Monday, April 26, 2010

Day trip to Hopkins


Joni, Tammy, and I took the "kids" to Hopkins Demonstration Forest. It is about 15 minutes away, so we thought it would be a good training trip to gear up for summer. I was working on trailering, Tammy worked on keeping her mare responsive, and Joni wanted to hit some water. We did all that and even managed to climb some stairs. Hopkins is a privately owned forest that is open to the public. In years past, lots of the trails were open to equestrians. This trip, we noticed more trails that are off limits to horses. I get bummed when I see these signs.We hit some trails outside of Hopkins and when all was said in done, we were in the saddle for about 3 hours. I was pretty happy with Maddy. She kept her cool in the trailer and came in and out calmly. My two weeks of intense work paid off. Below is a picture of Tammy and Joni enjoying a little break on "Lost Lane."

11 comments:

Lori Skoog said...

What a great experience, to go up the stairs. The horses are looking beautiful.

Grey Horse Matters said...

Looks like you had a nice time. Going up the steps is different experience. I'd get burned up too if I saw signs like that around. Glad Maddy was a good girl trailering.

JJ said...

It sounds like you had a great time! I'm happy that Maddy behaved herself for you and I bet that it helped your confidence immensely to have a good ride. I know it would have helped me :).

I wonder why they're closing so many trails to horses? Sad!

Jean said...

It's always so nice to find a great place to ride. Your horses look lovely!! What a great ride.

jane augenstein said...

Sounds like you had a good time riding. Going up stairs, Gilly would probably like that, something different.
Gilly and I have been working on the trailer thing again but this time, hope it sticks, he do get on.
Good girl, Maddy!!!!

jill said...

I want to do those stairs...how cool! That palamino is gorgeous.
Looks like a great time.

baystatebrumby said...

Hey! I like that Paint! I've got one too! Boy do they look similiar! Looks like you had a nice trail ride.

Rising Rainbow said...

I get bummed when I see those signs too. Unfortunately there are getting to be more and more of them.

Glad to hear that Maddy was good. She's coming right along.

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

I love that you guys head out on these adventures. Sorry to see the closed trails though.

allhorsestuff said...

I have not been to Hopkins since Tim (manager)got so snarky about horses there...I see for his intense dislike for any signs...he found the guts to get no horse ones!
Be carefull...if he sees hooves on the stairs...banned you'll be!
He complained about that when James rode on them. Then told us to stick to roads only!
Good news about trailering and calm!
KK

Callie said...

Wow! Looks like a blast!