Change of Plans

This past weekend we had signed up to go to a cancer benefit ride up in North Dakota. My Mother-in-law got called into work and couldn't take the kids, and we couldn't find anyone on that short of notice either. So we had to take them with us for the weekend (which is just fine, just we heard that this ride, gets a bit wild and not recommended for children). So not risking the sites up there we wanted to try some different riding. Looking on the Internet my hubby found this big state park down in Iowa (4.5 hour drive for us). Already had my health certificates so why not try it. We got there early Friday afternoon and where really happy with what we had seen for amenities. (Playground for the kids, lots of shade, electric, and normal toilets and showers!!). Set up camp and out for a late afternoon ride we went. We rode mostly prairie that day and seen a TON of rabbits. After being out for a few hours and no sign of a "loop" we turned around to head back for supper with tomorrow we knew we where going to put some miles on. On the way back to our trailer we stopped in to see the host and his wife while talking they where petting our horses and asked about the horses that we rode. Never had they heard of them so between my husband and I we gave them the whole history of the breed. Saturday am came and after a great breakfast we hit the trails with a packed lunch, my camera, and a map that was very confusing. (I also wore my curly t-shirt, knowing we would see plenty of folks on the trail) We had such a variety of trails that day, from water crossings, bridges, forests, hills, and flats. While we where out we came across an old Indian burial ground they had in the park, it was pretty neat. I think we finally got back to camp about just before dark. Our neighbors came over and where getting a bit worried that we weren't back yet. They were really nice people and went through the map with us and seen the unusual horses we rode and asked about them as well being they hadn't seen them before. So all in all I think we enjoyed ourselves more as a family and trying something new and we still promoted our wonderful horses as well! Most of the pictures that I have are of the rest of the family being I was the one taking them :) We will defiantly be back at the park and already looking forward to our next trip! Had to put this fun picture of my oldest son riding his qtr cross gelding. As you can see trail riding and camping are a family affair :)

Larry, Marley, & Dana