I was so euphoric on Friday when I wrote my last post that I realized later it sounded like a fairy tale and we were at this part:
They lived happily ever after. The End.
In fact, we are only at this part of the trail riding story:
Once upon a time, there was a woman who raised a beautiful, brave horse named Tumbleweed. The woman dreamed of someday riding the trails with him, and she spent many days (years) preparing for it (more work on herself than him). Soon, they were ready to set out.
One day….
In other words, we are at the beginning of this new chapter.
I am already frustrated that I can’t get right back out and build on what we started Friday. I worked with Tweed at home yesterday and today I am going out of town. The grandson gets home tomorrow and babysitting duties resume. I am going to have to be very creative.
In the meantime, I am piecing together all my old trail gear:
After my ride Friday, I was thinking how I wished I owned a thin riding halter, just in case I want to hop off and walk him through something or tie him somewhere.
I began researching them and almost bought one, then a light went off —…Um, I own one and used it often with Cowboy.
Ok.
But do you still have it?
The picture already gave it away. Yes, I save everything.
The next thing was finding my packs and seeing what was still in them and what they needed.
This is what was in them: sunblock, trail maps, roll on fly spray, and hand sanitizer (my last big rides were during the pandemic, and I had a lot of hand sanitizer!)
This is what I added to it: a first aid kit, ice pack, and vet wrap. Then, a utility knife with a hoof pick. (Cowboy had a shoe hang by one nail on a ride and I was only able to get it off because a friend had a similar utility knife.)
Finally, I was remembering back to some particularly buggy rides that inspired me to invest in riding masks. I looked them up on Amazon and saw that I had purchased them in ‘18 and ‘23. I’m sure they’re in my collection out there, but I ordered both again because you can never have enough fly masks. My horses are hard on them.
The visibility is excellent with the Cashel Quiet Ride masks. I didn’t think they created any issues when I rode with them before.
And last, but not least…
A friend made me a knife sheath long ago, and I have it tied to my saddle at all times. A horsewoman always needs a knife.
I forgot this essential, my side purse for the phone, reading glasses, car keys, and another pocket knife.
Right now I can’t think of anything else to add.
How about you, what’s in your bags?
Understandable you are ready to build on such positive trail experiences with Tumbleweed. He seems to do well with breaks and will be ready to grow, whenever you are able. It will just be all the sweeter :)
ReplyDeleteYour thin halter looks brand new. Back when we trail rode, our horses usually wore flat halters underneath bridles. I know, controversial. All our horses at home wear Cashel Quiet ride with ears daily during bug season. We also used them on trail. They hold up pretty good.
We have trail bags but rarely used them. My saddle has an attached hoof pick holder. Some rides we carried a few things with us. If exploring new trails a map went in a pocket. Riding out West is different. You are well prepared for the unexpected!
Good reminder that he does well with time off. That’s good to remember.
DeleteI was able to plan a short ride for today, but this will be it until, most likely, next week. The halter was stiff and dirty when I found it hanging in my barn tack area, but I washed it and it came out like new. Yay!
Yeah, riding trails out here can be interesting. I’ve had a need for everything in this pack at one time or another.
I forgot to add binoculars, which were once in these packs, but got switched to our hiking backpack. The longer the rides, the more that can happen. The most important thing, though, is the phone, and it needs to be on my body, just in case I come off. Also, water. Oh, and OFF. Although, our mosquito season seems to have passed.
I think you have got most things covered; one thing I would add is paracord. It is lightweight and strong and can be used for everything from emergency reins if you break them, as well as tying things to the saddle or creating a high line to tie your horse between trees in a pinch. Endless uses.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great idea. I was wondering what kind of cord would be good to throw in there, just in case. I’ve packed twine before, and I’ll do that until I can get some paracord.
DeleteI have the Swiss army equestrian knife and love it. I bring it with me all the time. They are great to have.
ReplyDeleteI’m so excited for this new chapter.
The Swiss army equestrian knife is awesome. I didn’t even know there was such a thing until my friend whipped it out. I’m excited for this chapter, too. Seeing the world between two ears is the best!
DeleteHow exciting to think about taking Tweed out on the trail in the future! I love your knife sheath. I should add one to my saddle, though I usually just keep one in my pocket. I've never seen a utility knife with a hoof pick, we just carried hoof picks in our bags, along side our multitools.
ReplyDeleteOh! One thing I didn't carry, but now will, is a whistle to signal for help if necessary. I now have one with my hiking gear and on my life jacket. If I ever get back up on the trails, I'll make sure I have one on me.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a good one. I used to have a whistle in mine, but it’s long gone, probably borrowed for the boat. I’ll have to add that! Every Cowgirl should carry a knife at all times. I tell that to my granddaughters, even though I am often without one. I have one my former farrier made me. He is now retired. I keep it in my side purse that attaches to my belt loops. That is also where I keep my phone. I should have added that to this post. I never ride without my side purse.
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