trouble

A gorgeous day. Gone were the clouds and cold from earlier in the week. Maybe we should have known it was too perfect and would spell trouble.

Major was heading out with his nemesis, Ziggy (though I quite like his owner B!) I think Ziggy really doesn't care, but Major remembers putting up with all his sh*t when Ziggy was learning, and just doesn't like him. Too bad, deal with it, right? So the trip started with a lot of crabby ears.

They were raring to go. We headed out, deciding which way to go, and chose towards Avery Pond. In the first couple miles Ziggy tried to double-barrel Major going down a small incline! We were too far back to worry much, though I still hate seeing those feet come flying in the air, head high (of course many feet away but they look closer!)

Go-Go-GO went the horses. Try to slow-slow-slow went the humans. And the battle continued. We also kept meeting runners and hikers, many of whom mentioned a tree down. We thought we'd assess that situation when we got to it. A pair of riders said the tree was down and couldn't be gone around, again, we'd deal with it when we got there. Then we got there. It looked like a pretty big tree, but some hikers were trying to roll it off the trail. The tree was swinging and swaying, people were talking and yelling, and then it just crashed over the edge of the cliff! Ziggy was having no part of that, and turned to run the other direction. Only problem was Major was in the way, so Major thought that must be a good idea too (though he hadn't reacted at first). Only a couple strides, got them both stopped, and calmed enough to walk past. Well, Major did the leading now. Past the scary big backpacks of the great scout troop that cleared the trail, we thanked them profusely and continued on,

Eventually we got nice controlled trots out of everyone, but and then slowed to a sedate walk to cross a bridge. And DOWN went Ziggy! It happened so fast I didn't even see it all. Major and I hadn't started onto the bridge yet, but Ziggy went down on his side, B hanging on to the railing, then lurched himself back up, B still on! We all stood in shock. I crossed the bridge, looked them both over, couldn't see anything, and tried to figure it out.

The bridge is in the shade, maybe it was slippery? Didn't seem wet though. Ziggy had been walking nicely, not jigging, boots in front and bare behind. After B composed herself, we walked on, Ziggy seemed ok, but we were all a bit shaken. What could we have done differently? Nothing. That is hard, because we always analyze everything that happens, but this time? Nothing we could think of.

We continued on to the pond, Ziggy very wary of all the bridges now. We got to the trough right before the pond, and neither horse wanted to drink. And Ziggy also decided he wanted nothing to do with continuing on, and decided to throw a fit. It wasn't about the next bridge, he just did not appreciate B telling him what to do. So after a bit of nice riding and correction, we finally got to Avery Pond.

Oh, but not before I fell in the trough! OK, that part was funny at least. Using the rock trough edge is a great way to get back on your tall horse, unless you are paying attention to the other rider's issues and step directly into the trough. Squishy wet sneaker, sock, pants and chap, at least it wasn't cold out!

At the pond, we were tired. We'd only gone 7 miles, but all the events were just a lot. Major calms right down and doesn't hold onto anxiety, whereas Ziggy was a sweaty mess. Ziggy also had a cut on his stifle (from his hind hoof, the bridge? not sure), so we rested a bit, the horses ate some grass, and we decided to call it a day and head back.

a calmer moment at Avery Pond

The horses were up for that! But we were careful going home. B realized she was holding her breath across all the bridges, which doesn't help calm your horse, and I had a challenge holding back Major, who wanted to canter (I don't think so) but we mostly trotted (though Ziggy in his anxiety thought he had to canter to keep up.) Major finally got his nice power-walk going home, and did drink well at the final trough. I just breathed a sigh of relief when we made it to the home stretch, got off the horses, loosened the girth, took out his bit, and let Major eat some grass.

Back home, Ziggy's injury looked superficial, thank goodness. It was warm enough for a quick bath and when I turned Major out he ran off, dropped and rolled (in the grass, but on the poop, of course) and then proceeded to gallop about the pasture a bit. Not tired!

I was! What a ride. I'll take uneventful any day. My old riding instructor used to say something like horses were "hours of riding punctuated by moments of sheer terror." Redheaded Endurance also had a scary ride experience this week. Everyone be careful out there!

it's alive!

