Stick's job is to be my trail horse and he is very good at it. Stick will go right in water, ponies horses, supports other horses if they have difficulties on the trail, and loves to trailblaze. He always knows where he is and you can not get lost while riding Stick. Stick takes food seriously and can go through a full hay bag with surprising speed. He very much favors mint treats and prefers carrots over apples. The goal Stick and I have for this year is to ride all of the trails at Hungerford.
For the first time this year, I rode Stick. He has been ridden once this year when I used him for a lesson. Mostly he has been working on looking like a sausage. The day was very nice for February in Michigan and there were many warnings of an impending snow storm, so I really wanted to ride. The trail was not as snow free as I hoped, so we could not go as far as I planned. It was a spring sort of ride as I rode Stick and ponied Cadiz.
It is the end of February and the ice on the road is finally gone enough to allow access to the trails. Tom & Sky and Wendy & Gabe came up and rode with us today. Stick got to try a new bit (a Francois Gauthier short shank, brushed aluminum, broken sweetwater) and a saddle blanket over his pad that is not colors I normally would have chosen for a red dun.
Today started with fitting saddles on a horse that came to ride. The one that fit the best was the Guffey roper which is Stick's main trail saddle. I rode Stick in my Ryon today. We had a good ride in the Big Field area. Stick still knows all the trails.
It always amazes me when there is no one at a state or national park. It seems to be a special thing to have to oneself. Ginger, Howie, and I went to Hungerford. Stick was fantastic and I added two more trails to my map. Trail 20 is my new favorite.
We went to Coolbough today, but we did part of the ride backward and tried a couple new trails. Orca was really good and Stick got to do some crashing through the forest which makes him happy.
Today is the Adam Scott Memorial Ride. I have been looking forward to this for 2 years. Stick and I rode out of Ginger's with Ginger & Linkin, Marie & Shiny, and Lenore & Makayla. We met the ride. Stick and I turned and rode with Amy and her girls for a bit. Then we turned again and met our group. Stick was so good. He also got a lot of compliments on his breastcollar. It was a great ride.
Memorial Weekend 2016: Adam Scott Memorial Ride 5/28 - 8.45
We had the greatest experience. Stick and I were invited to a sunset beach ride on Lake Michigan. We trailer-pooled so got to meet new riding friends. After the ride, dinner, getting to the other lady's house, switching tack and Stick to my trailer, and driving home. . .we arrived at 3:30 in the morning. It was an incredible ride. We cantered on the beach. We confidently went in the water. We successfully did the dunes. I feel very fortunate to have Stick and We were privileged to have been invited on the ride.
There was the option of 4-H Practice tonight, but only Ella and Classy committed. They came here and after schooling, we went on Ella's first trail ride. Stick was really good about modifying his walk slightly so Classy could keep up.
Stick did three separate rides today. We ponied Cadiz to Ginger's. On the way we did some trotting and bantering. That was fun. Than we rode with Brenda, Sam, and Ginger. This was Brenda's first ride after a broken leg, cancer diagnosis, and chemo. I wanted to be supportive because I understand the chemo, cancer, riding story. Also, I got good pictures of all.
To Ginger's Ride - 3.09 Chasing Butterflies Ride - 2.30 Home From Ginger's Ride - 3.10
We had Julie & Mairynn and Keith & Lucy camp for the weekend and ride. We tooled along the trails in the Big Field area for our first ride. I rode Stick in his Ryon with the 5Star pad and his metallic bridle and breast collar set. We saw new wild flowers blooming including a kind of rose, butterfly weed, and cactus.
This was the day to go to Toft Lake. We found The Valley of the Ferns again. Some of the trails are a bit overgrown, but we found them. It was an excellent ride. Stick used his nature set and the Guffey saddle.
We rode with Arlene & Sunny Soul on their first trail ride together. It was a good ride. Stick got to try a Circle Y trail saddle. It has a rounded skirt a squishy luxury seat. We like it. There were many new flowers out and we did find a still blooming cactus.
