Beth & Rhio negotiating the old gravel pit trail
I took Beth for a short ride to explore my local training trails Sunday morning before she had to head back home. The morning was overcast and threatening rain, but we had a lovely time exploring. We took both boys out barefoot, and took the road down to the gravel pit, working our way around the old pit then working our way through the county pit to a short trail through the woods which ends at a sheet metal "bridge" which is unsafe to cross with the horses. There were a lot of branches & small trees to dodge and/or clear on this trail, but I think we both managed to ride without getting slapped in the face. We then found a new, less rocky and slightly longer training hill in the gravel pit and worked our way around one of the ponds. Both horses did very well traveling carefully over the uneven ground.
We stopped at a pond with good footing to let the horses, and Kelso, drink. Red surprised me by walking right in. He's not generally very willing to walk into water.
I showed Beth the trails next to the pit, which I like to do at a fast trot or canter as the footing is good. It is an out-and-back setup, so the horses know we're headed home when we make that turn. That makes the return trip a little more energetic! I was happy the bugs were not too bad, and we stopped by Red's farm on the way to the trails out back, and completing our loop. We took the little trails with hills and turns in a figure-8 pattern, first at a walk and then at a fast trot - Beth was impressed with Rhio's cornering ability. We headed home happy with our morning's adventure, and thrilled to have had 2 great rides together in 2 days. It's been too long since we've gotten to ride together!
Beth & Rhio in the gravel pit
Me & Red in the gravel pit
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