Making a Splash on the trail

it's been a long time since I have found the time to post -- but we are riding and driving here in Vermont almost every day ! The weather has been extreme -- hot, humid with intense rain mixed in here and there. The last few trips out - Keri and I have been partnered up with the new farm stud, BCF Splash Dancer. Zoe and I decided he needed to see a bit more of the world. Keri is the best choice for baby-sitter on the trail. Up till now, Splash has been reluctant to step into streams/brooks/puddles.  So-- this has been our focus -- a series of trail rides which up the ante on water !!

They are pals out on their adventure - this ride out, we head across the highway and up Mount Ephraim.


This will be an exciting trip for Mister Splash Dancer !

 


Have to pause to snap a photo of this lilly growing wild.

I think Splash has the most beautiful head - as I trot along I admire it :)

Keri steps aside and allows Splash to lead for a bit onto the trail. 

Splash is all brave leader - until we reach the little brook, which right now has a bare minimum of water.

Keri steps into the little stream and waits for Splash to follow.  This takes a bit of coersion on Zoe's part. Silly Splash.

  FINALLY !


There's more water to come.... and each time Splash is less reluctant.

There are many puddles along the way as we trot and canter to the top. Splash has been ridden mainly in the indoor and in the ring -- so he is learning to move fast, stay collected and also maneuver very uneven ground... potholes, rocks and stones.  He's getting it !

One great positive about riding out with Splash as a trail buddy -- he is fast paced .. which encourages my mare to also move out more than she generally does. I barely have to ask - she's spirited and happy today. I htink having a new pal is almost the same as trotting a new trail -- Keri likes an adventure as much as I do so riding the same old routes can be boring for her.

We reach the half way point up the mountain. It's almost like a park here. A nice picnic spot for hikers.

Near to the TOP -- we are just about past the treeline and the 'trail' is mostly ledge.

Documenting our top mission with several photo's :)

then it is time to head back down and look for more water !

Splash is learning water is FUN.. here he is blowing bubbles.

And living up to his name !!  What a great trip-- Splash has learned to love water !

Back across the highway for home -- our Level 1 dressage horse is sweaty and muddy !!

what a fun trip and full of accomplishments for our boy.  Not only is he capable of making a splash in the show ring (with a recent first place in Level 1) -- now we know he is a star on the trail as well.



The next trot out, we are headed for the floodplains and the river crossing -- hopefully a nice swim for Splash. The water will be considerably deeper and a lot more cuurent... can't wait to see how he does.
We had 2 full days of steady rain -- and although I don't love rainy days, Zoe and I were a bit pleased that the river will defintely be FULL of water :)


Enjoy ~  Betsy, Keri, Zoe and BCF Splash Dancer