First S.M.A.R.T. ride of the year!

Harley out marking trails last week

Today was our first S.M.A.R.T. Ride for 2012 and it was on Rolex Girl's 5th birthday! We had a rather late start, so it was a good thing we knew the terrain and it was well marked. I think we were the last people to leave, but unlike the rest of the riders, we had to hack to the beginning point. That added another 45 minutes or so. It would have been longer if I hadn't jumped off and walked Harley over the bridge at the Great Works River. Just last Monday we rode down there when we were helping mark the trails for the ride. He didn't like it then, and doesn't like it now. Since he was making a production, and we were running late, I figured it would be easier to walk him across.

We didn't see any other riders until 2 who had taken a wrong turn caught up with us. Otherwise, we rode pretty much all by ourselves, as the sweep riders--dead last!

The weather was awesome--bugs weren't too bad, the sun was shining, and a nice breeze kept us cool when we crossed fields. At the nicest spot, a lovely open field with lovely cantering footing, a photographer was stationed taking pictures of riders passing by. I'm hoping she got some good ones of Harley and Rolex, although Harley was spooking at her and going a bit sideways. Then she made whinnying noises and I think that confounded him all the more.

Witchrot Road--didn't see any witches

Some of the trails crossed land belonging to an ATV /snowmobile club. They had amusing signs hanging up such as No Parking, STOP, Children Playing, etc. They also had road name signs as well, like Main Drag. But my favorite was Witchrot Rd. There is an Witchtrot Road in South Berwick, but the one in the woods was mis-spelled and much cooler! John snapped a few pictures, but neither horse was in the mood to stand still, hence the blurry photo. I think the horses already knew we had reached the halfway point and they heard horses ahead of them. Time to pick up the pace! We went to the lunch stop, but trying to eat food and hold the horses was going to be tough. We had carrots and apples in our packs and all of us munched on our fruits and vegetables. I was actually hoping they'd have water for the horses. Harley and Rolex aren't well-schooled on drinking out of streams yet. Another thing for us to work on! So we sallied forth down the trail, Harley and Roley jigging to catch up to the horses in front of them. Then we and 2 other riders missed a turn and wound up following a mucky logging path. One of Rolex's Easyboots came apart. Thankfully, one of the riders behind us saw it! The sole had detached from the hoof cover and we had no spare screws. Stupidly, I went back to see where the last trail marker was, knowing we'd missed our turn. This left poor Rolex plunging in the mud on her lonesome. I realized this and turned around to meet John coming out of the muck with poor, agitated Rolex. Once clear of the mud, he took both boots off. From this point, we could see horses crossing a field. Rolex stood with head up, doing her camel imitation, while Harley shook his head and snorted. Once the other riders were out of sight, everyone calmed down...until we reached Lovers Brook. This was a substantial water crossing with a mucky approach. Both horses balked at it, but I knew Harley would go through. I urged him past Rolex and he plunged in, glad to clamber out the other side, with Rolex right behind him.

Cooling off in Knight's Pond

We were in the home stretch now. Once we reached Knight's Pond, we took a detour down to the water, hoping they would have a drink and let them cool off a bit. Compared to Lovers Brook, this is easier. Again, Harley needed to convince Rolex and vice versa. Overcoming obstacles together makes them feel brave! John got a good picture of Harley in the pond, with a smattering of Roley Girl's ears. Little fish darted among the grass and lily pads, but I don't think either horse saw a one. They were too awed by the vast expanse of water out there, probably afraid we'd ask them to swim across!

Then it was back along the old railroad bed to the ride's beginning point. A big spread of food lay out on the picnic tables, but it was getting late and we still had another 45 ride home. So we waved at the crowd and moseyed on towards home. We took a little break at a roadside park where the horses noshed on a bit of grass and we got to stretch our legs for a bit. Once we got to the infamous bridge, Harley had no problem walking across it--it led to home! He was in power walk mode anyway. I don't think much would have stopped him at this point. We covered about 20 miles today--not bad for our guys on their first ride of the season! Happy Birthday Rolex Girl!

Ring work and a trail ride

We tested out the new ring yesterday. Harley and Rolex got a small taste of it before we headed for the woods. He who shall not be named, once again gave me a hard time about circling to the right at the far end--Noooo!, Rolex is down at the other end! And I have to say, he can really be pig-headed with the bitless bridle. It called for some rather drastic measures before I got Harley to relinquish and bend a bit to the right. Once he did that, it was off to the woods!

