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2014 Rides - How far did you go?

262K views 3K replies 90 participants last post by  jaydee 
#1 ·
This thread is for all to share their riding adventures in 2014.

If you choose to keep track of your mileage or time in the saddle, great. If not, we love hearing stories and seeing pictures, so please share!!
 
#1,703 ·
Spotted, those are some serious miles.

Roux, you have the coolest area for riding. Your pictures make me jealous!

Evilamc, I will be thinking positive thoughts for you! It sounds like a great place for you and Dex! I am such a big fan of natural horse care. My equines have 30 acres to run on, when the grass isn't so rich like it is now. That means I don't have to pick up manure all the time, or worry about their feed. They love it! We lease half of the acres to a family with cows, but the cows went home earlier this week. The horses and donkeys got access to the far half of the pasture and went nuts running around, sniffing and playing King of the Hill on the cows favorite areas. I love how they get plenty of exercise. I think it is so much healthier for them to be outside, in the field, as much as possible.

That being said, this is FOXTAIL RANCH and it is foxtail season. This is Millie's legs, caked with foxtails. I brush them out with a rubber brush.
Working animal Terrestrial animal Human leg Electric blue Horse

Dog breed Water Fawn Working animal Foot


I rode Ella and Millie today for 4 miles. It was a good day, because Ella was really focused. She has low grade laminitis, so we have to keep her on a strict diet and also on a supplement. Here she is, with my bareback pad. She worked hard today and had an awesome attitude! We were working on her gaiting, and she is going further and further.

Horse Sky Plant Working animal Halter


Horse Sky Working animal Plant Liver


I also rode Millie, our big 4 yo baby. We started off badly because I dropped the reins on my favorite bridle an Millie stepped on the reins and broke it in two places. Ughh!

Once we started out, Millie did fantastic! She moved out nicely, had a good whoa, and had only a little bit of spooking. This is really great because today was her first ride on her own. I was very proud of her, and wanted to go further, but I didn't want to push too hard and then ruin our success. So we only went about a mile and a half.

I was ready to saddle up April and go for 3 in row, but I got a call and had to leave for town. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

While I was in town, I had two of our dogs in the truck waiting for me for 15 minutes. Somehow, Luna got hurt while I was gone, a big cut on her lip. So then I had to run poor Luna out to the vet for a couple of stitches. Here she is, after her stitches, dinner, pill and bath, resting in her favorite green pillow. I was trying to get a picture of her wound, but it is hard to see I guess.

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Dog Cloud Dog breed Comfort Carnivore
 

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#1,704 ·
Evil - Fingers crossed the new boarding situation works for you guys!

Foxtail - I hope your puppy gets better soon, I wonder how that happened. :(

*** *** *** ***

We got in a few miles today!!!
Both horses were very good but it was hotter than heck so we went slowly until it cooled off.

Today's Ride: 7.41 Miles
282.68 Miles Total


 
#1,708 ·
Love all the pictures!

Foxtail - sorry about that pup. Dang...horses and dogs can run up some vet bills that is for sure!

Evilamc, I hope that new boarding situation works out for you. I love that my horses are turned out 24/7. I wouldn't want them stuck up in a stall all day.

Spotted - woo hooo!!! Those are some serious miles for me. Generally the most I rode was 15. Post surgery the most was about 11.5 miles. Working my way back up!!!

As for thrush - First I squirt or pour apple cider vinegar and let that sit. Then I mix Lotrimin (athlete's foot cream) and Triple Antibiotic (like Neosporin) and inject it into the thrush area and cover with Desitin to keep it where it needs to be. It has worked quiet well on Biscuit and Sarge's thrush. Ugh we have had so much rain the past two years. It was just drying up in the woods here and now we have had quiet a bit of rain this week.

Biscuit has a fungus that has returned on his withers that he had 2 years ago. Treating that and hoping it will clean up. Medicated shampoo and putting the topical cream the vet gave me. Also some of the Lotrimin.

We have been doing ground work in the arena and working on that respect. He is doing well with that. He had his feet trimmed Wednesday with the barefoot trimmer. He took his toes back quiet a bit and Biscuit seemed a little ouchie yesterday.

