Today Cierra and I had a very fun and interesting ride. We had planned on heading out around 10:00 but didn't get going until around 11:30 or so. It wasn't too cold and the sun was out so a nice day to ride. We were going to go down the trail from my house to the stream crossing and see if we could cross safely. WE headed out over the new bridge. Marie and Tink are still not convinced it's safe. Marie reluctantly crossed, Cierra led Tink across since she had to get off an tighten her girth anyway and Tink made no fuss. And our trail near the house is much improved since Cierra and Pam recently did a bit of trail clearing. I have winter shoes on Marie, Tinkerbell is barefoot. We decided she would be ok going without boots as the snow is really good right now to provide good footing. We headed out in bright sunshine. The stream crossing was fine and we did a fun canter up the big hill. And Tinkerbell, who previously has been reluctant to pass Marie when we canter, blew by Marie and I on the hill. We also did a nice little canter along the top of the ridge. From there we had to be more careful as we have not been out on this trail this winter yet and had to watch out for ice spots under the snow. Some we knew where they would be, and we found some in unexpected spots but now we know where they all are. It started to snow while we were heading out but it was still blue skies and sunshine. Very weird. We did a little lollipop loop and headed back. I was in the lead as we got to the bottom of the big hill we'd cantered up going out. I slowed Marie down, with the intention of spinning around and taking off and galloping by Cierra back up the big hill. I waited for the right moment, Cierra and Tink were near us.......and I spun Marie around with bit YEEEHAAA LETS GO MARIE!..... Marie turned ..... and just stood there....... MARIE!!!! A big boot in the side and another YEEEHAAA and she did take off up the hill as Cierra watched us in confusion. Cierra caught on fast though and were hot on our heels in just a second and once again they blew by us. We nearly locked stirrups when she passed... that could have been interesting. As we headed back down the hill, suddenly the sky turned super dark and the wind started blowing very hard. Yikes, and then the snow started and we found ourselves riding in a very fierce snow squall. Marie and Tink were not bothered by it so it was kind of neat. Other than the snow blowing very hard nearly side ways right into our faces and into the horses ears. Marie didn't care, but Tink didn't care for that. By the time we got home (and both Marie and Tink crossed the bridge with no fuss this time) the sun was back out. Both horses were a bit sweaty but not really hot so we put fleece coolers on them and turned them out and retreated into the house to warm up and have a hot chocolate with the delicious addition of white chocolate raspberry creamer.
We decided over our hot chocolate to go out and take Fanny and Coal out for a short ride. It was colder out now and the wind had picked back up and was blowing pretty hard be the sun was out and we decided to go anyway. Fanny and Coal were good about being tacked up and they stand SOOOOO nicely at the mounting block to be mounted. (Thank you Tracy for training your horses so well) I was riding Fanny and Cierra was on Coal. Both were very excited about getting out. We have been on the a few times but only to bop around the paddock. This was our first trail ride. They pranced all the way out and all the way home. But, never did a wrong thing and we had a fun ride. Coal did get rattled for just a moment as we were going under some branches from a downed tree but after just a little dance got his head together so it was no big deal. I think they were very happy to get out and do something. They are very nice horses and I'm enjoying having them at my place. When we got back from riding the 2nd time, Cierra and I buckled down and did the barn chores and even a few projects I'd been wanting to do but needed a hand with. Then we ended the day with another round of hot chocolate. A very good day for sure!
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