http://forum.horsetopia.com Use this forum to talk about trail riding, share favorite places to ride and ask trail-related questions! en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:20:21 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forum.horsetopia.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://forum.horsetopia.com http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118611-keeping-your-horse-where-you-leave.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:15:36 GMT I just completed a new instructional piece on how to set up a safe and secure highline including knot tying instructions and video. Click HERE to go... I just completed a new instructional piece on how to set up a safe and secure highline including knot tying instructions and video. Click HERE to go straight to the page.



Do you use highlines when you're camping? If not, how do you ensure that your horses are there in the morning, portable corrals, electric?

If you do use a highline, is yours different than what I've illustrated? ]]> Trail Riding trailmeister http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118611-keeping-your-horse-where-you-leave.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118564-thanksgiving-trail-ride.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:15:30 GMT I had decided not to go to the Santa Fe Trail Rider's Thanksgiving ride. My beloved dream horse Chorro is 3 legged lame with an abscess, and I had originally planned to take him. I couldn't imagine having any fun knowing Chorro was at home, barely able to limp to his stall and back to his paddock.
My husband Mike and my neighbor Lenny convinced me to go, Mike insisting he didn't mind watching both kids all day. (My daughter had planned to go, but taking both horses and leaving Chorro alone for 8 hours would have stressed him too badly).
Lenny was worried about a parking place so he arrived to pick me up at 8:00 a.m. for a 10:00 ride. Luckily I had Sereno all ready and was working at getting Chorro to hobble back into his pen when Lenny arrived.
When we got to the park at 8:40, we decided to ride out immediately before the group ride. We had a delightful leisurely walking warm-up ride.
Then the group began to gather. What beautiful horses! A gorgeous buckskin being lunged took my breath away, then I was captivated by a sturdy bay with a magnificent neck. Mr. Wilson's black mare was a picture of good health and good conformation . . . and a lovely white Paso mare . . . and a gorgeous paint . . . and a stunning leopard ap.
The group ride was lots of fun. Sereno is pure delight to ride. I got so many compliments on hm. I know he looks very impressive under saddle, although he is not photogenic.
On my pre-group ride with just Lenny, I had taken Sereno over two good sized logs and he way overjumped them, as green jumpers do, but was very willing. I was loving my new (used, bargain) endurance English saddle. We came across a few more low logs and another man (who entertained us with tales of extreme cowboy events) and I jumped them. At one point the group stopped ahead of us. A huge tree had fallen across the trail--a bit too high for a horse to step over. Lenny's good friend Roger got his TWH Danny's front feet over the log and then Danny stopped. He kept trying to lift his back feet over but couldn't make it. Finally he dug his toes into the side of the log and scrambled over. Then came Roger's wife Kathy, who is terrified of even a foot high log, riding her new spotted saddle mare Xena. Most of the horses had done awkward very high jumps. There was no way Kathy could manage that. On all previous rides, Kathy would turn around and go home when encountering an obstacle of this nature. Someone pointed out a narrow break in the tree about 8 feet into the woods. Xena had about 2 feet of open space to squeeze through. She did it without batting an ear. Everyone cheered and Roger declared that Xena was now "not for sale" at 6 million 7 thousand dollars. Before the ride, he had said he wouldn't sell her for 6 million 6 thousand dollars. Everyone congratulated Kathy and we can only think that she is well on her way to trusting her new young green mare. Lots of people, including me, thought it was a mistake to buy a 5 year old inexperienced, somewhat hot forward moving mare for a very timid rider. And they had gotten off to a very rocky start two months ago. Kathy half joked then that they might divorce before they found a new horse she could feel confident on.
