Riding the Old Railroad Bed

Finally, the weekend! Saturday and a beautiful day. Susie invited me to go with her to Farmington to ride with Mary on the old railroad bed there which is now a multi-use trail. I didn't have to think too hard about that one. Susie picked me up. It is about 1 1/4 hr. drive or so to Farmington. Louie wasn't sure he wanted me to catch him this morning when he saw me with his halter but it didn't take too long to get him. And he loaded into Susie's trailer pretty well. We arrived just a few minutes before Mary. This is a very active trail so it would be interesting to see how Louie handled it. Just as we were getting ready to ride out, a dog sled team came into the parking lot. Louie didn't find that to be of very much interest. Right off we there was a high narrow bridge to cross. Louie led the way like a good boy. It was snow covered and when he heard the hollow sound of his feet, his ears wiggled all over and he gave a little snort but he kept right on going nice and quiet. The footing was good and solid. No punching through. The borium shoes were good though as there were a few icy spots. We rode about 12 miles and were mystified that on such a beautiful weekend day, we nearly had the trail to ourselves. We only saw one snowmoble, shich Louie didn't seem to mind. A few people walking and one skier. All 3 equines spooked at the skier but just little sidewasys jumps, nothing big. There were 2 more long high narrow bridges we had to cross. Louie was good about them all. He only got scrambling a bit once when the horse behind me spooked and I think he thought she was going to run into us. But, he listened to me after a second when I told him to walk.
I can already feel a difference in Louie. I am getting out riding enough so that he is getting a bit stronger and fitter. He is keeping up a good steady pace now with no signs of slowing and he isn't puffing like a freight train after a nice long trot. His walk if fabulous. He is struggling a little with the trot. He has his first set of shoes and when he tries to extend his trot at all, he is hitting feet together. Once he starts hitting, he is reluctant to go faster, but will keep up the trot he is comfortable with for as long as you like him to. We did one nice long canter and he went nice and stady with that also. His gaits are lovely and smooth and I'm sure enjoying it. He doesn't have the lovely long stride that Ruby does, but he is as smooth. So, one more great ride on the Little Brown Mule.