Cienega Canyon Ride

I invited a couple of riding companions to join me at Cienega Canyon in the Cibola National Forest. We met up at the equestrian parking trail head and saddled and up and mosied on down the trail.

Apache and I in the lead....

There is nothing I love more than riding my Apache mare in the mountains surrounded by beautiful green trees.

The forest service volunteers had recently rerouted the Armijo trail and I wanted to find the original trail and see if it was still rideable, because that section opens up to the TeePee Trail, once of my favorite trails.

Apache and I searching for the old trailhead.

Aha! I found it! And I found the Tee Pee Trail, too! The TeePee Trail is a fairly secret trail, not on any forest service maps and not on public lands. It was built by the surrounding neighbors and decorated with fun and whimsical TeePees!

Dana and her handsome boy Blaze.

Apache and I beside one of the TeePees.

There are at least 15 TeePees on this beautiful little trail that winds through the forest and travels up and down gentle hills.

The TeePees come in all shapes and sizes.

This is a fun trail to trot up and down the hills!

Judith and her boy Bucket.

Such a fun trail!

Dana and Blaze next to another TeePee.

Trail Selfie!

So beautiful surrounded by tall ponderosa pine trees!

The trail travels mostly through the shade and through a meadow or two.

Apache, the One Eye Wonder Horse and I taking a little rest.

I decided to make a loop riding through the picnic ground in Cienega Canyon, alongside the Cienega Creek.

There were several bridges to cross.

One of the bridges we crossed.

Apache and I crossing another bridge.

Crossing another bridge over Cienega Creek.

Apache and I crossing the bridge.

Riding up through Cienega Canyon, there is this impressive boulder to ride around.

Riding up the boulder steps on Faulty Trail.

Up, up, up we go.

Judith and Dana bringing up the rear.

Narrow, steep trails and my One Eye Wonder Horse rocks it!

Enjoying the jaw-dropping views across Cienega Canyon north towards the Manzano Mountains.

Just enjoying the vistas.

One of my favorite trees, an Alligator Juniper.

Dana and Judith riding down the Horse Bypass Trail.

Trail Selfie!

Post-Ride Corona Beers!

Dana even brought lime juice for our Coronas!

Me and Dana and our awesome horses!




Life is Good!!

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!

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!!