Not too long ago, I posted a Three dog night.. due to the very cold days and nights. March came in like a lion and left like one.. giving us about 3 days with sunshine just to tease us. We have managed to continue riding and doing ground work - but it's just not as much fun with no cheerful sunshine. And DRAT -- April's Fool's day, which marks my favorite time of the year -- obstacles :) Weathermen have announced a good foot or more of WHAT ?? snow !! Yikes.. . I just got some of my obstacles out and began putting together some new updated remodels. Well.. we have all month so fingers crossed.
This day, Zoe and I had time to take a quick trot.. we chose Keri (of course) and Elektra - and headed out with the original plan of either the 8 mile or the 10 mile loop. As we approached the turn for the 8 miles, we opted for the 10.. then changed again turning right to do another loop down French Meadow ending probably with a nice fun canter up the highway. I love this stereo-typical sight along the back roads - sap buckets patiently waiting to catch that sweet stuff. Not a great year this year in Vermont with the intense winds and cold weather.
Coming up to our next turn toward French Meadow Road.
But once again we changed our minds -- and darted onto the snowmobile trail to cut across and up and around :) Last year around this time we actually took Nimue onto this trail with the cart. Not as much snow last year, but still one bumpy ride !
Nice views from here
You know how I feel about a view from the saddle !
Cross the road onto the continuing trail that leads up the mountain. We have come down that side many times - but we know not to try in the winter-- it's steep in parts and the snowmobiles can make some slippery trails.
Fun to trot up though ~
It was very cold out on the road.. colder than either of us thought it was going to be, so we were not truly dressed properly and did regret that while trotting the roads. Along these trails, it was so much warmer - no winds and quite peaceful.
Despite the below freezing temperatures, there is still quite a bit of melting happening at ground level. The water level is high, there are small rivers under the thick ice - sink holes everywhere. On parts of the trail we had to be cautious -- you might be able to see the little crevasse here. On occasion, the horses' feet would break through suddenly into icy pits... the thick ice being hollow underneath.
It's always so refreshing to get out for a trot. We have a nice long trek planned for next week.And of course - Zoe and I and our Curlies will be lining up for the Obstacle Celebration as soon as the weather allows. Snow jousting ??
Enjoy ~
Hi Betsy,
ReplyDeleteYes, I know exactly what you are talking about with those ice pits. No exploring new trails this time of year for me, and I only trot/canter over ground already covered in case, oops, all of the sudden - a sink hole. Very dangerous. Your roads are beautiful, and I love the sight of those sap buckets on the trees. Quite the storm we are having today. All the bare ground has disappeared.
Lovely pictures of your ride. It seems very cold to me to still have snow!
ReplyDeleteI am curious and looking forward to seeing your updated obstacles! I hope the weather allows you to use them soon so that we can enjoy the pictures!