Tatnic Woods trail

The mosquitoes bothered us a bit if we stood still too long. I've tried using Clac-Deo a rather potent smelling bug dope, but one that doesn't use harmful chemicals. It works quite well, although it does leave a greasy residue. I guess it's time to dig out the fly mask. I'd be curious to know what other riders prefer--full face mask (which does make their faces sweaty), or just the crocheted ear bonnet with fringe.

We rode out via the power line, complete with 2 steep scrambles uphill and Big Bump (our version of the Tevis Cup Cougar Rock), then out the Lollipop Loop towards Tatnic. We crossed a lovely mowed field that a gentleman kindly lets us access, thinking we might have a nice canter or trot. Harley tried to just to go straight to the woods while Rolex cantered nicely along the edge. Once back on the trail, he encountered the dastardly wood piles which he's seen before, but always give him pause.

We rode past the world's loudest lawn mower (I thought the owners must be power washing their house!) which made Harley prance sideways. and then encountered the tallest wisteria I'd ever seen. It's a lovely ornamental vine, but in this case, it's eventually going to choke the white pine it's climbing. We had to take pictures at any rate, but unfortunately, the color got washed out in the bright sunshine.

Tallest wisteria in Wells, Maine!

I left John back at the barn, brushing Ruffy , and went out to get carrots (high in electrolytes) and drinks. I was parched from the heat, as I guessed John was too, and our brave ponies deserved some carrot treats. I feel guilty if I'm empty handed at the barn! I got back just as John was tacking up Ruffy. Time for a quick lunch, and snack for Ruffy, then off to our new ring! She took a gander at all that dirt and thought she was back at the track! All the jump equipment was stacked along the edge, and that was super-scary. But she settled down as John worked her. Ruffy is still learning that things aren't so bad and that she actually can just walk over rails. She made good progress today.

John schooling Ruffy

A new ring in the making

Dad and John attaching the plow

How did I spend my spring vacation? Rock-picking, shoveling stone dust, painting, mowing the lawn, oh, and riding nearly every day!

With the beautiful weather still holding, we called my dad to come help us reconstruct the old ring. It's been years since the ring was in use, and Pete put a garden in it one year. So now it's full of uneven patches and old furrows. John wanted to start from scratch and begin anew so we'd have a flatter and larger area.

Dad arrived at 8:30 this morning. We spent the entire day plowing, discing, scraping, and rock-picking (that was my job). By 4:00 p.m., we had a relatively flat, even surface. The job required moving a fair amount of material from one end of the ring to the other in order to make for even footing. This also exposed a stretch of clay that will now need some sand mixed in to soften the footing. We gained a lot of extra square footage which will be nice. Now we need to come up with some sort of a drag in addition to fencing. For now, I'd settle for something at least at the barn end of the ring so he who shall not be named, doesn't try to beat it for home when he's left alone in the ring! He can be so bad when one horse leaves--same thing on the trail, Don't leave me behind! 

Thankfully, John has experience with rings and footing. Together with my father's tractor and Pete's big bucket loader tractor, we ended up with a pretty decent surface. Once the sun was high in the sky, we all got nicely toasted and by day's end, I didn't even have the energy to ride. All Harley got was a quick grooming in the pasture and some ticks removed. Tomorrow we'll go for a nice long ride, after we show them the ring. That should get a jump out of Harley!

Dad putting the old 1956 Ford Jubilee through its paces!

Yesterday, we took Rolex and Harley on a short trail ride on the Lollipop Loop, hoping to find the dropped crop John lost a few days ago. So much for bright red standing out! Unless a hiker found it and did what with it? Hmm...

So many spring wildflowers are blooming, I ooh and ahh  at every turn. I had to dismount and take a picture of this lovely ladyslipper that some person built a little stone wall around. I thought it was so cute--a mini woodland garden!

Pink Ladyslipper

And still more training

We spent the weekend working the horses on the flat, although I did have to give Harley (and myself) a break on Friday. After doing flat work, we escaped to the woods for a nice amble. Harley had not been up the road to North Point in a while, so the goats were a minor challenge, but he pranced by without too much fuss. His only meltdown came with 2 dogs rushing at him. Thankfully, they backed off and the owner called them back to the property.

Our Little Miss Marquetry Girl turns 5 in 2 weeks.

When we returned, I washed off Harley and readied Rolex for John to hop on before dark. He lunged her, and then put me up so he could evaluate her. She's a pistol, our Roley Girl, but smart! And she's so much narrower than Harley--a totally different feel! Her birthday is coming up soon; the day of our first S.M.A.R.T. ride, May 27th. I'm hoping all this rain will have passed by then!

