The Trail Never Fails!

I wish that I could begin this post by saying the windchill was minus 40 and the temps were under zero and still I managed to squeeze in a trail ride. Because that would make me seem like I am as surly and enduring as the abominable snowman! Well, the temps today were not quite that chilling, but it was still very cold. Maybe it was 20. And maybe it felt like 10! And you could say the wind across the fields was wretched and probably gave me rosecea. No, it wasn't exactly tundra conditions today, but it came very close. You know New York--if you can make it there you'll make it anywhere? Forget New York! If you can make it on this trail, you have proved your mettle a thousand times over! This is punctuated by the fact that the groundhog did see his shadow and we will indeed be having [at least] 6 more weeks of winter. Blah!



Here we are at the trail head: me with Lilly, Christine on QTee and Bill on Jodie. Bill surrounded by females!

Here we are headed to the corner of one of the big pastures that in the summertime has the biggest blueberry patch you will ever see. (Blueberry Patch=distant memory of fun in the warm and sweaty sun.) This ride around the pasture was actually very beautiful, and it is always nice when the winter sun is out, but once we turned the corner and starting heading west again, the wind hit my face like a big bowl of ice water, and the snow was deep so the horses had a lot of work to do. Still, it's the toughest thing you'll ever love.

I think the last time I was on this trail there was no snow on the groud. There are some icy patches under the snow, so we had to be careful. But, as Bill pointed out, it's not like these horses are in a stall all day, so they are pretty good at maneuvering carefully. Lilly took very good care of me on the trail today. The only thing she did not like was when Jodie got too close to her. Then she'd pin her ears and flop her head around. Politics are everywhere.

Here are the geldings in the Big Pasture. They ran over to the fence to say hello...

..and then carried on their way.

Ok, so I think it was Pony Girl (Pony Girl Rides Again) who wanted to see a picture of my helmet cozy that I love so much, a gift from Karen P. Bill took this picture but I am CRINGING because my nose is such a big honker I really hesitate to post any profile shots! It was my sister Molly who got the cute little nose, while I got this ole thing. But really, I must leave my vanity at home. This helmet cozy is great, and this is the best picture I have of it.

I am sending many warm cyber blankets and Hot Toddies to all horsepeople out there!