Today was Horse Day Camp 1. After a very short break we went for our trail ride. We had planned Toft Lake, but the deer flies on Bonnie's Trail suggested that that would not be the best choice. We altered our route, found a still blooming cactus, visited the Old Pine, did some cantering, and had a good ride.
Had a few riders join us for today's ride and then a couple riders turn back due to equine issues. Six horses and riders followed Stick and I through the Valley of the Ferns and around Toft Lake.
Labor Day Weekend 2016: Toft Lake Ride 9/4 - 11.91
Amy Lilly, and Josie came in the afternoon and we did a Toft Lake ride. It was fun going through in the evening. Then a thunderstorm decided to follow us home. We did some amazing trotting and cantering to stay just enough ahead to untack without getting soaked. Stick had the most rhythmic trot down 48th, on to Pine, and in to the driveway. He was on a loose rein, in a. O-ring snaffle, and never broke gait or altered his rhythm. Very proud of him.
We rode at Hungerford today. We took 24 out and Forest Service Roads back. Eleven other riders joined us. Stick was perfect. We led the way down the very busy pages road and all but one vehicle that passes returned our wave.
Three of us went out for a second ride. It was beautiful on trail 18. The lake was so peaceful that we just sat there for 20 minutes. Stick figured out how to drink from puddles today. Amazing day.
Today is Amy's birthday, so she chose the route. We saw the beauty of 18. We visited the shady rock. We had lunch at the picnic spot on 21. Awesome ride. Perfect horses.
Just a short ride after the horses had a break and a drink to fill in more of my map. This is the first time that I have ridden through the camping area.
Today's ride was shorter than previous days. Another trainer came with a couple of her students for a trail ride. It was a nice ride. I rode Stick in the Guffey tonight with his moss green pad.
We crossed 300 miles on this ride. I rode Stick and ponied Cadiz. I used my ear talker to speak with Jean while we rode (for safety). Just a quiet, around the block type of ride.
The plan was to meet other riders at Coolbough. We met them at 56th and Poplar. We took trails and Stick thought we were going home. We did not and he was so forlorn when we turned on to 56th and headed back to Coolbough.
The rain has finally stopped and we were able to ride. We did a mostly dirt road ride. New scenery, very pleasant. Stick was very good. There were lots of types of fungus out.
We rode Toft Lake today. Valley of the Ferns is all yellow now. The second water crossing is a little more open. This was the first time that Ginger rode Toft Lake this year. We met on the trail alongside 48th. The property on both sides of Poplar across 40th has been bought and is going to be a whitetail deer ranch.
Beth and Tony came to ride. This was the farthest that Tony and Moose have ridden together and the most technical riding they have done. Very proud of them. We both had our Guffey saddles. Stick is so good with Coolbough rides. I think he could do them with no direction.
We trailers to Hungerford for what may be our last big hurrah there this year. Our goal was to go see those Shady Rocks. We found three and had a fun ride.
I really wanted to go for a second ride, so Stick and I went out by ourselves. This was our first time doing this. We did really well. The parking lot was a ghost town when we returned.
The trip to California was amazing, but so is trail riding again. I notice that if I have taken a break from riding, then the first trail ride is to Coolbough.
Stick
ReplyDelete11 y/o Grade Gelding
Stick's job is to be my trail horse and he is very good at it. Stick will go right in water, ponies horses, supports other horses if they have difficulties on the trail, and loves to trailblaze. He always knows where he is and you can not get lost while riding Stick.
Stick takes food seriously and can go through a full hay bag with surprising speed. He very much favors mint treats and prefers carrots over apples.
The goal Stick and I have for this year is to ride all of the trails at Hungerford.
The girls and I hope to join in with you on some of those rides!
ReplyDeleteThat would be great.
DeleteWelcome to The 2016 Great Distance Derby!
ReplyDeleteMay you have many SMILES & MILES throughout the year!
For the first time this year, I rode Stick. He has been ridden once this year when I used him for a lesson. Mostly he has been working on looking like a sausage.
