one of a kind ride

There are things in life where you don't get a do over. Many of them are first, once in a life time occurrences. You may, or may not, even want to do them over. The reality is you can't anyways, anything additional that happens is an experience that follows. Some firsts are big life turning events, others are smaller milestones. We had one of the latter. A one of a kind ride, with our own horses, on our own land, for the very first time!!!

We worked hard, so we could play on Sunday. We trailered in, saddled up and headed out...

riding the grassy area

...it wasn't long before we had to ride over logging debris. It is a temporary by-pass that borders one edge of our thick woods, and allows us to get to nicer paths. I was impressed with our horses. It has been over a year and a half since they've left the stables. They were fresh off the trailer and did a good job picking their way through the branch rubble. It didn't last long, and gave us access to...

...soft footing, forest smells and relaxing pines. Sigh. I love this path!!

We continued onto an area we recently worked on, and rode across the log obstacle. Nemo was calm, cool and collected, and crossed the logs with no problem. On the other hand, Koda needed to be asked to slow down and approached the logs too fast. He cut to the inside on the last short log before I had time to think differently. I'll be more focused and ready next time! 

Much to my surprise we turned and headed south. Apparently we need to finish clearing the entire spooky tree trail before riding any of it. Boo!! Oh well, something new to experience another day. I'm thinking of adding a little hidden troll in those spooky trees ha ha! That could be fun with guest riders. Notice I didn't say ghost riders ;)

I was really surprised to see how much work our son got done, it allowed us to ride that entire strip! Needs a little more cleanup by hand, guess who's job that will likely end up being?! Wasn't expecting that path to be so nice, what a difference! 

We made our way onto "the loop" and were riding along one of the field strips when Koda suddenly took a big sideways jump! I was fiddling with my phone, trying to take more pictures and not paying attention. Classic mistake. I felt myself start to slide off my saddle, gulp! Thankfully, instead I stuck. Whew! Have I told you lately how much I love my new saddle?!! Had I been riding in my previous one, I no doubt would have hit the ground. Good tack makes all the difference in the world. Needless to say, I stopped taking pictures for the rest of the ride.

Who knows what Koda spooked at? There were a couple turkey way across the field, or maybe a horse eating monster was hiding in the brush. He was on high alert, even more so while riding in the wide open. A string of smaller spooks followed the first big one. We rounded the corner to ride on the other side of that strip. The neighbors high flying flags were now in clear view, that didn't seem to bother him. We had a nice talk last week, so I knew their helicopter wasn't going to appear out of nowhere. We probably could have continued riding the remaining fields, but I didn't see the point of pushing Koda. I much prefer easing back into rides and giving Koda the benefit of the doubt. His world was so small for so long, he just needs time. My experience with him tells me he will be more relaxed next time, and in a better state of mind to ride those remaining field strips.

We changed directions, and continued riding through different fields. Meandering towards a preexisting wooded path. I swear I heard Koda let out a big sigh, as we re-entered the woods. Then it was onto fun riding up an embankment. So glad everything isn't flat! We ending up by the grassy area where we started and put the horses in the paddocks for a little while. They grazed, and we just hung out with them. Soaking everything in...

One of our neighbors stopped by to chat. We could all hear him slowly approaching us on his four wheeler. It was good timing. As he came puttering closer through the trees, Koda reacted with a big old spook almost clear across the paddock. Silly Koda! Glad I wasn't in the saddle at that exact moment. I don't think any kind of tack would have helped me sit that one. Our boys have ridden past many four wheelers up north, and never spooked at them before. Our neighbor couldn't have approached any better, and even parked at a distance. It was good for Koda & Nemo to experience early on, because they will no doubt see more four wheelers in the future. We enjoyed his visit, and learning more about the area. He even offered up his land for riding. Such welcoming surroundings.

Altho Koda was on fast forward the entire ride, and wasn't the calm horse he can be, we had a really good first trail ride!! It could have been longer, it could have been a lot of things. But the important part was that it was, the experience happened. So quiet, and pretty. We saw a couple turkey & a deer. No signs of the white one, yet.

