I Rode My Horse...And Had FUN!

Not a whole lot to say, mostly just a picture dump. A lady who wants to get into endurance had contacted me last summer to get together. She had a gelding at the time and we had planned to meet up when he dumped her and she broke her arm. After recovering, she sold the gelding and started looking for a new partner that was better suited for her. Enter her new Egyptian Arab mare, Cami. Our schedules never lined up until this past weekend when we hit the trails together on a gorgeous morning. We met at Croft and had a wonderfully relaxing ride. We completed the 12 mile loop in 1 hour 40 minutes and both girls were hot at the end. It was 50F at the start at 82F at the finish. Poor Gem has so much hair that she was sweating before we even began. Hopefully winter decides to show up soon.

Getting ready to go. Zoe and Cami were parked behind us and Gem was not aware that we would have company yet. She looks so excited to be out conditioning solo, doesn't she?

I walked her over to meet Cami and Zoe and she got down to business grazing on the drought stricken remains of grass. We haven't had any rain in over 2 months and are 9 inches down this year. 

Cami was very interested in the campground that was full of screaming youngsters. Not sure what was going on, but the kids sounded like they were having a lot of fun. Made me really appreciate how Gem just goes with the flow and rarely fusses about anything any more. Well, other than trees and branches along side the trail that is. 

Rare selfie with my Gemmie cakes. She wasn't very patient with the process

It was a gorgeous start to the ride. 50F and sunny. We were the only ones there to begin with.

Gem even led a little ways! Mostly though we followed along behind Zoe and Cami which Gem was more than happy to do. She did get a little racy and competitive along the double wide stretch where we usually gallop and flew past them. 

The trails were in perfect condition. We had some walk breaks since the Mareface was breathing super hard after some of the larger hills. I guess that is what happens when you don't all month long and she wears her winter coat on a 80F day.

Proof that we did actually lead a little :) 

Every single horse walks faster than Gem. I've never ridden with another who didn't power along while Gem Eyored her way behind them. 

The river still had some water in it, but it is seriously low. Hoping for a lot of rain this winter. 

Heading back to the trailers. It was a really great ride full of speed, laughter and fun. I would ride with Zoe again anytime.

A hot and sweaty Gemmie at the very end. Cami had barely broken a sweat, but she was born and raised in GA and has the thinnest little coat even without being clipped. My poor yak.

Zoe and I discussed some endurance plans for the upcoming season. I am hoping to hit up McCauley Farms in FL the end of March for two days of 50s. I've been trying to hit that ride for 3 seasons now, so fingers crossed it happens this year. Anyway...as long as things pan out over the winter we will be heading down there together so she can ride her first 50 with me on Friday and then hang around and volunteer on Saturday to learn as much as she can. I am really, really excited to find someone I can go to rides with who rides similar to me. Riding with someone else is so much more fun than doing it all alone.