ReplyDeleteThe day was very nice for February in Michigan and there were many warnings of an impending snow storm, so I really wanted to ride. The trail was not as snow free as I hoped, so we could not go as far as I planned. It was a spring sort of ride as I rode Stick and ponied Cadiz.
Is A Storm Coming Ride
2/23 - 2.51
It is the end of February and the ice on the road is finally gone enough to allow access to the trails. Tom & Sky and Wendy & Gabe came up and rode with us today. Stick got to try a new bit (a Francois Gauthier short shank, brushed aluminum, broken sweetwater) and a saddle blanket over his pad that is not colors I normally would have chosen for a red dun.
ReplyDeleteBold Artistic Statement Ride
2/28 - 6.89
Sometimes things just do not go as planned. Loose stallion, broken fence, dogs chasing horses, then a good ride. Crazy happens sometimes.
ReplyDeleteDog Ride
4/16 - 4.69
Today started with fitting saddles on a horse that came to ride. The one that fit the best was the Guffey roper which is Stick's main trail saddle. I rode Stick in my Ryon today. We had a good ride in the Big Field area. Stick still knows all the trails.
ReplyDeleteSaddle Fitting Ride
4/17 - 5.21
It always amazes me when there is no one at a state or national park. It seems to be a special thing to have to oneself. Ginger, Howie, and I went to Hungerford. Stick was fantastic and I added two more trails to my map. Trail 20 is my new favorite.
ReplyDeleteSwitchbacks and Bells Ride
4/18 - 6.27
Things are not going so well. Twice I have typed a long entry and twice it has been eaten by cyberspace.
ReplyDeleteCoolbough Adventures Ride
4/24 - 9.73
Sherry and Kira came up to ride. We did the short Toft Lake ride. It was an excellent ride.
ReplyDeleteMother's Day Trail Ride
5/8 - 10.45
Yes, it snowed this morning. We got a load of hay. Then the sun was out. It was windy, but dry so we rode.
ReplyDeleteSnow, Hay, Ride Anyway Ride
5/15 - 4.19
Beth came and rode Orca. We had a good ride and tried some new trails.
ReplyDeleteBack In Fairyland Ride
7.60
We went to Coolbough today, but we did part of the ride backward and tried a couple new trails. Orca was really good and Stick got to do some crashing through the forest which makes him happy.
ReplyDeleteCattail Sampler Ride
10.68
Today is the Adam Scott Memorial Ride. I have been looking forward to this for 2 years. Stick and I rode out of Ginger's with Ginger & Linkin, Marie & Shiny, and Lenore & Makayla. We met the ride. Stick and I turned and rode with Amy and her girls for a bit. Then we turned again and met our group. Stick was so good. He also got a lot of compliments on his breastcollar. It was a great ride.
ReplyDeleteMemorial Weekend 2016: Adam Scott Memorial Ride
5/28 - 8.45
The Langerak family came and rode today. We had some nice trots and canters. It was a perfect ride.
ReplyDeleteMemorial Weekend 2016: Old Pine Ride
5/29 - 10.63
We had the greatest experience. Stick and I were invited to a sunset beach ride on Lake Michigan. We trailer-pooled so got to meet new riding friends. After the ride, dinner, getting to the other lady's house, switching tack and Stick to my trailer, and driving home. . .we arrived at 3:30 in the morning. It was an incredible ride. We cantered on the beach. We confidently went in the water. We successfully did the dunes. I feel very fortunate to have Stick and We were privileged to have been invited on the ride.
ReplyDeleteSunset Beach Ride
6/10 - 7.58
There was the option of 4-H Practice tonight, but only Ella and Classy committed. They came here and after schooling, we went on Ella's first trail ride. Stick was really good about modifying his walk slightly so Classy could keep up.
