Thursday, April 7, 2016

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!

25 comments:

  1. Ok, I want to go trail riding with you. Your trails are gorgeous!

    I hate waiting for ride times, ugh! People just don't understand my need to plan weeks ahead of time!

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    1. YES, planning is so important. I finally got them at 4pm yesterday. Gah!

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  2. Bunnies have big icky teeth . . .

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  3. Whenever people post about trail riding it always looks like so much fun. I used to trail ride more as a kid. I dunno why I don't anymore lol

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    1. It's a nice, relaxing thing to do on horseback... provided said horse isn't terrified of wildlife.

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  4. We spent most of the winter walking and C is CRAZY fit. Grrr. Ah well. Your trails are gorgeous!

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  5. Bunnies are terrifying. I can't believe you back up to such amazing trails and you don't get out on them more often. I think I'd be hard pressed to get any dressage done with those trails as an option instead.

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    1. I usually ride in the field behind our house, and do a little warmup/cool down "trail ride" that's maybe 10 minutes. So I actually get out on them quite a lot!

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  6. Remember not so long ago where Taran was jumping out of his skin at everything?! So glad you guys could use a nice trail ride to reset together:)

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    1. Oh he still is... it's just a bit less exuberant.

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  7. I think we come back because we remember how amazing the highs feel and cling to it. You can't feel how good a high is unless you feel a low? (Lol I sound like a druggie)

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  8. Yah I want to ride on these trails, or run on them, they look so flat and inviting. Glad it was such a good ride and that Taran saved you from rabid bunnies!

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    1. They're flat but also rocky in places. I've never tried jogging them, but lots of people do!

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  9. Trail riding ftw. We def need more in our lives too!

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  10. Trail riding is the best destresser - when the horse you're riding is sane obvs ;-)

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