and Apache on this day.

We really need the moisture, but it's been so wonderful being able to ride locally right through December when we usually get shut down by several feet of snow, that takes a long time to melt, and then turns into slick mud.

So, I've been taking every chance available to get out and ride enjoy these warm, dry, sunshine-filled days!

December Trail Selfie!

My riding companion was very happy that I invited her to ride on this beautiful day.

 

We rode the new trail that was recently completed.

The trail designers/builders did an incredible job making the trail wind through the prettiest parts of the forest.

I love riding beneath the tall ponderosas!

Such a gorgeous December day!

I love riding with folks that like some space in between our horses. No nose-to-tail riding for me. I want to enjoy the peace, quiet and feeling of solitude in nature with my horse.

The sun was shining through the scrub oaks and making their Fall color glow.

This is where I feel my Zen!

That's my 'Joyful Trail Riding in Nature with my Amazing Horse' Selfie!

And this is Apache the One Eye Wonder Horse! She is my heart and soul!

Back at my trailer at the end of the ride. What a great day!

Life is Good!!

Manzanita Mountains Ride

I invited a couple riding companions to join me for a ride in the Manzanita Mountains.

My buddy Dana and I.

Apache and I love riding in the Juan Tomas Open Space, and we know the trails well, so we led the ride.

A friendly mountain biker dismounted and asked if she could pet our horses.

Sunlight Trail Selfie!

Gorgeous tall ponderosas!

Beneath the tall pines peeked some beautiful Fall color.

Scrub oaks provide a lovely orange color through the forest.

I always feel zen when riding in the forest.

Dana is always smiling and loving life.

Stunningly beautiful Fall color!

The sun shone through the leaves and made them glow!

I took a photo of my buddy Dana and her boy Blaze, in front of my favorite alligator juniper.

Post-Ride-Happy-Hour! 

The End!

Life is Good!!