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Diary of Trail Ride on March 20th, 2005 at Cottonwood Creek Stables
Diary of Wakefield Workshop April 30th, 2005
Diary of American Legacy Workshop Aug. 27-28, 2005
Diary of American Legacy Workshop June 10-12, 2005
Diary of Lincoln Workshop June 13-14, 2005
Diary of Cottonwood Creek Stable Class Sept. 24, 2005
Diary of Madison Clinic November, 2005
Diary of High View Farms Workshop, September 10-11, 2005
Lessons Learned at Madison Jan. 2006
Diary of American Legacy Workshop Jan. 21-22, 2006
Diary of Holstein May 2006
Diary of Weeping Water and BKT Arena Spring 2006
Diary of Sioux City 2006
Diary of Chance Ridge 2006
Diary of Private Lesson Days Summer 2006
Diary of Calamus Women's Camp 2006
Diary of Calamus Youth Camp 2006
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Through Custers Eyes |
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Ya'll Come Ride with us. |
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Diary of Trail Ride on March 20th 2005 at Cottonwood Creek Stables
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It was a lovely spring day with a partly cloudy blue sky and a slight breeze as we rode down the driveway of Cottonwood Creek Stables. It was cool enough that we had to wear warm jackets, but it is just the kind of weather that I like, not too hot or cold.
The grass was barely starting to turn green and the trees were already starting to bud on this first day of spring and my birthday.
After we crossed the highway and rode alongside it for a short way we entered the pastureland that we would ride in for several hours. Keith and I were in the lead, as we approached the first grove of trees he quietly said “Happy Birthday Honey!” I had totally forgotten the fact that it was my birthday because I was having so much fun. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than riding my special horse “Cisco” with my new horsy friends over the rolling hill country of central NE. Everyone wished me a Happy Birthday, but that is the only trail song I heard anyone singing along the way.
It wasn’t long before our horses were trying to establish an order. A couple of horses had issues when their buddies appeared to be to far from them, but each rider handled the situation superbly, remaining relaxed and calm.
Julie and “Shug” became our professional trail guide and gate opener. Joni and “Custer” became the official trail photographer and Robyn and “Coda” became the trail trick and fancy riders. The rest of us seemed to blend together in pure bliss as we listened to the hoof beats of our horses rhythmically touching the ground.
On our journey we rode up and down hills, around some peaceful farm ponds and even through a burial grounds. I never did figure out who or what was buried there. I guess that I am not the chatterbox that I normally am, when I am on a trail ride. So didn’t even bother to ask about the burial grounds. My husband and I used to ride in the mountains when we lived in WY, and sometimes the solitude is just so private that you don’t want to disturb the moment with talking. However, all of us did enjoy the ride with laughter and conversation as well.
Tammy, Caroline and Jan, had to leave early. We were sorry they had to go, but we understood that they had a long drive to get home and work the next day. After they left we came across an old homestead site. Julie was brave enough to look down in some kind of cellar. We also saw an interesting structure that was covered in 1933 license plates, which we never did figure out what it was.
Kathy definitely had the smoothest ride. She told me before we left that “Zuni” has a tendency to shy, but he was a perfect gentleman the whole ride. He acted like a real pro. Kathy also told me that I made her loose a bet. She thought for sure that I would saddle up for the trail ride. I just love riding bareback, and it’s hard to get me in a saddle now. Kathy also had the great idea to stop and take pictures of Joni and her Dad riding together. She is such a thoughtful person.
Keith said “Dolly” was being a typical cranky dominant mare. She would slow up as if she was setting a trap for the horse behind her, so we rode a lot at the rear of the group. I think he was ready to quit long before we did, but he was patient with me wanting to stay, since it was my birthday. He is always anxious to get back home as quickly as possible.
We came across a bunch of deadfall and of coarse instead of riding around it, we wanted to go over the logs. When we got inside several of us had to show off, side passing over the logs. Even Joni on her little 3-year-old “Custer” showed us how it is done.
As we were crossing one big meadow I saw a group of deer bounding out of the trees and across a far meadow. Actually “Cisco” saw them first and alerted me with his ears, then I told everyone else. We also heard some turkey, but never saw them.
On the way back Shari said that she was running out of arrows in her quiver, as Wiley had the jigs and didn’t settle down until we got back to the highway. Thankfully the angels must have been watching over us, because Robyn nearly had an incident with a SUV on the highway. She kept her head and thankfully Coda responded to the one rein stop, otherwise it might have been a disaster. She totally deserves the best cowgirl award!
I want to thank Joni, her family, and Julie one more time for the delightful trail ride and very memorable weekend. Seems like we always end up at Cottonwood Creek stables on a special day. We spent our anniversary there last year teaching a small group. Maybe I should just book a mini vacation there. It’s one of my favorite spots to hang out.
Hope you enjoyed the diary and that you can join us the next time.
Happy Trails,
Sherry
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