Hope all of that is cleared up and I can ride tomorrow! I took these pictures of his back and him yesterday.

Brown Wood Flooring Fawn Hardwood


Horse Working animal Horse tack Tree Halter
 
#1,709 ·
Woowee good luck evilamc!! Sounds like a great place, and they aren't overloading their pasture like many people do.

Well, today I finally moved Bandit! Yippee! Get this... I was going to move him to a private residence on three acres with a mini horse. Close to miles and miles of trails, it was nice because of that, he would have 24/7 turn out, and it was only $150. However their lack of knowledge, the horses not being separated from the house or the front gate, and needing to call them every time I came or left (electric gate) were major retractions. ANYWAY they knew I had to be out by the 1st, no negotiation. Well I get a text message yesterday (we were supposed to move today) saying how sorry she is but her dads in the hospital again and will probably be there all weekend so nobody was going to be home to take me in. Now I think it's a bunch of bologna, obviously if he is in it's not life threatening so why would there be NOBODY home all weekend?

So a day before I have to move I suddenly have nowhere to go. So I call a place nearby where I'm at now that I avoided before because they were pricey ($300 for partial) but I didn't have much choice and called anyway. Well she now charges $225 which is the same price I pay now! And, she had space.

This place is SO nice. It makes my (now ex barn) look like a dump (which certain aspects kind of are). The main barn is so airy and always has a breeze, 14x14 stalls, everything is so clean and well kept. Nice grass paddocks, a graded arena, large hay shed, round pen, jump arena, wash racks, shavings... They even hold small shows there. Benjamin lives in the barn apartment and he is so good with the horses. They take care of your horses how YOU want; which you would think should go without saying but it is such a breath of relief for me!

So it gets better. It took me a half hour ride to get there, no trailer involved! He took everything in so well, very calm but alert. I hosed him down, then have him the tour. Put him in his stall with some hay to munch, he will be turned out at night. Maybe my black horse will look black again instead of dark brown!
 
#1,711 ·
Spotted: Welcome! That is a lot of miles in one weekend! Looking forward to seeing those pictures.

Foxtail: Poor Luna, I hope she recovers soon. Your property is beautiful! I am drooling over the thought of 30 acres...

Evil: Sure hope the new place works out, it is hard to find good pasture board anywhere. I used to have a bunch of envelopes in the car with a message requesting to board my horse on their property. I would drive around and place the letters in mailboxes with pasture land. It worked too!

Atom: so glad you are happy in the new place, it sounds wonderful!

Celeste: sorry psycho princess returned...keep trying to cross the bridge, she'll get it eventually.

Denise: hope you have a great ride tomorrow, Biscuit is looking so handsome!

I have some fabulous news...I carried Drambuie up to his new home today! :happydance:I sure hope it all works out!!

I need to clean some stalls tomorrow then try getting up in the saddle. my left hip is still really sore, but hopefully I can sit on him without too much pain.

Also, I purchased another used Fabtron on EBay yesterday. It is a 16", hopefully not too big for me & Chivas. If it is too big, I will send it down to Rick to try out. It was advertised as a one owner, and appears to be in good condition. It is the same style as my current one, just a bigger size. I have the Fabtron 7102 and this is a Fabtron 7106
 
#1,712 ·
Since I had horse problems, I didn't ride nearly as much as I wanted. We normally ride all day, giving horses half hour to hour breaks, during the trails. We pack lunch and snacks. Since horses and riders was out of shape we didn't do as much riding. I also didn't get as much photos as normal because of the horse problems. Hopefully now she has a refresher course on her, I can start riding more. These trails are up and down mountains the whole, very little flat ground. We also drive over three hours to these trails. I'm hoping by next time I have a better camera by next time, as 90% of my photos didn't come out right.
This is monday, our group of horses at another camp, where we take a break at. This is missing some horses and my horse is the third horse, you can see her peaking back.

One of the waterfalls, we ride to.

Looking out from White Box Canyon while we are eating lunch

Heading into the canyon

My two horses tied the first morning.

All tack up and ready to ride
 
#1,713 · (Edited)
Oreo and I enjoyed our ride. Well lets face it, I enjoyed the ride, Oreo would always vote to stay home and eat. I did have one happy dog that got to go along for the ride.

