Fun Ride in the Sun

When the sun decides to visit, this summer, it's such an oddity for us-- we are discombobulated with the alien yellow light !! Saturday, we had planned another river crossing to give Elektra a chance to prove herself in the river. However- a friend who lives near the floodplains called and warned us... DON'T GO NEAR THE RIVER TODAY ! Thursday we had nearly a foot of rain-- with rain all day Friday as well.. (what else is new ??? ) it would have been fun perhaps but also embarrassing if we had to have an emergency rescue team come get us. So-- we decided to just trot around the Flamstead/Cummings trail loop and come home on the highway. Elektra has never been out on the highway yet-- so that will be a great test.

Here's the view of Crow Hill Farm and beyond- just to visually illustrate the day's unusual bright sun. It was so nice to just casually trot and stroll in the golden warmth.. we took our time.

As we head down the hill toward the Cummings trail opening-- we decide, we are so close to Chester.. let's take a quick spin around town and see how Elektra likes the sidewalks !

You can by Keri's forward ears-- she's liking the idea.

We cross the wooden bridge into Chester, loop around and head down the sidewalk in town.

Chester Depot-- with the town hall, train station and local 'supermarket'.

Back on the sidewalk along Route 103 to get back to the trail opening.

Big change here from trotting in town ! The water is running down the middle like a little brook.

This trail comes out onto Cummings Road, which comes out onto the highway. Once we are on the highway-- we decide to stay on the 'wrong' side for Elektra's first highway experience. We can trot and canter on the grassy side and avoid the guardrails just in case. It's the guardrails that make the horses nervous I think.. being between the noisy rushing vehicles and the metal rails is what scares them -- if they are going to be bothered at all.

Elektra was perfect.. and it was a great trip out with exposure to all sorts of different 'obstacles'. As we came up the driveway.. we duck in the gate to try the brook.. to make up for not being able to do our water crossing. The horses were pretty sweaty and hot after the long trip, so they enjoyed splashing and playing in the water for a bit.

OYY Elektra- our lovely dressage horse who also loves road and trail treks, and now is a verified sidewalk trotter ! :) She likes going to town.

Enjoy your day ~