Labor Day Ride

Copper and I spent part of our Labor Day holiday in some back woods trail riding. Tina, the purchasing agent here, Anne, Amy and I went to Tina’s place to ride. We “horsepooled” to get there and they all rode perfectly. Copper has never been hauled in a trailer like that and I was a little worried. Fancy, the gray mare he was standing next too, let Copper know real quick to stay out of her personal space when he gave her a little nip on the wither. With a squeal and a swish of her tail, he didn’t so much as look in her direction! Glad that was settled before we headed out.

When we got to the unloading point, it was so peaceful and just gorgeous. We got everyone saddled and headed out to the river even though it’s totally dried up. We are in a drought so the river bed made a perfect place to ride. It was like riding on the beach with all that white sand, plus it makes for a great varied terrain. Copper negotiated those sandy hills and banks like a seasoned trail horse. He was listening to me and went into his ground eating smooth gait. Anne said nothing like the trail to get a gaited horse to square up and that he did. It was great!

Copper is one of those horses that walks like he’s got some place to go. Even though he has been at the bottom of every herd he’s ever been in, he does not like to be the last horse in the trail string. He wants to see where he’s going. I like that about him. I could tell he really enjoyed himself getting to do something different – don’t we all. I can see how people become addicted to trail riding. It is something I don’t do enough of and could easily take off every weekend to go and do.

At the end of the morning, all the horses were tuckered out. Even though it was hot, it was a great way to spend the holiday. I am so pleased that Copper is progressing, listening better, and hopping right up in the trailer. I am looking forward to the cooler weather but not to the short days that come with it.