Then it was my turn at the log--which I estimate was about 2' 9". Sereno had jumped probably 8 to 10 times in his life--over small logs in the woods behind my house. I got him in May, a former showhorse who had never been on a trail before. I chirruped to him and sent him at a brisk corto. He sailed over without hesitation, with two feet to spare. The mostly Western trail riders thought him impressive, but I--who know how horses are supposed to jump--knew overjumping like that was green baby stuff--which was fine as Sereno is about as green a jumper as they get. Lenny walked his Peruvian Paso mare Reina through the cut and was pleased she went readily. The day he tried her out two months ago, she wouldn't step over a one foot log. (She and Kathy are in agreement about that--horses don't DO that sort of thing). Reina had only been ridden 10 times before Lenny bought her, so he is bringing her along slowly.
Then I got to talking with the lovely leopard ap's owner. She was from England and regaled Lenny and me with funny and fun stories of her purchase, breaking, and training of the young colt. I could have listened to her charming accent and funny British expressions all day. The weather was as good as riding weather gets--76 degrees, fluffy puff clouds in an azure sky, and light breeze. I was delighted with Sereno's calm behavior on the long ride and dramatic jump.
When we got back, the Thanksgiving feast was not ready. We had about an hour to wait. Lenny and I teamed up with Lenny's long time chum Elaine for another ride. As we were heading down the trail, Dru sang out, "Oh, there's Lenny, my #3 boyfriend!" I got such a kick out of that. Sometimes people don't respect Lenny as much as he deserves--with his homely face, bald head, short stature, and speech impediment. It makes me feel good when people look deeper and recognize his special qualities. Dru, of course, was just teasing, but it just added to the fun of the ride.
We were "sort of" riding along with Peggy and "Old Man" Wilson's (age 88 and still riding!) two teenaged friends when they began to gait. Lenny's Reina gaits like a dream, but ever since Sereno recovered from his severe abscess, I haven't been able to bring out his glass smooth corto and largo. I've tried everything to trigger him into his glide gear to no avail. Before his abscess, it was getting easier and easier with every ride, but since the injury--nada, nope, nothing--a few strides now and again, but the rest of the time, rather a rough pounding corto.
Sereno could see Peggy on Candy and the other two TWHs 100 yards ahead, gaiting light and fast and he wanted to be UP THERE WITH THEM! He's too polite and well mannered to fight me, so he kicked into waterski mode. Zschoooom! We were flying like someone attached him to a para sail. I could hear his little legs ticka ticka like little pistons under me a mile a minute. It was glorious! We gaited on and on and on with Sereno never missing a beat, never wavering no matter the terrain. What a horse! I wanted to throw back my head and scream "Wa Hoo!!" Reluctantly I pulled him down. He was a rescue and the barn manager told me he had a bad back because he had been over ridden as a show horse. I always am careful not to overdo anything with him. And we had been jumping. We walked sedately home, with two lowish log jumps which Sereno gauged and jumped perfectly as if he'd been jumping all his life. What a horse! After 13 jumps, he's got it down pat. Is there anything that little horse can't do?
When we got back, it was time for the Thanksgiving feast to be served at long picnic tables. What great camaraderie, joking, laughing, excellent eats, big appetites and wonderful memories to cherish. Now . . . if only Chorro would pop that abscess, the memories won't be bittersweet.
Oh, sorry I didn't take any pictures. I was too sad about Chorro to remember to bring my camera. Remember--I almost didn't go. My heart wasn't in it when we set out. ]]> Trail Riding Knightrider http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118564-thanksgiving-trail-ride.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118468-delaware-trails.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:06:29 GMT Thank you to all who have showed concern. I have been informed that I can not post about the lose of trails in the state I live in. Got to love... Thank you to all who have showed concern. I have been informed that I can not post about the lose of trails in the state I live in. Got to love politics. Again Thank you. ]]> Trail Riding GirlNerWolf http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118468-delaware-trails.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118392-taylor-mountain-washington.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:41:52 GMT Taylor Mountain near Hobart Washington has over 33 miles of trails that include some tremendous views in addition to the normal western Washington... Taylor Mountain near Hobart Washington has over 33 miles of trails that include some tremendous views in addition to the normal western Washington maze of ferns and pines.

With the wet and rainy season upon us (and the higher elevations in the Cascades snowed in!) I’ve been visiting the lowland areas and although wet they do have their own appeal. Riding through a thick forest dripping with rain you feel like you’re the only person in the world.