Vacation starts on Wednesday, and although there's much to do around the house and garden, I'm bound to get sidetracked at the barn. John will have more time, and I know he plans on devoting hours to working the girls and rebuilding the ring. But this will make training much easier. Even the few days I spent working with Harley has made a difference. So I know this will be labor well-spent for all.

Here's a picture of the sorority sisters sharing their feed tub. It amazes John and I how they get along eating together. Rolex seems to prefer eating with other horses, and although she tries to share with Harley, he grudgingly lets her sneak in while he's having a good crib. Ruffy, on the other hand, is much more willing to share!

Evening feed time!

Training Day

John works Harley over some rails

Sunday and Monday were schooling days. I admit to needing a lot of time doing gymnastic exercises, and if Harley could talk, he'd admit it as well. But we both would rather be wandering in the woods. So when I arrived at the barn Monday afternoon, John told me to go get my helmet and meet him out back. Harley had already had some much-needed schooling from John, which I truly appreciate. Without rails around our "ring" yet, it can be a little difficult sometimes when Harley makes up his mind to go "home" or follow his barn mates rather than circle away from them. So Monday was a good lesson for both of us! John lunged me so I didn't have to worry about steering Harley (beware the woods--wild turkeys) and could concentrate on myself. This worked wonderfully for both Harley and me. It also made me realize just how much I need to work on my seat and legs! I think I should have Monday afternoon lessons all the time, and then end with a little walk in the woods.

Schooling Rolex

Next, it was Rolex's turn. First, we had to catch her--she's a wily one. But as long as their's a treat involved, she will eventually be curious enough to see what you've got. She had not been ridden in about a week, which was apparent by her tearing around on the lunge line. Eventually she settled and trotted until she decided she was done, stopped, and walked up to John as if to say, "Are we done now?" She reminds me of Ferdinand the bull sometimes--she'd rather stop to look around and enjoy her surroundings than really do any work. She's not lazy by any stretch, but her curiosity compels her to take in her environment first.

Rolex worked out her kinks with a good canter and some "airs above ground". Then for fun, John got on board and rode her bareback for a bit. She's definitely not a candidate for this--not until she fills out a bit more!  Her birthday is coming up soon, when she really turns 5--our baby in the herd.

Wild, windy weather for a ride

Rolex on the Lollipop Loop

May is here, but with April's showers. I can't complain--we still need the rain, and I'd rather have that than brush fires, especially given the amount of woods surrounding the place where ouir horses are boarded. So we'll probably miss out on riding this week, and due to the chilly temperatures, the horses may be inside a lot, but we will welcome the rain.

We went for a lovely 4 hour ride on Sunday while we still had perfect weather--cool, windy, and bright sun. Our plan was to head over the Mt. Agamenticus region. It was a perfect day for a walk in the woods, or so everyone thought, judging by the number of people out with their kids and dogs, enjoying the day.

Rolex has a nice walk, when she feels like going first, which is only when we're heading home. She doesn't mind leading for a bit, but then she just stops, turns her head back to Harley as if to say, "O.K., it's your turn to lead the way."
Harley then plods to the front, ears now pricked, swinging his head left and right, scoping out the woods for scary monsters, or hikers that appear out of nowhere. It's funny how they always know when we've reached the turnaround point and are headed home--their radar kicks in and the pace picks up! Rolex's race training returns too--she doesn't want Harley to pass and pins her ears at him, baring her teeth. Me first, me first!

We rode out the Lollipop Loop and through the Bennett Lot cut-off to the Norman Mill Trail. This is our closest access to Mt. Agamenticus. These out-lying trails get a lot less foot traffic than the summit-circling trails near the mountain's access road and parking area. You're more likely to encounter an ATV or mountain biker than a hiker.

Harley & Rolex at the boardwalks

Rolex had her first encounter with the "bridge". This is a fairly wide (think ATV worthy) bridge, but it does cross a rushing book and has a drop-off if you were to go over the edge (there's no railings). So I put good old Harley out front and, amazingly, he stepped right out. Bear in mind, he hasn't seen this bridge since last fall, so he got big pats from me! Rolex, showing her trust in John and Harley, bravely followed.  On the Porcupine Trail, we encountered the boardwalks, which could easily be ridden around. But it's good experience for the horses to go over these as well. Once again, Harley showed Rolex how to do it and she followed. Big pats AND carrots for all!

