Ginger and I had another great trail ride today. This time we went up the "big hill", which leads to most of the trails on the property. At the top of the hill there were 10-15 deer about 300 yards away from us. Ginger saw them, but didn't really care. She was more focused on the cattle down the hill. Even so, she wasn't really scared.. just focused. Haha
The cattle are in a pasture down this hill next to the tree line on the left.
We went down the hill and entered the trail to the right (you can see where the path curves to the right in the picture above).
This is what I refer to as the "main trail" as it leads to all of the other trails.
Once again, I really tried to remember to let her have her head so she doesn't rely on contact.
Right after that video, there was a small hill with a tiny ditch with ice that she just would not go over. It must have been at least 10 minutes of her trying to go backwards, me pushing her forward, her going backward, forward, etc. I'm seeing a pattern here! =P She finally walked over it in a nonchalant manner. Mares! Ha
Shortly after her refusal, the main trail ends and splits off in three different trails. We chose the trail to the sharp left. This trail is on a slight decline and is a bit rocky, so I usually ride to the right or left where there is grass. The trail opens up to the "gallop field". Most horses inherently get spunky when we get to this field, obviously, because you come from woods to an open field.
I usually go to the left, at the field and follow it around. On the other side of the GF, there are more trails. Today Ginger and I trotted up the side of the hill that is perfect for galloping. She did a little head tossing but, otherwise handled it well.
Top of the Gallop Field. It is pretty flat up there. Making it a nice place to cool your horse down if you cantered or galloped up.
One trail at the top of the GF.
The trails on this side can get pretty rocky, and since Ginger is a bit tender footed, we didn't ride over here very much. We followed the trail back to the GF and headed home. I made a point to ride her through the middle of the GF so she knows it's not always running time when we are in an open field.
We went back the exact way that we came. At almost the beginning of the Main Trail, I dropped my glove so we made a pit stop to pick it up. I didn't know if I could get back on her without a mounting block, to my surprise I could! Haha
This is the top of the Big Hill. I wish my camera was in better shape, as it is a beautiful view!
We were able to ride on a loose/free rein the majority of the ride, and she seemed even more relaxed than last time.
I'm excited to see what all of this trail riding does for her muscles. There are plenty of hills to build up her booty, and other muscles.
I didn't ride Ollie today.. but here she is sporting a Bones hammy-down blanket!
She is so pretty :)! That looks like an awesome place to go riding.
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