ReplyDeleteHorses Trip Ride
6/16 - 3.91
Stick did three separate rides today. We ponied Cadiz to Ginger's. On the way we did some trotting and bantering. That was fun. Than we rode with Brenda, Sam, and Ginger. This was Brenda's first ride after a broken leg, cancer diagnosis, and chemo. I wanted to be supportive because I understand the chemo, cancer, riding story. Also, I got good pictures of all.
ReplyDeleteTo Ginger's Ride - 3.09
Chasing Butterflies Ride - 2.30
Home From Ginger's Ride - 3.10
The above rides were on 6/18
ReplyDeleteWooHoo! The holiday weekend is here.
ReplyDeleteWe had Julie & Mairynn and Keith & Lucy camp for the weekend and ride. We tooled along the trails in the Big Field area for our first ride. I rode Stick in his Ryon with the 5Star pad and his metallic bridle and breast collar set.
We saw new wild flowers blooming including a kind of rose, butterfly weed, and cactus.
4th of July Weekend Ride 1
7/2 - 5.35
This was the day to go to Toft Lake. We found The Valley of the Ferns again. Some of the trails are a bit overgrown, but we found them. It was an excellent ride.
ReplyDeleteStick used his nature set and the Guffey saddle.
4th of July Weekend Ride 2
7/3 - 12.39
Last trail ride of this very special weekend. We went to Coolbough. We saw many hikers out today and lots of beautifully blooming cactus.
ReplyDelete4th of July Weekend Ride 3
7/4 - 9.71
We rode with Arlene & Sunny Soul on their first trail ride together. It was a good ride. Stick got to try a Circle Y trail saddle. It has a rounded skirt a squishy luxury seat. We like it. There were many new flowers out and we did find a still blooming cactus.
ReplyDeleteHunting Wildflowers Ride
7/10 - 4.35
Today was Horse Day Camp 1. After a very short break we went for our trail ride. We had planned Toft Lake, but the deer flies on Bonnie's Trail suggested that that would not be the best choice. We altered our route, found a still blooming cactus, visited the Old Pine, did some cantering, and had a good ride.
ReplyDeleteHorse Day Camp 1 - Trail Ride
7/11 - 9.58
Horse Day Camp 2 - Trail Ride
ReplyDelete7/18 - 4.63
A good ride tooling around The Big Field area to avoid bugs. Also did quite a bit of trotting and cantering.
ReplyDeleteOn Off Ride
7/31 - 7.59
Time to fill in some of the trails on my Hungerford map.
ReplyDeleteFilling In My Map Ride 1
8/7 - 7.86
We had a snack and the horses had a rest. Time for another ride.
ReplyDeleteFilling In My Map Ride 2
8/7 - 9.45
Horse Day Camp 4 Trail Ride
ReplyDelete8/9 - 5.39
Filling In My Map Ride 3
ReplyDelete8/14 - 7.51
This was the first time I have hauled to a trail ride by myself. It was packed at Hungerford today and I am quite proud.
ReplyDeletePerfect Sunday Ride
8/14 - 7.16
Had two Distance Derby teams come and ride Coolbough with us today. We had a very nice ride.
ReplyDeleteWhatever You Call That Place Ride
8/21 - 10.06
Stick has had a couple weeks off. This is the first trail ride of the holiday weekend.
ReplyDelete9/3 - 5.13
Had a few riders join us for today's ride and then a couple riders turn back due to equine issues. Six horses and riders followed Stick and I through the Valley of the Ferns and around Toft Lake.
ReplyDeleteLabor Day Weekend 2016: Toft Lake Ride
9/4 - 11.91
Had an entirely different group today and a good time was had by all.
ReplyDeleteLabor Day Weekend 2016: Coolbough Ride
9/5 - 10.09
Amy Lilly, and Josie came in the afternoon and we did a Toft Lake ride. It was fun going through in the evening. Then a thunderstorm decided to follow us home. We did some amazing trotting and cantering to stay just enough ahead to untack without getting soaked.
ReplyDeleteStick had the most rhythmic trot down 48th, on to Pine, and in to the driveway. He was on a loose rein, in a. O-ring snaffle, and never broke gait or altered his rhythm. Very proud of him.
