What a Drag

I found myself speaking rather excitedly about last winter's manure pile; and I had to stop and laugh at how ridiculous I sounded. The truth of the matter is that as a horse owner I spend quite a bit of time thinking about cleaning, managing and recycling poop. Since I use peat moss on the wet spots, what I have left after composting is black gold.

My latest quest is for a used harrow to drag over the manure we haven't captured. I used to clean the pasture closest to the barn by hand but this is not very efficient and it was very hot this summer. A friend has offered to lend her harrow, but in the long run I think owning one is a good thing.

The marvel is that manure can be transformed into the most wonderful roses ,squash and herbs. Next years project will be an expanded fairy garden for my granddaughter, and the horses will have made their contribution.

Happy Trails, Kathy, horsedrivensite.net

Hair Today

What to do next about my Fox Trotter's Mohawk, that's the dilemma. What the heck was I thinking when I created a bridle path in the mane. We don't show, but I guess that I thought it would be neater and easier. I'd forgotten that when I had a short do, it would look best at the time of the cut, and maybe OK for a few weeks, but them would appear to need tweaking.

The bridle path in her mane is way too high maintenance for us. I'm barely able to keep my own mane looking decent. So now we have the in between stage that resembles a zebra's mane, minus the strips of course. Oh well, winter is approaching. But I'll tell you the minute it's long enough it's getting braided.

In the meantime she appears only slightly embarrassed.

Happy trail, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Full Moon

I saw my horses howling at the moon and growing little fangs tonight, or was that just my imagination? As I sit here typing, a group of trail riders are heading toward the covered bridge in the Cuyahoga Valley, past dried corn stalks rustling in the wind, over railroad tracks where the vintage train will pass tomorrow, through woods glistening in the light of a full moon and cloudless sky.

Horse hooves crunching fallen leaves break the silence. It's chilly so there are no sounds of crickets or of tree toads. In the distance is the howl of a coyote, and the call of an owl. It's pure magic and I wish I were there.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Mystery Solved

I believe that I've solved the mystery of crop circles. You know, you've seen photos of circle and patterns in field, with no one claiming to know how they got there. There are alien theories, artists gone mad theories, and farmers with a sense of humor theories.

After a fabulous ride in the Cuyahoga Valley, with the leaves turning the colors of a bright plaid, our horses were pretty sweaty in their winter coats with the temperature at 80 degrees. As we let them graze and cool down, my Fox Trotter managed to gently slip away from my grasp, millimeters at a time, seemingly on a mission.

Before I could pick up the lead line she proceeded to role in the middle of a field of newly spouted winter wheat, forming a perfect circle as she satisfied that itch that one can never reach. She was quite satisfied with herself as she covered herself in fine rich topsoil, thus forming a perfect crop circle for all to see.

So there you have it. The latest crop circle theory.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Trail Sisters

I happened upon a Google Group that caught my attention. It's been several years since I had this idea that women trail riders share a bond through their horses and their experiences that lends to networking and sharing. I came upon a group of women trail riders out of Iowa who communicate everything from plans to ride to sales of tack and trailers to helpful suggestions.

My idea was to form the Ohio Women's' Trail Alliance or "OWTA" as in "we're OWTA here" As many of us know, riding is not only fun, it's our escape from jobs, wash, even loved ones;. Of course we love our families, but most women are caretakers in one form or another. Riding provides an opportunity to be a little freer and a little less responsible. Even for a day or two. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity.

So check out "outahere@googlegroups.com" and

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Play Well With Others

Emotions run high when trail riders talk about possible plans to have mountain bikes share trails with riders in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Forest. And understandably so since mountain bikes, unlike deer or runners, are typically more silent , and often come down hills and around corners at fast speeds.

Mountain bikers have the right to enjoy the park as well and may not have any interest in being around horses either. Hopefully the park administrators will see the wisdom in keeping the two separate. There is plenty of land for sharing, and plenty of opportunities to keep both groups safe and happy. Trail riders have spent many years improving bridle trails; hopefully they will finally be recognized for their dedication and their involvement.

It needs to be a win/win solution.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net.