A couple of the girls hauled here and we went for a ride to show them where the river crossings are and where they can access them from the other side. I live along the Goat River, on the north side of us is a high bank that divides us from the town of Ericson/Creston and across the river there is a climb that brings you up onto the hayfields and orchards of Lister. Accessing these crossings from there wasn't always possible because of the landowners, but they have recently put in a gate at one of them and allow horses to cross through- we are all appreciative! This allows me to ride from my place to a couple of friends places in about 15 minutes or so without having to hook up the trailer and haul. And now they can ride over here too.
Happy smiling faces high above the first river crossing
Once back on my side of the river I took them out on the lease ride, and at the end of it I had cleared the way through the narrow gate and placed some rocks in strategic spots so we could ride down across the rip rap that lines the dyke; there was one spot where the rocks were small and made a narrow path down to a rideable area, but there were a few holes that could trap a hoof so the day before I filled them all in. Just beyond this gate is a huge mudslide from a few years ago that obliterated any trails, so now we were exploring.
We rode as far as we could between the high bank and the river, with the idea that we were looking for a way to scale that bank on horseback so that the lady who lives in Erickson (on the blue roan) cold ride down from her place. We had to turn back at one point or ride through the river to continue, so we called it. On the way back we did some bushwacking closer to the high bank to see if we had missed any possible trails.
The turnback spot
In this photo you can see the mudslide in the background. One of the riders had scrambled up a little rocky draw to see if it was passable on horseback; it wasn't.
Over all it was a great ride, lots of fun and adventure. First river crossing for P, the lady on the blue roan, who is my barefoot trimmer and moved out here from Quebec.
A note about that blue roan, it's a lovely quiet mare, about 18 years old (all the horses pictured are `17, 18, and 18).
An interesting thing about that blue roan- it's a Nokota Horse Check out the link, it's an interesting story.
Riding day 52
6 comments:
There's nothing like riding outside. Your location is stunning! Do you need to worry about hunters there?
Theresa- not usually, we are close to town so it's restricted. However we do have bears due to the proximity of the orchards above us. Have also seen moose just below our horse pens, as well as deer and coyotes.
What a great ride! Shirley, I am SO happy that you found trail buddies - and so close to you!! Nice to have access on connecting land, makes everything easier. Just letting you know, the Nokota link didn't work for me.
Thanks for letting me know Aurora. I fixed the link, let me know if it works for you.
Link works, thanks! Interesting history of the breed. Nice horses, they have been represented in the past at Midwest Horse Fair.
What fun for you to have riding friends! Such a pretty area too:)
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