Up near Second Hill  we encountered our first people since leaving the Orris Falls area. Rolex and Harley both spooked when suddenly people appeared in the woods. They act like deer out there--haven't seen humans for hours, yikes, what are those 2-legged things? Often, hikers will go off the trail, into the woods allowing us to pass, but I always think that makes them seem scarier--lurking along the trail edge. These folks asked if it was okay to pass the horses, and we laughingly told them it was fine. The horses were just surprised, not scared of people.We skipped clambering up to the summit of Second Hill, but this was a good training/conditioning ride for the horses, and me! Four hours requires me to drop my stirrups a number of times, and this is good for my seat and balance.

Yesterday, everybody received their spring shots and had Coggins tests done. By the time the vet was finished, we had time for a little ride. First, we warmed up in the ring area, popping over fences John had constructed. Then we took Harley and Ruffy for a short jaunt in the woods.

Now, we just wait out the rain...

Here comes the rain, da, da, da, da....Happy Earth Day

The farrier came to trim everyone's feet today. By the time he was done, and we had Rolex and Harley tacked up, the rain began to fall in earnest. The forecast calls for the rain for the entire week, so we decided we'd tough it out and get in a short ride. We rode for about 30 minutes--just a little jaunt up the power line (our version of the Tevis Cup cliffs) and over Big Bump. By the end of the ride, rain was dripping off my helmet and my thighs were quite wet. I finally used my Cashel saddle cover which kept my ancient, but well-loved, Crosby Mark VI saddle high and dry. Thanks for the cover, John!

Ruffy watching me take flower photos

 I bought that saddle back during college, many moons ago, and used it for lessons as well as my summers spent trail riding at camp. Using it on wider-withered horses seems to have broadened it a bit, but it's so comfortable! With the cut-back, it seemed to fit many of the different shaped horses I rode. I think back to when I bought it for $350 and nearly choke at what people pay now for a saddle, especially when I look at the poor quality of the stitching, and they're priced over a grand! One of the unusual things about this saddle is the lack of knee rolls and thigh blocks. It provides nice close contact and works for people with different thigh lengths. I'll use it until it, or I, wear out.

Speaking of tack, we spent Friday morning at the Dover Saddlery Tent Sale in Plaistow, NH. Always a dangerous enterprise, we shopped wisely and only bought "wicked good deals", plus I had a gift card to use! John picked up a nice wool cooler for $35, and I found a $20 pair of Composite Reflex stirrups with hopes that the wider foot bed will alleviate foot pain/numbness. I also need boots with stiffer soles--I'd never buy another pair of Ariats! You can literally fold them in half and poke a finger up into the sole, plus I hate the elevated heel--not good for hiking with your horse! I know--they are called paddock boots because that's where you're supposed to use them. Any recommendations on stiffer-soled paddock boots or other all terrain footwear? Anyone tried Blundstones? Ariat seems to have cornered the market.


 After the shopping spree, we went to barn to try out our new gear and get in a ride with such lovely weather. Ruffy needs to spend time going over damp drainages. So we went to her usual "hot spot" and then did the Lollipop Loop ride. Bit I called a halt so I could photograph some delicate wild columbine growing alongside the trail. A sure sign of spring and a great hummingbird flower. On today's ride, we passed dwarf ginseng, but I didn't have my camera due to the rain!

American Columbine

Monday, Monday, so good to me...

Snack time!

The heat wave continued on Monday, so the horses were, again, in lollygag mode. Who could blame them? Even Rolex, who usually will step right out, followed along by Harley's flank, rubbing her sweating head on him. I couldn't blame them--I felt the same way. We took many short breaks for carrots, and I even walked Harley up a steep section of the trail. The horses have nearly lost all their winter fuzz, but not entirely, making them sweat even sooner in the heat. Since carrots and apples are good for replacing electrolytes, we try to always have some along for the ride, especially during the hot months. And with the bitless bridles, it's easier for them to chew!

Some of the spring wildflowers are appearing: delicate white wood anenomes, bright yellow marsh marigolds, and the swamps and swales are greening up with carpets of skunk cabbage. The deciduous forest is finally getting a light blush as the maple flowers and red oak leaves open. A tinge of pale green suggests a tree canopy on the verge of unfurling its leaves.

