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.

Sweat Equity

This is a very confusing time of year for horses here in Northeast Ohio. Because of changes in daylight, winter coats are appearing, but when I rode today it was 83 degrees and humid. Tomorrow may be near 90. It wasn't that the horses were poky, but as we rode, they were hot and dripping. I'm trying to figure out what will happen to northern horses, with global warming and winter coats. Does this mean they will have to evolve to lighter weight coats or maybe just wear scarves?

The tricky weather here can change quite quickly, so in a few days we may be back to seasonal weather. In the meantime we're pretending it's still summer, fly masks, furry coats and all.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Horsatude

I was thinking about attitude in general and attitude as it relates to being with horses. It became apparent that it's almost one of the most important elements to being a good rider. Horses, being prey animals see the world in terms of maintaining their own survival. If I have an attitude of fear and anxiety, that readily gets translated to my horse.

Maintaining an attitude of experiencing fun, adventure and learning can get a whole different result. That's probably why I've seen very young children riding well because they are so relaxed and basically in it for the fun.

I'm developing a different attitude about my website as well and have decided to carry products that are just for fun. Practical is great but fun is better. Will keep you posted.

Have Fun, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Team Work

I will never cease to be amazed by the miracle of the partnership that horse and rider create. I read once that it's the sum of "two nervous systems" coordinating efforts. When you have a true partnership with a horse that "effort" is almost seamless and nothing is more exciting than to have that "flow" with an equine partner.

Riding should be fun, not a battle of wills. Having owned my Fox Trotter for 4 years now, I can attest that each year gets better and the partnership stronger. That is why when I read of the death of a rider's beloved horse on a website, I could not hold back the tears because I understood what had gone into developing that bond.

Each day I am grateful for the beauty of the relationship I share with my horse. I hope that you have had that experience as well.

Grateful to be on trail, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Fall Preview

Each rider we passed on trail yesterday had the same grin and the same comment, "No Bugs". The weather has cooled considerably during the night, probably slowing down those pesky horse flies. It was fun to see horses without their fly gear. One of my riding buddies commented on the shading of my horses ears which she had not seen all summer.

This summer was particularly hot and dry, I guess good fly breeding weather. I even invested in a fly butt rug which saved me from many a pesky horse fly intruder. It's an amazing sense of freedom when you're not trying to outrun those stealth bombers. Our horses were less distracted and happy as could be. I was happy too having avoided the need to plaster myself and the horses with bug repellent.

Anticipating the leaves turning is the next great joy.

Happy trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.ent

No Gap Here

As I've trail ridden with several different groups, and several different women, it has occurred to me that on any given day the ages of the riders can span 3 generations. I find this to be both empowering and encouraging.

In a culture that typically emphasizes differences in generations and that does not value aging, especially in women, I find that riding with women of all ages to be a wonderful bonding experience. Caring for and riding horses is for certain an anti aging activity. The physical and the mental activity it takes to ride regularly is what keeps us well, balanced and happy.

I've often thought of my trail rides as my therapy, and the on trail discussions with other women as an important component. Being on trail close to the beauty of nature and close to the power of the horse make for a perfect day. There are no generation gaps on trail.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

No Gap

Fly Taxi

The horse flies have been particularly large and aggressive this year. Could it have been from some of the hot and humid weather conditions? At the competitive trail ride outside of Toledo last week they were fierce and numerous, and threatened to spoil an otherwise great weekend.

Sprays seemed to be a temporary fix, but we all know that sweating dilutes the effectiveness. A clever fellow rider had the answer in a rump cover that could be attached to the back of the saddle and under the tail. It was light but durable mesh bordered by soft polar fleece and colorful trim. I was glad to purchase one of her last covers.

The day was saved. As the temperature rose from the start of the race at dawn, the the flies rested on my horse's backside; it was comical to watch them hang on and try to bite without success. I don't know if it was the movement or the thickness of the mesh, but the confused flies had no effect but hung on like we were the last taxi on a Saturday night. As I looked behind me I giggled and my horse was completely unaware of the joke.

Thank you inventive fellow riders.

Happy Trail, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

How it Drips

A good friend of mine introduced my horses to the luxury of watermelon at the end of a long hot trail. At first my Fox Trotter turned up her nose and curled her lip as only horses can do. My Haflinger gobbled it up, with great streams of juice dripping down each side of his mouth. He knew a good thing the minute he tasted it. The Trotter soon followed his lead.

It turns out that watermelon is a great way for both riders and horses to rehydrate in the summer. Watermelon is known to reduce inflammation that occurs with asthma, arteriosclerosis and arthritis. Watermelon is full of antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin A and Vitamin C. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals that can cause damage to tissue.