Halloween (my favorite holiday) is close enough for the silly title of this post. But truly, it's alive, the canal trail lives!

I was planning on a fast ride with Major, to see if I could (even though alone) dig up any of the issues I'd dealt with the day before. I headed out, towards Granite Bay, and walked trotted, just casually, as he had no interest in any form of speed. So we meaneded, till I'd push him up a hill or down a straight stretch, Of course he'd perk up when he thought we were heading home.

I did want to see the lake level, so headed through the pit of rocks, logs and erosion to the lake. It was way down, and I could see trail both directions! I followed the trail to the left, where there is still a huge morass of water and mud, it will take awhile for that to be safe. But to the right there was some sandy trail. Not much, maybe about a half mile, before another muddy mess stopped us. Some areas smell a bit boggy, they've been under water for 6 months (exactly! My last ride on the canal was April 18).

Canal ahead, and a smoke monster from Lost (OK, a tree, looking weird)

I could have hopped back on the main trail and continued on, but now the spirit of exploration had me. It did not have Major, who was completely clueless about the trail, wondering where we were. I got back onto the Rock trail, then down onto the other side of the mess of the left. There is some very deep driftwood to go through, Major was careful, but it twists and turns. The path is somewhat obscured with branches and leaves, even the parts that were exposed when the rest was submerged.

Lots of driftwood, yes, the trail is though there

Once on the trail, you can tell it hasn't been ridden much yet. The sand is very deep in places, there are random rocks and driftwood strewn about. Major was pretty cautious about everything, it all looked new and different! That is the issue every year with a trail that changes so much. My favorite are all the blind corners. Most horses learn to slow a bit, craning their neck around to try and see. Later in the year it gets easier, but many people use this trail, and you can come around the corner to rides, hikers, or boats next to the lake.

Cool balanced rock and a blind corner ahead

We kept it pretty slow with all the obstacles to navigate, as well as the sand footing. Major got quite a workout walking in the sand. I know sand needs to be conditioned to, and was being careful, but Major did try to canter once in some deep sand, and not again! It was too much work, he figured that out pretty quickly. I also decided to be extra nice, and we took many breaks for the fresh green grass.

Grass on top of the berm, right at horse height!

About half-way though, a lightbulb came on in his mind. "I know where we are!" It was hilarious. He now knew we were heading home, and got a little more springy. Then I asked him to listen, slow down and even stop for grass. Grass trumps going home!

Every year this wall is still cool. Reminds me of LOTR style.

It was a good ride, though not what I'd planned. I am happy to have this trail open again, as it is different training and conditioning, and new scenery. I'm still planning on many training rides to address the previous issues, but it is hard to plan for certain kinds of rides, you just never know what will happen on the trails. Sometimes a day spent exploring is just good for the soul (of horse and man).

fall trail in pictures

I did a trail ride in photos this spring, pretty amazing difference almost six months later. Fall certainly seems to have arrived...

My cat helper was quite talkative when I asked her for the saddle pad.

Once again the wheelbarrow of leftovers is a hit with Major.

Usually this trail is avoided, the off-road trucks have ruined it. It is tough going even for sure-footed horses.

This trail is more like it, but everything is so bone dry.

A once great road to trot on, now eroded, but not as hot on the first cloudy day of the season.

Yes, we fit under this tree, but I'll be going around, it is leaning too precariously!

The trail down to the canal, better trust those trail-horse feet!

The very fun Canal Trail, visible under 2 feet of water.

Looking left, all water, no trail access.

Looking right is even worse, no trail at all.

Major thought it was fine, and stood in the water, snorkeling and playing, for about 15 minutes.

Message in a bottle? Strange things on shore, lots of flip flops.

Coming home, unexpected amaryllis flowers. Old homestead? Who knows.

Spots of color in the dust, these amaryllis are more variegated than I usually see.

This was the first full day of Fall, and it certainly tried to prove it. The weather was a little bit of everything, with some sun, then clouds, and even some rain. The brisk morning gave way to a warmer afternoon, but with that tinge in the air, knowing colder days are coming.