Pine Canyon Ride

I invited several riding companions to join Apache and I at Lower Pine Trail Head to ride Pine Canyon.

Of course, Apache and I were leading. We know this area like our own home.

Unfortunately a couple of our riding companions have faster horses that they're unable to control down to slower speeds, so they moved up in front while Apache and I relaxed and enjoyed the nature and scenery.

Rock steps to negotiate.

Trail Selfie

Gorgeous tree-lined trails!

Me and my awesome girl!

This section feels like a tree tunnel...love!!!

In sections like this, I love to drop my reins and ask Apache to trot or lope. It's such a feeling of freedom flying through the forest! Apache is truly the wind beneath my wings!

Cedro Peak off in the distance.

This area has quite a few rocky sections, so I was glad that Apache was wearing her Cavallo hoof boots.

Riding downhill.

The beautiful east side of the Sandia Mountains in the distance.

Riding through pretty Pine Canyon.

Apache enjoying a cool drink of water after our ride.

Thanks for the wonderful ride my Apache the One Eye Wonder Horse!!

Life is Good!

Pine Canyon Ride

One gorgeous summer day, I invited several of my riding companions to join me on a ride at Pine Flats, another of my favorite local areas to ride.

Of course, one reason it's a favorite locale for me, is the many tall, stately ponderosa pine trees.

My buddy Yvonne and her mare Etta Bay.

Ginny and new riding friend, Loretta.

One happy trail selfie!

Between the ears through one of the many shaded areas along the trail.

Some sections of the trail feel like tree tunnels.

My silly Apache mare has this peculiar habit of smelling another horse's urine, followed by her very funny-looking flehmen response.

My very silly mare!

Stopping to let our horses graze in one of the many green, grassy meadows.

Always a great opportunity to visit and enjoy some fun conversation.

We rode past a previously stolen and torched vehicle. An oddity to see in the middle of the National Forest, far from any roads.

Beautiful scenery!

We found the perfect lunch stop in a grove of shade trees, with views of the Sandia Mountains in the distance.

We enjoyed our lunches along with a siesta.

Ginny knows how to relax.

Yvonne enjoying her lunch break.

Our horses enjoyed a peaceful nap.....

Back on the trail, enjoying the beauty and vistas.

Another blissful trail selfie!

At one point, Yvonne realized that she had lost her wallet on the trail somewhere. Apparently she had placed it in her back pocket of her jeans and it had fallen out while we were trotting.

So, on the way back to the trailhead, we kept our eyes peeled for her wallet along the trail.

Our little group decided to split up for a short while, so we could search on the earlier section of trail we had ridden, too. So, Yvonne and I went in one direction, and Ginny and Loretta went in the other direction.

None of our horses were in the least bit concerned when we split up.

I finally spotted Yvonne's wallet alongside the trail! Yay!

And Loretta and Ginny caught up with us and we were all happy that we had found Yvonne's wallet, so our ride didn't have to end on any kind of negative notes.

On the ride back to the trailhead, we were all relaxed and enjoying ourselves.

Once we got our horses untacked and watered, we all settled under the shade trees for some ice cold beers. Perfect way to end a ride on a hot day!

Ginny, Yvonne and Loretta.

My chosen beer. Unusual flavor...but very good.

Unusual tree, too.

Apache waited patiently for me beside her trailer.

Life is Good!

Lower Pine Trail Ride

Recently I invited two of my friends to join me riding some local trails that I hadn't ridden in a few years. The Lower Pine Trails actually connect to another one of my favorite areas to ride, Oak Flats.

The day's weather could not have been more perfect with temps in the mid-70s, abundant sunshine and brilliant blue skies.

The trails in this area are often rocky, but the scenery and nature are beautiful.

Trail riding selfie!

My two friends were thrilled to be out on the trails and having me lead the ride. My friend Gin's horse is fairly green to trails and needs to follow another trail savvy horse, like my awesome Apache mare, quite closely. Gin's mare still lacks the courage to lead or leave other horses behind. Yet, her mare also needs consistent discipline due to her double standard of kicking out at any horses that follow her too closely.

Over the years, Apache has come to enjoy leading and being out in front. The problem had always been riding with other riders with much faster horses. Even though Apache has always had a much more laid back way of going, when we're leading, Apache is much more forward and eager. She seems to enjoy being out in front.

Just check out those gorgeous blue skies!
And many beautiful tall ponderosa trees, too!
It was a fairly warm day, so I was grateful for their shade.

The trails were well marked and easy to follow.

My friend Yvonne took a turn at leading for a short time, while I took another trail selfie!

We were out on the trails for over 4 hours, which included a leisurely lunch beside the trail.

On our return, the sun created long shadows in the late afternoon.

Shadow Riders!

One of my favorite sections was riding through an expansive meadow with impressive views of the tops of the Sandia Mountains in the distance.

Although we were all a little tired, our horses knew that we were on our way back to our trailers, and they moved with purpose.

Although the trail head was a bit crowded before we headed out, we only saw two mountain bikers the entire day. It was as if we had all of the trails to ourselves.

Yvonne and Etta Bay mosying behind.

My friends rarely ever take photos because they wear gloves and their horses aren't the best at standing still long enough for them to point, focus and shoot. So, I take trail selfies so I at least have a photographic record that I there and was riding. haha!

Almost at the end of our ride.....

One final rocky trail obstacle for our horses to maneuver.

My tired pony resting beside my rig, after the ride.

Gin and Yvonne shared a ride in Gin's rig that day.

 

What a great ride someplace that I hadn't ridden for a long time. I am looking forward to going back soon and riding the trails in reverse and adding in a couple new trails in the area to ride, too.

Life is Good!!