Celeste's GPS said 3.08 but doesn't give her a real reading until she connects it to the computer (that is in the shop), mine said 4.9 miles. We have no idea why so different.

Yes Oreo did go across the bridge, but only after 10 minutes of trying to evade it. I left my whipper in the trailer so I had to go get a stick. That made it much easier. Once he went over a couple of times, he was fine with it.

Celeste's new bridge.


Celeste fighting with Psycho


A turtle on the road


If I use my 4.9 miles, I am up to 125.7 miles for the year. Last years total was 126.1 so I am happy.
 
#1,714 ·
Yesterday I got a surprise get-out-of-work-early pass and flew home to enjoy the lovely weather. I wish we could keep this for all summer, as IMO 75, sunny, low humidity and a light breeze is perfect!!

Sultan and I had a brisk ride which barely had him breaking a sweat. He was a bit of a dope and was spooking at the wildflowers, of all things. Sometimes I would love to know what I going on in their heads! We passed a power company truck with an active generator and some kinda hissing hose (and 3 very startled men) and he couldn't have cared less.. but OMG a patch of dandelions. :shock:






Got back with Sultan and got a call from my sister in law. She and another friend were going to be meeting for an after-dinner ride and wanted to know if I would join them. Like they needed to ask!





Rode home into the setting sun. What a view on the way!




Didn't ride today as I was stuck at work, but hope to get the boys out again tomorrow. Will be their last training ride before the Big One in a couple weeks.


2014 mileage
...
05/30/14 sultan 12.39 miles 8.4 mph 452.82 total miles
05/30/14 george 14.47 miles 4.6 mph 467.29 total miles
 
#1,718 ·
Beautifullllllll pics guys!!!!!! That turtle is so cute hiding.

Atomic thats great you got all moved! I'm kinda dreading packing everythign up to move...I have a giant like 250 lb tack box that my dad made for me...really hard to move! Then I have to decide if I want to take the run in shed my dad built for me that I paid for. BO was supposed to pay for half of it, then decided she didn't want to AFTER I paid for all the supplies.

QQS thats so weird the fungus on his withers, hope it clears up fast :( Thats good that your working with him some though on respect!

PH thats awesome you got 2 rides in :) Horses really do pick the silliest things to spook at sometimes. Its just like ........really? THAT?

FINALLY got an email back tonight, I emailed again after I hadn't heard from them all day LOL. Going by tomorrow to check the place out! Then if I like it, which I can't see why I wont...have to decide if I want to move rght away and basically pay a month of double board, or stick it out a little longer where I'm at :(
 
#1,719 ·
I was able to go for a longer ride today. My mom couldn't accompany me so it was just me and Roux. He was PERFECT the whole time. It was really wonderful. I wanted to get a little tan so I skimped on the sunscrean- and I BURNED soooooo bad... UGH! darn my vanity!!

We did 16 miles exactly in 4 hours 16 min. I felt like Roux had much much more to give but it was about 95 degs out so I thought it was too hot to be pushing him to hard. I wanted to be at 5 miles per hour but we were closer to 4. Next time I will start earlier in the morning because I would really like to see how he does on a 20 miler at competition pace.

I really wanted to break 300 miles total but since I could feel my skin sizzling I decided I better get back before I really started to regret my choices. Also I am 48 miles above my goal for this year so far (50 miles a month) so I am pleased.

Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to stick with Roux! He is really becoming a trusty partner. I tried some new trails today which were hairy at time and he handled it all calmly and with close attention to me. Some of the trails required me to get off because the branches overhead were too low for us both to fit under. At one point I was holding the branch up as much as I could so the horn would fit under. A few times we had to back up because the trail ended abruptly and the trail was too narrow to turn around. We also saw other horses and riders, bikes, kids etc and he had no reaction. We went up the wooden stair case first time with no hesitation and even crossed the river half way (I would prefer to go all the way with a trail partner around just in case).

