The One with Hunter Paces and Trail Rides

Ah – hunter paces and trail rides – two vital components to the Fall season. While I still love the shows held in Fall (mainly due to the lack of humidity we experience for a few short weeks), the leisurely atmosphere of camping and trail riding wins my affections by far. The smell of campfires, and cold, clean air invigorates me to my core.

The boys competed at the Low Country Hunt’s hunter pace out at Huspah Plantation two weeks ago, but I don’t think we placed (at least I didn’t hear if we did!). Overall though – it was a fun time anyway. The members of that hunt are so VERY friendly and inviting. Sudi even got a hoof trim by a farrier there for free when I realized he had a split (nothing major) in one of his hooves upon our return. There were, however, two ditches where we were forced to get off and let the boys hop across by themselves (I wasn’t about to get dumped into pluff mud!). The boys also feel in love with the grass out there! (See pics hehe)

The following week we took both boys out to Mullet Hall for their “Extreme Trail Ride Weekend” and had a blast out there as well just exploring the different trails ourselves. The boys are getting more confident in their cantering skills, and I can’t possibly think of a better place for them to work on it! My saddle is breaking in wonderfully – It’s so comfy for me – even on trail rides. I’m hoping Sudi agrees.

Sudi, unfortunately, is still experiencing intense moments of ADD, so I’m hoping I’ve found some vitamins to help him focus a little better. (I’ll try to update on that later!)

This week we’re lined up for lessons with Amelia, and I’m looking at possibly going cubbing on Ellie Mae this Saturday (depending on my current health state – from fighting a cold).

On the horizon is the Fall Savannah (Silverthorne Run) Show – Yay! I’m really excited to be taking both boys down there with me. Sadly, Tammy and Jazzy wont’ be coming to this one. However, my bestest friend Suzanne has offered to come down and be a groom for a day! Yay! (Hopefully it won’t scare her from horses too badly! Hehe). Both boys are looking at dressage classes, although Kehbir is doing a Sport Horse in Hand as well as a Tack Review class. Sudi is also doing a CT as well as hunter under saddle. We’ll be terribly busy – but it should be lots of fun! (Suzanne should be taking pics so hopefully I’ll have some good ones too!)

Well until then – happy riding!