Trust Me

Our Haflinger Club was sponsoring a trail ride at Salt Fork State Park here in Ohio. Other breeds were allowed for members to bring, so our Haflinger and our Fox Trotter both got to go. This State park is vast, at its center a large horseshoe shaped lake. We met the group at their campsite and were told that just before we arrived there had been a major downpour.

I was excited to try these trails because I'd heard so much about them and because this park was first last year for the most miles logged by riders. After some initial photo ops, we headed out on trail. The trails are single file only and what I would consider to be primitive. There were many obstacles from trees that had fallen across trail which made our horses have to pay close attention.

The most challenging part was from the condition of the trails after the downpour. There was significant mud making hills a special challenge. My primary goal always is to keep my horse and myself safe on trail. Luckly we had a skilled and thoughtful guide who kept the pace appropriate for the conditions.

As we rode, and as my Fox Trotter negotiated some very slick conditions and some very challenging obstacles, I reminded myself that horses have spent millions of years refining their survival skills, and as she chose where to step with very little guidance from me, I was grateful for that fact.

May Trail Angels be with you, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net