We only had one possible calamity that I take full responsibility for. Because the trail along the river ends when the river gets too close to the mesa we have to get on top of the mesa for a mile or two before we can drop back down. The trail has two large trees that have fallen that have blocked the way. On the other side is thick brush so I knew Roux wouldn't be comfortable (yet) jumping the larger of the two trees. The other one is small enough to step over... but... there is a tree growing very close to the left and then on the fallen log is a branch that has snapped off that points back towards us. So I got off to clear some of the brush on the other side and lead him over. He stepped his front feet over but then angled his body the wrong way and that branch went right through the right stirrup and looked like it was going to poke him in the ribs. I freaked because I knew it was too big to break if Roux panicked and bolted forward. I just quickly quickly backed him up - which required him to pick his feet up over that huge log backwards. Luckily he was very much in tune with me and he was never upset- I don't think he had a clue how close we were to a wreck. So note to self Roux is wider than he appears and can't fit through every gap - LOL

298.68 Miles Total

Theses are from today:

This is on the mesa above the river- you can see the tops of the trees.


I didn't get a picture but there was canoes and kayaks in the river today.


You can see in this picture how quickly the ecology changes here. Close to the river it is green but just a few hundred yards away is is desert again.


Up on the mesa


This is a view of the staircase from the top.


I was going to add that my GPS has clocked Roux and I at 27mph at our fastest last fall, I haven't tried it again recently. When I had my OTTBs and had room to run I would easily get them up to 35mph and the fastest I got (on the faster one) was 37mph.

So I think it your 34mph is very possible for you guys!!!
 
#1,720 ·
Eeek I love turtles! I rode by two gopher tortoises yesterday, so freaking adorable!

Phantom love your pics! The horse I was originally going to buy was a fleabitten Arab. Lovely guy but to make a long story short he was supposed to had been under saddle for two years and it turns out he was never started! I know I'm great and all LOL but felt the under taking was a bit too much for me.

Evilamc trust me... You will be GLAD to move all that stuff for the right place! Except the lean to could be a bit problematic.

Roux I've always wanted to ride in the desert. Beautiful places you have to explore.


Soo today I rode... In the ARENA! That's right. Boy do we have a LOT to work on. Bandit braces, takes half the arena to halt, rushes particularly on circles, and definitely does not round up. Also he always walks off when I first mount and we go through this ritual of figure eights until he halts and I can try all over again. The next time is easier and the third time will stand. To give him some slack he did solely have the crap run out of him on barrels with a huge bit at a young age. He's had very little professional training. As a result I can't be surprised he isn't supple and instead stiff and unbalanced. On a plus note I did get him to go straighter than usual and he picked up both canter leads on the first try. That's one thing he doesn't need help with... Upward transitions!

Very very happy at the new place. He is out in a nice grassy paddock from the time he is finished eating dinner until the next morning for breakfast. It's probably nice and cool in the stall during the day, because I can tell you I was drenched clothing and all after our ride today! He however was in better shape than I, not surprisingly. It's like he has been there this whole time, he settled in as if he belonged there. He was even a gentleman for hosing down while the other horses were being fed!
 
#1,721 ·
So checked out the new place. I think I'm going to do it but would love your opinions too.

Old place:
about 15min from home, nice ring and round pen, decent trails, terrible overfilled paddock, have different views on horse car then 17 yr old daughter, horse has gone without hay a few times, even multiple days.

New place:
about 18-20min, no ring or round pen, lots of trails, within riding distance to equestrian center that has huge ring and is free to ride in, owner seems to have the same mindset on horse care as me, no stalling, has grass! Only one horse and 1 donkey, so just the owner and I...fields are quite hilly. $100 less.

So the only things that turn me off to it really are how hilly it is and until today I really didn't care about it not having a ring...but we had a very bad day today so now I'm a tad worried.

So today...grooming him was fine, everything was normal, but when I went to put my water bottle in saddle bag he threw his head up like OMG WHAT YOU DOING. I was like really? Are we going to have one of these days? So I take him in ring, do stretches, and take him to mount. The second I'm on the block his head shot up, so I knew this could potentially end badly...decided to test the water anyways. Second I put my foot with a little weight in the stirrup he jumped sideways then started crow hopping for 20 seconds :( I got his attention back on me and did some lunging for respect, backing and stuff and he got back to his normal self. Went to get on again, this time I bent his head in for safety reasons lol..and got on perfectly fine. Walked him around a little, no issues...