It was a one of a kind ride, one to remember. Truly a blessing to be caretakers of this special property. We don't need permission to clear something, put up a fence, or ride across a field. We can take care of the land. Our land. For our family. A lifelong dream, that is coming together little-by-little...

six water horses

Our trainer typically plans a couple of group trail rides every year. The dates are picked weeks in advance. Mother nature hasn't been very cooperative in the past. Last years group Fall ride ended up being on the farm, between the raindrops. The weather looked like a spoiler once again, and riders started dropping like flies. What a bummer! We actually had a nice group going for a full day ride, with three couples and two single riders, picnic included. For a week straight we watched the Wednesday weather, hoping for a change from the forecasted thunderstorm & rain. It was sunny and gorgeous the day before, but not the case on the chosen day. The ride was cancelled.

The day arrived, and the forecast had shifted back a little. The bad weather was suppose to end by noon. One of the couples and a husband had already decided to go back to work, but the rest of us were still in for a half day afternoon ride. With open trailer slots, the apprentice came with us. We switched our plans to a closer location, with much flatter terrain. It was hot and very muggy when we left the barn. I didn't bother bringing either of the three coats I had in our truck. Big mistake. We drove through some rain, and by the time we got to Ukarydee - it was very windy and cold! The forecast on my phone said it was suppose to drop another ten degrees by late afternoon. Great. I was already frozen and we hadn't even hit the trail yet. What was I thinking? Apparently I wasn't. Thankfully both trailers have live-in quarters, and I borrowed a long sleeve shirt and lined windbreaker. It was the perfect amount of layers. On with the ride! 

Koda and Nemo had some big shoes to fill and were deemed the "old seasoned horses". The other four horses in our group had never been on a trail ride. Checkers, a reining horse, Phoenix, a show horse, Tess, a three year old, and our Cierra, who is four. The two younger horses were lunged, while the rest of us rode around the starting area. I tried to snap a few pics with my phone, but they are not very good...sorry. I had high hopes for my iphone camera on the trail, but think I'll switch back to my pocket camera...

unloading area
Cierra, Phoenix, Tess, Nemo, Koda (L-R)

Koda & Nemo were bookends for the first stretch of the ride. We passed a random guy in the woods collecting mushrooms (twice) that raised some ears. I spotted a hawk playing in the wind. I so love to soak in the beauty that surrounds us! But when I shared my winged find with the others, I noticed all the new trail horses started floundering. The riders were distracted looking for the hawk. Oops, won't do that again on this ride. 

heading out
Nemo, Cierra, Tess, Phoenix, Checkers, Koda (L-R)

The prettiest part of our ride was the pines. At that point I was leading, and tried to snap some pics behind me. Needless to say, they didn't turn out. Once out of the pines, the paths are lush, narrow and curvy. Koda & I turned a corner and spotted a random dog on the trail, who quickly disappeared. Probably a good thing. I never did see his human, and he wasn't with the mushroom guy. 

Shortly after the pines the trail started getting muddy. The further we rode, the muddier they got. It was the slippery hoof sucking kind, and none of the horses liked sinking down in it. I mumbled to myself "I know where this path is leading". Our trainer heard me, and since I am typically directionally challenged, she asked if I really knew. Ohhhh heck yeah, I know exactly where this trail leads...I will never forget our first ride at Ukarydee when Koda lost his mind while refusing the water crossing.

Somewhere along the trail Koda did his bait-n-I don't want to lead anymore-switch...sigh. I need to catch these sooner! I wasn't about to get in an argument on a slippery narrow muddy trail with this bunch. I knew why he did it. Koda knows exactly where this trail leads. 

Nemo got to the water crossing first, and was coaxed into being the lead horse to cross. Such a brave guy! He'll do anything for Brad. Then Checkers, who is always on forward march, went right through the water. Our trainer was busy determining with the remaining riders, if we should turn around. Much to my surprise, when I asked Koda to cross he stopped briefly to take a closer look and then walked right in. We paused in the middle, and Koda got lots of love. Our trainer turned to yell "let's go back" from around the trees that were blocking her view, not realizing three of us were already across the water. It was a funny moment, and we all busted out laughing! Three of us stood on one side, and three on the other bank. It was the incentive the remaining riders needed, to at least try crossing the water. 