Watermelon is also high in lycopene which can lower the risk of several types of cancers. It's low in calories; one cup of watermelon is 48 calories and without fat. It's rich in vitamin K, Magnesium. What's not to like?

My granddaughter and I sing the watermelon song as we feed the horses. "Watermelon, watermelon, how it drips, how it drips, up and down the elbow, up and down the elbow, spit the pits ,spit the pits" (to the tune of Are You Sleeping?).

Of course feed the melon only, not the rind. Your horses will be singing for more.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Sand Trap

This past weekend I traveled to a park outside of Toledo Ohio for a competitive trail ride. Having participated in only a few of these competitions I am getting accustomed to some of the strategies involved. My horse is in good condition, and is getting ridden on trail regularly. What partially tripped us up in this event was sand.

Ohio has wide variations in topography, from rugged hills, to caves to farmland,to what I experienced this weekend, sand. Who knew? When I heard about sandy trails I never envisioned portions that were as deep as any sandy beach. Remember how hard it can be to run in sand? My horse did well, but she was little sore afterward, my friend's horse had pulled a muscle.

Riders from Michigan where sandy trails are supposedly common told us that riding in sand is as tough as the mountains we climb here in the Cuyahoga Valley and that horses trained in sand are very well conditioned by the effort.

All I know is that it was fun and that after a days rest my horse will be fine and I've learned many new things about competitive trail riding.

Happy Trail, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

The Two Horse Rule

Since we've kept horses on our property, my husband in his wisdom and in his attempts at self protection had created and has enforced the two horse rule. I've respected that rule because he takes an active role in the care of the horses and we work well as a team. When I wanted another Haflinger to drive as a team, I had the two horse rule preventing the execution of this wish.

As many times as I've tried to buck the rule it has remained in place. And quite frankly over time I've come to appreciate the rule. I always think that I have more time and more energy than I really have. It's unfair to horses who get cheated out of quality time and training because owners are too busy. We have seen people accumulate more horses than they can possibly handle. You can see the care of the horses become less than optimal.

So the two horse rule stands unless I can bend the rule with a mini for my granddaughter.

Happy Trials, Kathy, Horsedrivensight.net

Give Me Air

For the competitive trail ride I thought that I could camp one night, but remember I'm the Marriott camper. I made a last minute decision to camp because the competition began so early in the morning. Basically a noncamper, I thought that I could get by with a cushion and memory foam on the floor of my tack room which has a screen door. There would even be room for my collapsible Japanese commode that folds nicely into a carrying bag.

My back had other ideas as I tossed and turned to get comfortable on my makeshift bed. I'd forgotten that I was 20 many years ago, and that there was a reason why I called myself the Marriott camper. A fellow rider thought that she could sleep in the back of her truck and guess how that ended up. It was fate that a Bed Bath and Beyond flyer came to my house the next day advertising an air mattress. The universe was speaking to me.

So guess where I'm headed tomorrow.

Stay trail happy, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Practice Deficienacy

Yesterday I completed my second Competitive Trail ride in the 15 mile category. Yes I did camp but I'll talk about that another time. It was a great weekend in the Cuyahoga Valley National Forest with many riders competing and enjoying each other's company. The anticipation of the ride is exciting and learning more about competitive riding has been both frustrating and fun for me.

My Fox Trotter mare was without her barn buddy and we had not done many events with so many horses coming and going so her herd instincts created some anxiety. We started out at 7 AM and I remembered why I came back to this experience. The strategy of pacing the horse and getting a competitive arrival time is fascinating. Knowing when to move out and knowing when to slow down is an imperfect science unless you use a monitor on your horse.

The early morning sun breaking through the Forest canopy, the rush of scaling up difficult trails, cantering along the edge of corn fields with corn cannons booming are all part of the thrill.

My one regret is that we did not practice gating with a lead line for the vet checks which is where we lost points. We still placed, but next time we will be better prepared.

Happy Trails, Kathy, horsedrivensite.net

The Good Life

As I was packing up the truck and trailer preparing to head out to a competitive trail ride, I was in and out of the barn with supplies. It was late evening and I had given the horses their last flakes and fresh water (and of course a treat). Fireflies were rising effortlessly from the grass like tiny stars they floated into the air. The sunset was changing the color of the sky every few minutes. One minute pink, the next tangerine.

I watched my horses munch on hay then turn and spend long moments looking at the horizon. It occurred to me how wise they were to take those pauses to soak in the beauty before them. The other amazing thing was that they would take time away from their beloved hay. The scene made me stop my packing to share in the quiet, colorful end to the day. I need to do that more often.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net