Riding the harvest color today

Yesterday was our last great weather day. Zoe's Day Dream, barn name Reverie, has been out on lease all summer where she babysat a sad and dying gelding during his last days at pasture. She was the consummate companion for the old guy.  He was euthanized on Monday and Reverie was returned to us that afternoon. After not being ridden since -- hmmmnn I can't really remember -- we saddled up and trotted out in some rough country in search of color and good photo's.

Reverie was thrilled to be out on the road and trail - what a perfect girl she is !

We changed our minds here and there as we poked along.. ended up traveling up a trail we have not been on in awhile --  where we hopefully can find some views and some interesting trail obstacles.

Here is some very wet swamp - Reverie is the champ.

Trotting along, we spooked up a coven of grouse. Or is it a clutch ?

Reverie matches and blends with the forest floor, which seems to be the only spot I can find those elusive harvest hues today.

we start to climb the mountain, where the trail becomes steeper.

I have to stop and snap a photo of this old beech and ancient boulder.

almost to the summit - we find a nice obstacle.. water flowing down a waterfall created with fallen logs and branches.  I ask Zoe to head back up it so I can video Reverie coming down.

Still working our way up

Just about at the top, where the trees open up. A few years back, this was logged off.. so we are treated to a view that previously was not there. The color on the mountain across the way is pretty, but the day is too overcast and dull for it to show.

Passing through some young growth saplings on the top -- Zoe is talking on her cell phone - riding on the buckle.

There is no real trail here -- we just peck our way through over brush and logs. Zoe's still on the phone......

Keri and I stop to admire the view from on top of my little mountain. I also had my piece cleared and have been busy building roads and pastures up here.

Should I mention, Zoe is still on the phone ??? I may as well be riding solo :)

We head down the trail on my property to get on the road to head to the farm (which is across the road and down from here)       Still on the phone !!   (To be fair it was an important call.)

Down on the road approaching the farm.. you can see the gloomy sky.

Today (Thursday), it is grim and rainy. We'll see how much leaf color makes it through the next few wet days.


Reverie is such an outstanding mare -- she has 3 wonderful foals on the ground along with a grand-son (already !!).  She is quick to learn and always willing and sweet. I am always vacillating on her status as a keeper or for sale.  She is for sale..  and I know whomever purchases this mare is going to have a great riding partner for life.

yesterday - right before this ride, Zoe rode Reverie's only son (soon to turn 4) for the first time. That will be another post .. good breeding makes great horses - and so much fun to train :)

Enjoy ~

Betsy and Keri, Zoe and Reverie in Vermont