Over the river and through the woods

Last night, Taran and I went on an hour-long trail ride. I was hoping I could use it as a reset, maybe find my lost riding skillz (and perhaps some common sense too) while I was out.

What lies that-a-way???

It was really great. Taran trucked along in a big, open walk. I'd forgotten how much walking is actually good for conditioning a horse and building muscle, so I think we'll be doing more of this.

Walking past a busy 4-lane road? NBD.

Under the bridge? Also NBD.

He mostly ignored the cyclists and the dogs, although he did have a moment where a bunny almost scared him out of his skin. (Seriously dude? A BUNNY?!!?)

 

Through the dry river bed.

It's funny, we live right on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, yet our trails are almost entirely flat. We made the most of tiny changes in elevation, but it's not as if he's getting any hill work.

Right out our back gate.

Although this ride wasn't a magic fix, it was definitely therapeutic. I still have my doubts, of course. There's something about this sport where it's easy to go from the highest high to the lowest low in the blink of an eye (which makes me wonder why we all keep coming back?). I'm feeling more focused though, so hopefully I'll be able to rely on the solid foundation we've built to put in good rides. Now, if only the show secretary would actually send out ride times, that would be super!