Trash, Training, and Treacherous Winds
Our April Birthday Ride was anything but ordinary. Before we even hit the trail, nine dedicated riders spent "Ready to Ride" time clearing the trailhead. We filled truck beds with bags of debris, an old refrigerator, and even some discarded appliances Beth dragged for several hundred yards. We might be "seasoned" riders, but we can out-clean the best of them!
Before heading out, Brandy shared a brilliant lesson on using a stick as an arm extension to guide horses with the lightest pressure. Her mantra is one we won't forget: "Your hands and arms control the front feet; your legs control the back feet."
Led by our Trail Boss, Beth, we welcomed first-time club riders Bobbi, B, and Janet. Seeing B's huge smile while riding Buddy in his first large group was a highlight for everyone. At the Harris Archeological site, we spotted the etching of Chief Colorow in his top hat before heading into the wash for a scrumptious Saddle Club spread and a look at the cliff art.
As we turned for home, the weather turned on us. What began as a breeze became a howling "gale force" dust storm and rain. The horses were even less happy than the riders! We kept our heads down, focused on reaching the trailers without breaking into a gallop.
The conditions were so intense that some of us hopped off to lead our fractious mounts the final stretch. In a true display of club spirit, members braved the wind to help one another steady trailer doors and load horses safely. It was a miserable end to a beautiful day, but it proved once again that this club knows how to take care of each other.