We rode up through Orris Falls and out to Tatnic where there are trails with lovely footing. Harley, usually keen to stay right behind Rolex, didn't even feel like catching up. As long as he had her within eye contact, that was fine. John had a little canter and I think I had a total of three brief trots--just too dang hot! Back at the barn, both horses got a nice bath and time out on the "steak lawn", munching down as much green grass as they could. Rain is  heading our way at last--that should really green everything up quickly.

Mr. Clean Jeans

With the long daylight hours, it means we're now eating dinner between 8 and 9 p.m. Yes, the days can be long with 3 horses to care for and exercise, but I'm making up for lost time. Those 30+ years  between college and the present, when I yearned for a horse, are now being crammed into my waking hours not spent at work or doing chores around the house. Yes, I'm tired at the end of the day, but the horses enrich my life that much more. And having a partner that shares that passion makes me all the luckier. The only frustrations are not having the horses on our property, and middle aged stiffness! We got off to walk them down the road and looked like a couple of geriatric cowboys hobbling up the road.  "Slow down Rolex and Harley!  We can't walk that fast yet--need to get our land legs!" Man oh man, to think I used to spend nearly all day in the saddle as a summer counselor! Anyone got tips on how to regain that suppleness?

Two for Sunday

Bath time for Ruffy

We tried to get an early start this morning. John was out at the barn by 8 a.m. to take care of Ruffy's  frog, which seems to be doing much better. I finally arrived by 9:30, got saddled up, and we headed out.

Ruffy is loving her Easyboot Backcountry Gloves--some cushion and plenty of protection. What she still doesn't love is crossing water. Harley was the man and led the way, back and forth a number of times over a small drainage. Ruffy insists on jumping it and will not walk across--she's a jumper all right! Unlike Rolex, she hasn't had as much time out in the woods, but she also doesn't have the same mind set--more like Harley, "Oh my God, yikes, we need to get out of here!" She gets agitated when the footing is dicey and just mashes her way onward in hopes of ending the "crisis". Harley used to be much more like her, but with time and experience, he's made great progress. He still has his panic moments, but he takes a lot more in stride. We only rode for about an hour, then Ruffy got a nice bath, especially her tail, as you can see John gathering up in the picture.

After lunch, it was back to the barn for ride number two. The horses were enjoying a siesta and their own lunch in the barn, plus a break from the bugs. Today's heat brought out the black flies (Maine state bird) and voracious mosquitoes. Rolex and Harley were in lollygag mode. So we decided to take the nippers and make it a relaxing trail trimming ride. Rolex disproves the "hot-headed chestnut OTTB mare" stereotype all the time. But today, she even boggled my mind.  She stood  placidly, while John snipped branches that rained down around her, sometimes landing on her neck and backside. What a level-headed girl! Even the black flies didn't seem to upset her too much. I must say, Harley behaved quite well too. He didn't mind stopping every so ofter and just standing still while John trimmed. Even once they realized they were heading home, both horses slowed enough for John to continue snipping away as we went.  Harley stood like a rock as four ATVs passed us. Rolex was a little concerned about them, but maintained her composure. Big pats for both horses!

Heading home

Yesterday I flew solo with Harley. We went out to the Tatnic Woods region via the Nature Trail where the footing is nice and soft. There are some great spots for trots and canters, except Harley kept spooking at large piles of fire wood where there's been some cutting going on. Since they are right along the trail, he was weaving side to side, arching his neck, and looking hard at these "demons".  

Giant wolf pine in the woods

I read an article in Northern Woodlands magazine about "wolf trees"--those left standing by the settlers because they delineated a border or corner, and we often of little use for lumber due to their branching structure. We came across such a tree on our ride in Tatnic--a lone white pine in a stand of much younger growth. I recommend you go to the link (be patient while it loads if you've got a slow computer like me) for the photographs of some stunning trees. Seeing old trees like these, I imagine what the surrounding woodland must have looked like over 100 years ago. Adding to the magic,  are old stone walls, marching off into the woods, crumbling cellar holes from long-vanished hamlets. When the west opened up, many farmers threw in their lot to head for more fertile, less stony soil. All that remains are their tilting headstones, lilacs and day lilies gone wild,reaching up for the sun, flanking the front dooryard marked by a granite chunk in the middled of the foundation wall. The historical scenery is one of the many enjoyments of our trails around here.

I tend to be more contemplative when I ride alone, hence the long-winded history lesson. But I also wondered how this dry weather may affect the spring breeding season for frogs, salamanders, and turtles. If the vernal pools dry up too quickly, will breeding/egg laying territory be lost? The Tatnic Woods region is dotted with vernal pools and thin soil covering a large amount of granite. I did hear peepers singing in this pool,  but I pondered the drought-like situation we've been in all spring due to lack of snow melt and/or rain.