Our trainer hopped on Phoenix to cross her with Nemo in the lead, before having her owner ride her across. Back across they went for Cierra's turn. All of us crossed back and forth with ease. The water crossing was definitely the highlight of the trip!

Nemo, Phoenix, Cierra waiting to cross (L-R)

Cierra taking it all in stride

We are all amazed everyone crossed the water with no fuss. Who knew we had six water horses?! Cierra really enjoyed being on the trail. We are very proud of her and as you can see in the above photo, so is our trainer. It was fun having three of our horses on the trail together. 

It was getting late. After maneuvering more mud covered trail, we decided to take a sandy quiet road that leads straight back to the unloading area. A car slowly passed us from behind on the road, none of the horses cared. Taking everything into consideration, it ended up being a fairly challenging ride and gave all the horses good experience in various ways.

After we got back to the barn, it was so nice that Phoenix's owner gave us a heartfelt thank you. She said the ride meant so much to her on so many personal levels. We really didn't do anything out of our ordinary, and are so thankful for the ride as well. Meaningful experiences are what life is all about. 

first trail ride

Our first trail ride on Koda & Nemo was one to remember, and went way better then we ever expected! I am still in complete awe of how well our boys behaved for allll the firsts they encountered. We are very proud of them! I borrowed my daughters point-n-shoot (hence the quality) and took a few pics to share.
It was a hot 90 degree muggy day, typical August weather. Apparently Ma Nature forgot to check her calendar, it’s only May!! Koda & Nemo loaded right up, along with Sweetie (a 6 year old mare in training), into Patty’s 3-horse slant load. It has a high entry and none of them had ever loaded into her trailer, but they did fine. The only trailer struggle we had was getting Sweetie to back out when we got home, she is used to turning around and walking out. Nothing major. We traveled about an hour to some private land, where Patty's long-time clients welcomed us. What nice people. Deb and Julie have been Iron Horse clients for 20 years, that’s a long working relationship. While they got themselves ready, we tacked up by the trailer and led our horses through the new busy environment to the outdoor arena to warm up. There were a lot of new things to look at along the way, and we weren’t sure how the boys would handle it all.
 















Brad & Nemo backing up during warm-up

Our trail group was Brad, Patty, Deb, Julie (Deb’s daughter) and her two young daughters, and I. Julie ponied one daughter, and the other rode double with her on their trusty horses - both trained by Patty. That seemed like a lot for Julie to handle, but she did it with flying colors and the horses were stellar. Into the woods we went, and quickly found many new experiences for the young horses along the trail. We passed white geese, maneuvered over and around fallen logs and large branches, had little dogs weaving in and out, saw a deer running near-by, hunting huts etc.




















Deb leading on her paint mare Crocus

What impressed us most about Koda & Nemo was that they listened to our lead as they picked their way through the fallen logs & twisting branches. We ran into several "how are we going to get around that" areas. It could have easily been an issue for any horse, let alone young ones experiencing it for the first time. Our many years of Colorado trail riding experience came in handy, as well as those early training sessions desensitizing their legs.



















Our trail group, minus Deb who is taking the picture
The ride was sooo relaxing, it wasn’t even hot in the woods. I'm happy to share I have nothing exciting to add to my previous "look at it/look away" post. The only place Koda did anything that resembled a spook, was during warm-up in the arena. He spied something that made him think he should step to the side, and not be as close to whatever. I didn’t make a big deal out of it. We simply spent a little more time down at that end, he was over it with the next pass and one simple leg/rein pressure correction asking him to stay in line.

When we got back from the trail, we all rode down to their barn before heading to the arena again. The horses watched chickens, a four wheeler backing out, ponies and more close-by. They also practiced waiting as a group, as well as separate. Deb & Julie brought their yearling into the arena so Patty could see it’s movement. I’m guessing it will be in training with her in the future. After a little more arena riding, it was time to head out. It didn't take long to get hot and thirsty, cold water never tasted so good. We were a happy-tired bunch, it was a wonderful first trail trip to treasure!!