Thistleblooms Rambles

[thistlebloom]

What a lovely Saturday I'm having!
I contacted a few friends yesterday about a ride this morning but didn't get any takers. I may have scared them off by calling it a Crack O' Dawn ride, and leaving horseback from the trailhead at 7 a.m. But that's okay as riding alone is also very enjoyable. I ended up riding at the State park because Dh wasn't comfortable with me riding the other State forest trail alone. I'm okay with it and think I would be fine, but I don't like to make him worry.

I did the forestry ride Thursday with a friend and had a great time.

Here's a blurry pic (I thought she had an Iphone, but maybe she has downsized, because the pics Iphone's take are pretty awesome).

I would have loved to reciprocate and take blurry pictures of her with my cheap phone, but I thought I lost it on the trail or left it in the truck, because it wasn't in the holster. Turns out I was sitting on it in my back pocket the whole time. I discovered that after I searched through the truck, then got in to peer between the seats. Yep, that lump I sat on was my phone. That's why I get the cheap ones folks.

But anyway, that's me and the sweet potato. Notice the sunflower yellow saddle blanket? We be stylin'.

So yes today was fun and relaxing. It paid off taking 3 days off this week, because I did a lot of yard chores. And because yard chores breed and you are never finished, I will let them get a little further ahead of me and just take it easy right now. Summer is short and shouldn't be all about weeds and sweat and dirt and weeds.
Syringa and I did a long loop with some good challenges that she hasn't done yet. A really long steep grassy downhill where she had to take care with her footing, and then an equally long and steep matching uphill, where at almost the top a tree had fallen over the path forcing us into some big rocks we (she) had to pick through to get around. She was really sucking air, but never quit or faltered.
We trotted a fair bit and cantered (woohoo!!) a lot. She's getting more comfortable carrying me at the canter, but still flicks her ears back and forth when I ask to make sure that's what I said, haha. What I love most is she is so sensitive that when I sit and relax she slows down. I hardly have to cue her with the reins at all, She is also getting it when I give her a leg aid for turning just before using the rein. I think it won't be long before she will ride mostly off my seat and legs.

I ran into a gal I had met at the park and rode with occasionally with Luke. We may get together this coming week for a ride.

Now that you're all Syringa'd out I will go out and do a few chores that shouldn't be put off.

 

[Mike CHS]

Even the blurry picture had enough detail to make you want to see a better one. It sounds like a good day was had.

 

[Baymule]

You sure have beautiful places to ride. Feast for the soul.

 

[thistlebloom]

You sure have beautiful places to ride. Feast for the soul.

Yes we do. My soul is quite fat and sassy right now.
But we have to shovel snow for 6 months to earn it.

 

[Senile_Texas_Aggie]

Is that Lake Pend Oreille in the background of the picture?

 

[thistlebloom]

Is that Lake Pend Oreille in the background of the picture?

It is an undisclosed location near my home.
I'd name it but then all the durn Texans would be flocking up here to swim, ride, and shovel snow.

 

[Bruce]

Bruce, have you ever considered letting a broody hatch out some chicks?

What a view!!!!! Sounds like you and Syringa are a good pair.

 

[thistlebloom]

Yesterday evening Syringa and I met friends for another ride. It is an extremely challenging trail that I have only done a small part of a few times.
I must have done the least technical part of it on Luke a few years ago. When it was mentioned as a possibility I said sure! Oh blessed ignorance!
Then my friend asked if Syringa was good crossing water and climbing rocks. I said she wouldn't have a problem... Hoo boy!
I haven't done a trail that tough since my endurance racing days.

Things at first were just normal trail riding, crossing meadows and picking through logged over areas that were pretty much a solid carpet of big sticks. Then we reached the bottom and had a creek crossing. It was not deep, but fairly wide. The two friends leading just stepped right in and let their horses drink, then wandered out. Then it was our turn and Syringa said uh uh. Nope. Not stepping in there.
Many minutes later, I hadn't changed her mind so I got off and led her in. She'll follow me just about anywhere. I remounted in the creek and we went in and out several times no problem.
We headed out again and almost immediately hit the single track switchback trail that climbed about 100* miles through the trees. That's 100* miles straight up over exposed granite boulders and so narrow that you're in danger of leaving knee parts behind on tree trunks. Syringa was a trooper and had no problem sorting out her footing in the tricky parts. I pretty much let her decide where to clamber up.
So, we climb, the sound of horses huffing and 16 hooves on rock. At one point the two lead horses stop and my friends dismount. It was a rock face on one side of the trail and a good drop on the other. I couldn't see my friend in the lead because she was around the turn. They explained we had to dismount in order to make it under the tree that is like a roof beam over the trail. It's not high enough to pass under mounted, and the angle the trail crosses under makes it dangerous to try. My friend behind me was glad she hadn't brought her almost 17 hand gelding because she would have also had to unsaddle him. And probably grease his back.

The trail broadened out some but was still steep and we were passing through thimbleberries. Some were ripe and we reached grubby hands out to grab some as we passed. They sort of squish when you pick them but are so sweet and wonderful they are worth licking your fingers for. You try not to think about what all you are licking in addition to berry smush. I wish I had taken pictures as we rode, but I was kind of busy riding.

At last we reached the top and could see the lake far below us. It was getting close to sunset and they discussed hanging around at the top to watch it. I was mildly alarmed, I didn't sign up for a trail descent through the woods in the dark y'all. But good sense prevailed and we started off again, down the other side. If I thought the ascent was steep, the descent was at least as steep. But it was mostly dirt, much fewer rock outcrops to negotiate. The shrubs growing along each side did have a tendency to rip your head off if you didn't duck backwards in time, your little noggin bouncing off your horses rump. Haha.

The steepness of the trail made my saddle ride up onto Syringas withers which must have been uncomfortable for her, but there wasn't a good place to fix it until we got lower and there were some wide enough spots in the trail to get off and fiddle with it.

Finally we made it back to the trailers at the trail head. My little mustang got huge compliments from my three friends. She handled herself like a seasoned trail horse and never once faltered or offered to quit. She ate the trail up and was looking for more. But she was tired, as were all the other older mares who have many years of trails under their belts. I'm very proud of my girl. I checked her this morning and she was fine. No heat in her legs or back soreness. Yay Syringa.

* not literally 100 miles of course.

At the top. Happy to have survived.

 

[Bruce]

That trail I'm not sure I would even walk that on my own 2 feet.
Great job both of you.

My friend behind me was glad she hadn't brought her almost 17 hand gelding because she would have also had to unsaddle him. And probably grease his back.

Yeah I suppose most horses aren't real good at crawling on their knees or doing the limbo.

 

[farmerjan]

Quite a compliment to you for the job you have done training her. That sounds like a ride for experienced horses.... so real good job. Bet it was beautiful.