So we left, went out to ride, had a great ride, got to the big field we always canter across...All you guys talk about how fast you go made me want to see how fast we could go...we had rode 5 miles walk/trot no issue so didn't think it would be a problem. Get cantering and we're good, go up into two point and ask him to move out a little more...go a little bit...thennnn he starts bucking really bad :( I went flying and landed on nice soft grass :) Little jerk ran away from me too. Finally caught him and was liek WTH DUDE! So I had walked him home, once back in the ring I mounted and dismounted fine TWICE and trotted him around no problems. No room to canter because of jumps :( I always check his back before I saddle up and he showed no signs of soreness.

So now I'm like crap, do I want to move when hes doing this ****? I'm worried his lymes might be flaring up and since we haven't got our custom saddle yet, our saddle we're using doesn't fit completely right and if lymes is flaring up its bothering him more :(

THOUGHTS?! ADVICE?! ahh I really want to move him but after today I'm scared to be without a ringgggg! She said when its dry I can work him some in the pasture though.
 
#1,722 ·
Evil: sorry you got thrown, but glad you are ok...you are ok, right?

So, about the board situation, running out of food repeatedly is unacceptable. I can understand when there is a hay shortage, and alternate feeds have to be given, but to just run out for no reason, repeatedly, no. What about water? Is there times he runs out of water? That would be even worse.

It is nice to have an arena on the property, but not vital, esp if there is one a short ride to. Plus cheaper? Lots you could do with $100 extra a month...

Sometimes it is just the thought of change that is worrisome. Go for it.
 
#1,723 ·
Evil - Is the free equestrian center close enough to use frequently and then you have access to that arena and round pen?

Also $100 cheaper would seal the deal for me even without an arena. Besides you can work on gaining respect lunging etc with out one if you need to. I often lunge Roux at the trail head to get his attention on me and it works decently enough.

It sounds like a pretty nice deal for you, just be aware Dex might come un-glued at the donkey the first few weeks. They have one where I am at and Roux was petrified of him for a good two months. Now we are ok about it but it was a little tiresome at first.
 
#1,724 ·
Very true Roux, I can park my trailer at the property for free and trailer there in like 5 min or take a 15min or so ride there. Just have to cross one busy road.

Anita, yes luckily I'm just fine :) the meadow was a great place to come off in if I had to come off lol! Oh and I think it was the first time I ever came off to the left LOL! Yes I could do a lot with $100 bucks, BUY DEXTER MORE STUFF! I think I'm going to do it, I'm going to try and move next weekend just to stop stressing about him having hay or not. Technically hes never been without water...except during the winter they didn't have a working heater in the water so his water would be frozen...I finally realized and went out and bought a heater for the tank.
 
#1,725 ·
Umm... MOVE! Overfilled AND they don't feed your horse? Get outta there lady! You don't -need- an arena, who's to say you can't school in the pasture or on the trail? Plus you have access to one with a little effort. They are nice but I have gone almost my entire horse life without them which is 20 years! God I feel old.

The place I just moved from had a round pen but it was in such sorry shape, plus very uneven ground and super sandy so basically useless except as a holding pen while I mucked the stall. No arena, just a pasture to school in.

What's wrong with hills? Just means Dexter will be in better shape maneuvering up and down them bad boys! Be thankful you HAVE anything even resembling a hill, I live in flat land Florida and I scoff and glare every time someone mentions hill work as an excellent exercise. Pssh!

Give your guy some slack. Even if you check their backs it could always be something else thats bothering them, especially if like you said his saddle doesn't fit that great and he has Lymes. Plus, everyone is entitled to a bad day here and there... even our horses. At least you fell in pretty good shape! I fall and I'm as mobile as a mummy for a week and hurt for a good month after that.

Just do it! You'll be so much happier, and so will Dexter. Lots of nice, lush grass, ALL the time? Down the road from a legit equestrian center? People who will feed your horse? Oh AND its cheaper?! Jeez can I come with you LOL
 
#1,726 ·
hahaha Atomic, yeah I think I'm going to move next weekend when I'll have some help. They're going to be sooooooo mad that I move! My horse is SO easy for them and they make me pay for full care stall board when he sits in a dirt paddock and another horse uses his stall...