At any rate Taylor has two main access points and ALSO the ride able area has been expanded since King Co. has acquired land that stretches from Taylor to Rattlesnake Lake. What this means is that the view point at the top of Taylor is legal now!

On my trips to Taylor to collect data I only saw a couple of other trail users so if solitude is your thing then these trails may be great for you!


Free Complete Trail Information is HERE ]]> Trail Riding trailmeister http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118392-taylor-mountain-washington.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118337-camden-state-park-lots-pics.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:55:00 GMT I took my daughter, her best friend, Amanda and Conner, Amanda's little brother to get a new horse today. We decided to take all the horses and ride at the State Park we were meeting at. Ruth is a 23-24yr old sorrel mare, Conner was given as his first horse. We had a great time and of course Ruth was as you would expect a wise horse to be and just as wonderful as she could be! Here are some pictures of Conner, his first horse Ruth, Amanda and Dolly as well as my Madison and her beloved Scampi.











]]> Trail Riding WickedNag http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118337-camden-state-park-lots-pics.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118336-camden-state-park-lots-pics.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:53:58 GMT I took my daughter, her best friend, Amanda and Conner, Amanda's little brother to get a new horse today. We decided to take all the horses and ride at the State Park we were meeting at. Ruth is a 23-24yr old sorrel mare, Conner was given as his first horse. We had a great time and of course Ruth was as you would expect a wise horse to be and just as wonderful as she could be! Here are some pictures of Conner, his first horse Ruth, Amanda and Dolly as well as my Madison and her beloved Scampi.











]]> Trail Riding WickedNag http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118336-camden-state-park-lots-pics.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118332-trail-riding-update-ride-pics-added.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:52:30 GMT so, i am a western rider, i always riden western, there the odd time i would jump on and ride english. so tomorrow me and a friend are going for a... so, i am a western rider, i always riden western, there the odd time i would jump on and ride english. so tomorrow me and a friend are going for a trail ride and since our horses have lots there hay belly :D my western cinch does not fit anymore, so i have to go english i have been trying to push this off i am not afraid to go english i just not confident in my self to do it, my english has improved a lot, it should be fun. i well get some pictures tomorrow when we go out, if i dont die :( ]]> Trail Riding western_girl101 http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118332-trail-riding-update-ride-pics-added.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118328-ponying-pony.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:40:11 GMT I took my son's pony, Richard, with me for the first time. Trying to get him ready for taking my 7 yo son trail riding with me. Both Buddy and Richard did really well. I only had to get after Buddy once when he threatened to kick Richard. I scolded him right away and he never tried it again. We went over two bridges high above the water below. One was single file and the other was wide enough for side by side. Was a great experience for the three of us. Can't wait until my son is riding.


]]> Trail Riding equine.trailrider http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118328-ponying-pony.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118298-pics-extreme-cowboy-race-event.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:12:17 GMT My daughter's trainer is having an extreme cowboy event at her place tomorrow. I'm taking my daughter over for it. It should be a good time. This is the 3rd year they have had it. The kids ride in the morning, the adults in the afternoon. They have a dish to pass lunch and a bonfire to stand around and chat about everyone's ride.
I know....I know...I'll try to remember a camera to take some pictures. ;) ]]> Trail Riding 3horses http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118298-pics-extreme-cowboy-race-event.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118282-trail-riding-equipment-tips.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:01:36 GMT Hello everyone. Im a brand new first time horse owner and as I make the tack list, etc, Im thinking about trail riding and what the needs may be. ... Hello everyone.

Im a brand new first time horse owner and as I make the tack list, etc, Im thinking about trail riding and what the needs may be.

I would like to know if you have any tips for a first time trail rider, such as dos and donts and what tack/equipment to use that works the best. Such as wraps or boots?

Thank you!