Post Holiday Weekend Blues Ride
9/6 - 11.70
We rode at Hungerford today. We took 24 out and Forest Service Roads back. Eleven other riders joined us. Stick was perfect. We led the way down the very busy pages road and all but one vehicle that passes returned our wave.
ReplyDeleteBright Colors Ride
9/17 - 10.92
Three of us went out for a second ride. It was beautiful on trail 18. The lake was so peaceful that we just sat there for 20 minutes. Stick figured out how to drink from puddles today. Amazing day.
ReplyDeleteGet A Drink Ride
9/17 - 5.96
New rider to here today so we did a Coolbough ride. We saw 3 snakes which is three too many for me. No bugs and a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteWhy All The Snakes Ride
9/18 - 10.79
Today is Amy's birthday, so she chose the route. We saw the beauty of 18. We visited the shady rock. We had lunch at the picnic spot on 21. Awesome ride. Perfect horses.
ReplyDeleteAmy's Birthday Ride #1
9/19 - 10.12
Just a short ride after the horses had a break and a drink to fill in more of my map. This is the first time that I have ridden through the camping area.
ReplyDeleteAmy's Birthday Ride #2
9/19 - 1.97
Today's ride was shorter than previous days. Another trainer came with a couple of her students for a trail ride. It was a nice ride. I rode Stick in the Guffey tonight with his moss green pad.
ReplyDeleteSky Fliers and Snacks Ride
9/20 - 4.18
We crossed 300 miles on this ride. I rode Stick and ponied Cadiz. I used my ear talker to speak with Jean while we rode (for safety). Just a quiet, around the block type of ride.
ReplyDeleteAll By Ourselves Ride
9/24 - 5.44
The plan was to meet other riders at Coolbough. We met them at 56th and Poplar. We took trails and Stick thought we were going home. We did not and he was so forlorn when we turned on to 56th and headed back to Coolbough.
ReplyDeleteWe're Meeting Where Ride
9/25 - 15.07
The rain has finally stopped and we were able to ride. We did a mostly dirt road ride. New scenery, very pleasant. Stick was very good. There were lots of types of fungus out.
ReplyDeleteFall Mushrooms Ride
10/2 - 10.65
We rode Toft Lake today. Valley of the Ferns is all yellow now. The second water crossing is a little more open. This was the first time that Ginger rode Toft Lake this year. We met on the trail alongside 48th. The property on both sides of Poplar across 40th has been bought and is going to be a whitetail deer ranch.
ReplyDeleteAutumn at Toft Lake Ride
10/22 - 12.01
Beth and Tony came to ride. This was the farthest that Tony and Moose have ridden together and the most technical riding they have done. Very proud of them. We both had our Guffey saddles. Stick is so good with Coolbough rides. I think he could do them with no direction.
ReplyDeleteMoose Ride
10/23 - 9.82
We trailers to Hungerford for what may be our last big hurrah there this year. Our goal was to go see those Shady Rocks. We found three and had a fun ride.
ReplyDeleteShady Rocks Ride
10/29 - 10.41
I really wanted to go for a second ride, so Stick and I went out by ourselves. This was our first time doing this. We did really well. The parking lot was a ghost town when we returned.
ReplyDeleteJust Stick and I Ride
10/29 - 2.55
We had 8 riders on the Toft Lake ride today. It was a great group and we all had a a lot of fun and a good ride.
ReplyDeleteHappy Halloween Ride
10/30 - 11.78
A beautiful, warm start to November. We visited the Old Pine and simply enjoyed riding.
ReplyDeleteFalling Leaves Ride - 8.16
The trip to California was amazing, but so is trail riding again. I notice that if I have taken a break from riding, then the first trail ride is to Coolbough.
ReplyDeleteStick, You're Not Retired Ride
12/3 - 10.32
This is it. Today we crossed 400 miles. Well done, Stick.
ReplyDeleteGoals Ride
12/6 - 9.17