Ugh just so depressed today about my ride, we've been doing so well! Getting some herbs ordered to put him on if it is his lymes flaring up I'll get that knocked back out. I thought we'd have such a great ride today, got chiro done Thursday and haven't ridden since...then today hes a different horse for a few split seconds :( I hope it is just an off day, haven't had one in awhile...I guess at 7 years old they're entitled to a baby moment here and there still right?
 
#1,727 ·
Evilamc Bucking! WTH! Wish I knew more about lymes. I still think you should move. I agree with Roux, that consistent feeding is essential. Plus, I think you will like a quieter setting, and he will too, with folks who know how important forage and grazing is to a horses health.

Atomic Hurray for the new place! I am so happy for you!

Roux looks like you had a great ride. You are much more tolerant of heat than I am. I wimp out anytime its over 75* Thats why I ride in early morning or evening.

Celeste & Oreo I am so jealous you got to ride together! I would love to meet all of you folks on here some time and spend a weekend in the woods with you and your horses. I feel like I know you so well. Is that how it works? When you meet up, finally? Celeste, that bridge is great! Your horse will be trotting over that gorgeous bridge soon!

PhantomI love the photo series this time, especially ending with the setting sun. What a beautiful day, to ride twice!

Spotted What a cool ride you went on! A beautiful place too. I noticed in one picture, you had a bale in twine hanging from the high line. How does that work? I used to have a cute appy like you, named Roudy. He was a sweet gelding but was not a good match for his rider and we needed to horse down, so he is with a new family now. Love that guy!

This is Roudy Brown Pasture Horse Landscape Mammal


Brown Skin Horse Vertebrate Working animal


AnitaAnne I hope the new saddle works out, for you or for Rick. I am so glad Drambuie is home. Why was he gone? Did I miss that? You need to get riding again soon, I miss hearing about your adventures!

Denise That fungus on Biscuit is strange. I wonder if it is like the fungus that I think is on Ella's neck. Ella used to have a thick mane, but now it is thin and nearly gone in the middle. I tried dusting it with powder for mites, but that made it worse. I have been putting MTG in generous amounts every 3 days, and that seems to help a little. I just haven't been consistent enough to tell for sure and now that I am back to work and gone M-F (its a 2 1/2 hour drive from home to my new job), it won't happen.

Luna is doing fine. Honestly, I think she hardly notices it. She is a little more cuddly, but otherwise is the same.

We went for a ride last night on the river. It was late and the light was gray. I was riding April and Kim was riding Millie, the baby, with Ella on pony. April was great! All this riding has been good for her. Now, instead of her shaking her head and crow hopping at the start of each ride, she just moves out with no argument. So we have been working on riding straight, keeping the gait I set, and stretching out with a relaxed trot. So much fun!!!!

Millie was not having a good day. She refused to go, refused to turn, refused to lead the trail. She spooked and balked all the way, which frustrated Kim to no end. I had just ridden her the day before and she had done so well on her first solo ride. I was surprised, but I began to wonder if it was the late light that was the problem. Millie came to us as a rescue who was recovering from a huge injury to her head and right shoulder. I am wondering if her injury hurt her sight, because she often seems odd when the light is low, and seems to struggle a bit with her depth of vision. Hard to say.

We are dog sitting for a week, and we brought the young dog along. She was very unsure, hung back and tried to go back to the truck every chance she got. It was a pain. The mosquitos were thick and the trail was gone because of tall grass growth. It helped to escape the mosquitos by trotting as much as possible, but this particular trail was unpleasant for this time of year. We are leaving it as a "winter only" trail for future reference.

We went out again this morning, nice and early to beat the heat. We rode on the upper part of the river, and it was a nice, well defined dirt packed trail, without the bugs and overgrown weeds. The only downside was the 10 million ticks! I picked at least 40 off Luna when we got home and I still have one somewhere in my pants!

Here are pictures from our morning ride

Nature Human Natural environment Organism Horse


Natural environment Plant community Working animal Horse Interaction


Nature Vegetation Sky Natural landscape Natural environment
 
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