All that day-dreaming almost unseated me on the way home. As Harley picked his way home, with me riding on the buckle and sing my version of Handsome Molly, aka Handsome Harley, something large in the woods, possibly a deer, rattled the leaves and Harley took off with me picking up the slack reins. Yee--haa, and we're off! He came back down to a walk, albeit more of a jig, until we were well away from the "scary noise". That'll teach me to not pay attention!

Easter Day Adventure

Do you think that's the Easter Bunny, Harley? 

Can you believe it was snowing this morning here in Maine? The grey skies spit for a bit, then quit, but it stayed windy and chilly all day. Every house we passed had the fire or wood stove burning. So far, it's been colder this April than it was in March. Old Man Winter doesn't want to let go.  After taking care of Ruffy's foot, and giving Rolex and Harley a little extra lunch, we saddled up and headed out. But first, John had to work out a few kinks in our little Roley Girl. She had her dander up and was ready to rock and roll. He worked her a little in the schooling area, then we struck out for the woods.

A favorite spot for a canter

After some exploration on our previous ride, we found some new trails on Nature Conservancy land. Some of these trails are not built for horse travel--way too windy and narrow. But others appeared to more suited to ATVs and horses. Give it was Sunday, I half expected to run into ATV riders, but the woods were truly ours--quiet.

We encountered a maze of trails crossing old roads and decided to follow the established road bed. I was trying to remember where we turned left, where we turned right, and keep track of significant land marks so we could retrace our steps. So many options and so many trail junctions--which way to go next. Of course, the horses always seem to find the way home. They have a built in compass. The old road, bordered on both sides by ancient stone walls and cellar holes, replete with day lilies poking their leaves up, carried us out to a new house and bridge. As we emerged out of the woods, I recognized our location--at least I knew where we were in relation to the barn and our direction homeward as the the crow flies. But the adventure wasn't over yet. We still had trails to explore. So we headed the other direction, again passing cellar holes, stone walls, and even a cemetery along the road side. It must be cared for by relatives, for it appeared raked and cleared of winter's debris.

Stuart Cemetery

Harley and Rolex seemed to be enjoying the new territory. Rolex likes taking the lead until she hits a muddy spot. Then she slams on the brakes and waits for Harley to show her the route, willingly following in his footsteps. They've become trail buddies this year, happy to share carrot treats and tag along behind one another--nose to tail. One would never guess that our little Roley Girl is still less than six months off the track. She walks along easily, ears up, negotiating the trail gamely. Harley, years off the track, still likes to exhibit his Thoroughbred hot-headedness from time to time, especially if it's a solo ride and he hasn't got Rolex for support! He only had one spin out on me today, and it was a half-hearted on at that. I just circled him back and he moved forward without a problem. I think he likes to just test me--the wiley guy!

Here's a section of the 1944 Kennebunk map showing the region of the Tatnic Hills we were riding. The roads haven't changed much in past 68 years. There are more houses, but the dashed line dirt roads are still that--only now you need 4WD or 4-hoof drive to negotiate them. And this only shows the established roads--not all the trails that thread through the woods as well.

Which way now?

It was a chilly day, as you can see by John's down jacket and wool cap. Most of the ride was at a walk with trotting on some of the better footing. Harley and Rolex didn't even break a sweat until we did some sustained trotting, heading for home. Then Harley gets all psyched to be going home and keeps trotting to catch up with Rolex Girl's swinging walk! Things get a bit more interesting at a fast pace. When Harley begins to trot past Rolex, her racing nature takes over, she pins her ears and cuts him off. And if he passes her, then he tries to cut her off. Maybe I should whistle "Call to the post" and see what happens then!

John and I both worked on the horses' paces--extending the trot, slowing the trot, halting and backing. Harley sometimes like to break into a canter rather than trot, but for conditioning purposes today, I held him to the trot. Oh, we did pop over a few downed trees, although I chickened out at one John wanted to try. Maybe next time...for there will surely be a next time! We need to see where all those trails go.

Our first S.M.A.R.T. ride is six weeks away. It will probably only be 10 to 12 miles since it's early in the season, but we want the horses ready to go, plus we're hacking Eeyore (aka Harley) & Rolex to the ride since one animal, who shall go by his alias, doesn't like trailers (something else to work on)!