Christina in TX ]]> Trail Riding ShutterSnapper http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118282-trail-riding-equipment-tips.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118207-shawnee-nf-weather-question.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:52:12 GMT I might be able to get some time off in mid-Nov and I've been interested in visiting the Shawnee NF in southern IL for some time. I'm coming from MI and we're pretty much past decent camping weather and I'm worried it's getting to be the same farther south. Are the trees probably going to be pretty much bare? And what is the expected weather? We can handle around freezing no problem, but if you add in stronger winds and more frequent rain it's not worth it. Also, I haven't checked what the hunting seasons are in IL and how they apply to the Nat For. Any information is appreciated. Thanks ]]> Trail Riding bleve http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118207-shawnee-nf-weather-question.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118145-my-weekend-graves-mnt-va-pic-heavy.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:43:23 GMT Seven of us went for the weekend. We got there and it was cloudy but no rain.We took about a 2 hr ride up behind the lodge. Saturday morning was... Seven of us went for the weekend. We got there and it was cloudy but no rain.We took about a 2 hr ride up behind the lodge. Saturday morning was great we rode up to Big Meadows up on Skyline Drive. Was our first time there on horses. It took us 8hrs total but that included stops to give the horses a break..So here are some of the better pics I got My camera was acting weird. It wasn't my weekend for electronics..The day before i left my cell took a swan dive in the stock tank as I was cleaning it out, Then the solar charger battery died so Reno escaped one time before I jumped my fence to my buddy's. But overall I had a great weekend. Now I'm trying to get the LQ cleaned up , it rained Sat. night and until I got home. But I would do it again in a heart beat..

Reno in his chariot


trail behind lodge


My friend Kat and Bandit


My friend Deb and Lancer (her first time there)


Views above the lodge




Riding through the orchard to the trails




Reno ready to go

Saturday ride
















The meadow entrance from the fire road














]]> Trail Riding mingiz http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/118145-my-weekend-graves-mnt-va-pic-heavy.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/117915-organized-trail-rides-mn-wi.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:56:18 GMT I heard that there was a website for organized trial rides in MN/WI, I keep hearing about these the weekend AFTER they take place!!! I would like to... I heard that there was a website for organized trial rides in MN/WI, I keep hearing about these the weekend AFTER they take place!!! I would like to keep up with these and possibly go....I do get stuff for the bluff country and huntersville trail rides in the mail. If anyone knows of an online resource let me know!

Thanks! ]]> Trail Riding McGregor Ranch http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/117915-organized-trail-rides-mn-wi.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/117904-my-favorite-ride-pic-heavy.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:05:09 GMT Unfortunately, the fall colours are pretty well finished now. This trail is much more beautiful in the midst of fall but I rarely remeber my camera... Unfortunately, the fall colours are pretty well finished now. This trail is much more beautiful in the midst of fall but I rarely remeber my camera :(.





















The prettiest road home...









]]> Trail Riding greygirls http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/117904-my-favorite-ride-pic-heavy.html http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/117883-knots-learn-love.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:43:50 GMT This info was on another forum that I watch. The thread was about how to tie to trailers and highlines etc. I thought the info would be useful to... This info was on another forum that I watch. The thread was about how to tie to trailers and highlines etc.

I thought the info would be useful to us here on HorseTopia as well!

I tie to trailer and highline using a bowline with a quick release and I generally use several to discourage nimble mouths!
Bowline instructions - TrailMeister KNOT tying Help

Another thing to think about is the danger of having having a saddle on the horse when it's tied to a highline. I did this ONCE. After I had to cut my favorite lead from around the horn, I decided that it's a good idea to untack before I put the horse on a highline. Luckily no one was injured.

If you're around horses IMHO you should have a knife on you. Giant rambo knifes aren't necessary, just a pocket knife to cut baling twine, open a package, or cut a lead in an emergency!

Also, you should know how to tie a few knots. If you don't know to tie knots useful for horse owners there are a number of places where you can learn to do so. I like this one.

Knot tying instructions / illustrations / video - TrailMeister KNOT Tying Help ]]> Trail Riding trailmeister http://forum.horsetopia.com/trail-riding/117883-knots-learn-love.html