This is where the magic happens on a regular basis. So many beautiful trails from wide and sandy, to narrow and winding. Plenty of spaces to trot and canter and five ravines with little creeks at the bottom where the horses can sometimes drink. 95% of my trails happen in this section.
It was a stinking hot day so I came prepared with water bottle.
Double wide trails with trees growing in the median.
Crazy as it seems, Im often alone on these trails rarely seeing another rider, jogger, or dogwalker. Occasionally we see foxes, deer, goshawks, wild turkeys, and owls. Some have also seen coyotes.
Some of the trails are narrow and windy, shaded from the sun.
Some of the trails are great for long canters or fast trots.
These trails are shared in the winter time with cross country skiers and snowshoers. Each sport has their own trail, and so the riders lose about 50% of the trails in section 2 from November to April. I dont mind, as it helps me better appreciate the trails when we get them back in the summer. The winter trails are groomed with machinery and are accessible all the time, even for my barefoot Q. We only stay in during the ice storms.
Our barn is smack in the middle of section 2 with the best trail access in the whole region. We always have tons of options for 20-30-40-90 minute trails that keep us close to home. So many loops, so many choices. The challenge of course is getting motivated to go on the trails that are further from home.
I’ve been exposed to some bad human behaviour of late. Lies, disceptions, misdirections. I did not expect it, and was surprised by a certain turn of events. But now it’s time to turn the page, Seger-style. This week is the excitement of a 2 day despooking clinic and I just received the pre-read workbook. It seems like the course will be emphasizing a certain level of equitation skill through group drill exercises. Sounds like fun, and smart. First we develop basic control over pace and direction, then we add obstacles while actually focusing our attention on the group drill work. That should keep us distracted from the fire, smoke and sirens. Because, this is despooking, the mounted police way.
Being a citygirl with my horse out in the country has its benefits and drawbacks. With a two-hour commute back and forth I don't make light of my decision to "go to the barn". I have become a fair weather rider, and I rely on the barn team to compensate for my absence when it happens. I do manage to get out to the barn 3-4 times a week in all seasons and almost every trip includes at least an hour ride. On average this makes for a 5-6 hour commitment when I go. So, when the weather channel announces heavy rain, strong winds, blizzards or scorching heat ... whether for road conditions or just my forecasted lack of enjoyment, I often decide to stay home. Every once in a while the weather channel gets it wrong, and sometimes I just decide to chance it. Even when I get back sopping wet, Im never disappointed for having gone on a ride. Especially with Q. He makes me smile and giggle every single time. What a keeper! Aside from a great barn environment, and adorable horse, and ...
Six hours of riding over four days. And Im on my way to the barn for a fifth session this afternoon. Ouch! My hip is killing me. Tomorrow is the first day in our province where recreational activities are legal. Golfers, kayakers and horsebackriders can soon rejoice. But lots of illegal activity had begun a few weeks ago when the confinement rules started to loosen after 7 weeks of being cooped up. Over the last few weeks I have noted plenty of reckless behaviour. On the roads, I have witnessed dangerous driving, weaving through "traffic" and creating pile-up accidents. On the trails, I have noted plenty of delinquent users with loose dogs, and mountain bikes. And even my fellow horsemen have been disappointing with their thundering gallops as they pass me on a ravine. Seriously? Yep. All these things make me angry and righteous. I want to remind them all that we live in a society where one person's freedoms stops at another person's right to safety. Bu...
Every spring I make a special detour to a section of trail where the wild lilac trees are. With all of our warm weather of late, I was sure that the trees would have bloomed so I did the detour three times in the last week. No blooms yet. But today was the day, and she was glorious. We were surrounded by the scent. It was lovely. About ten years ago I came cantering down this trail with my other horse Jazz and my friends in tow. Where I came around the bend and saw these surprising blooms I came to an abrupt stop and my friends almost crashed into me. Since then, every spring I make sure to come see how the lilacs are doing. This year the blooms were particularly generous. This year I have a new budding friendship with our new barn intern C. A lovely young lady who is happy to follow my lead as I show her the trails. I get the benefit of good company and the safety of a friend, and she gets to discover all the sections. She was particularly giddy at our long fast trots as...
honestly, you make me want to move to Quebec!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLa belle province!
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