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.

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

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

The Best of America

Were you there? I was looking for you at the South Chagrin Reservation where The cable channel RFD was filming as part of their series on urban trail riding in Northeast, Ohio.

I had not ridden these trails for at least a year, and I had forgotten how beautiful they are as they frequently follow the meanderings of the Cuyahoga River, and wander through bird sanctuaries and around peaceful waterfalls. There is very little awareness that outside of this bliss is a vibrant suburban community close to a large city.

Back in the days when Standard Oil was owned by the Rockefeller family in Cleveland, this family had the foresight to buy up and put aside thousands of acres of land now known as the Emerald Necklace. I am so grateful for their genius.

As my friend said yesterday, "it's so relaxing to spend a day with horses" and I couldn't agree more.


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

Nothing to Sneeze At

Spring and fall are my favorite times to ride; one of the best parts being that these seasons are relatively bug free. The temperatures are generally perfect. In spring the wild flowers are frolicking throughout the woods and in the fall the leaf colors shining in the sun will knock your socks off.

The past few years and especially the past year I had noticed that during these seasons I didn't have my usual zip and I felt fatigued and had some heaviness in my breathing although I had very little coughing. This was all especially noticeable this past fall when trail riding became more effort than fun.

Over the counter allergy medication helped to a point, but it wasn't until I went to a new physician that she speculated that I was experiencing the subtle symptoms of asthma. Now with a prescription allergy medication and an inhaler to use seasonally, I feel spunkier.

The point of my story is that those of use who have seasonal allergies (not to mention all the hay, hair and dust that we're exposed to) are at risk for asthma at any stage and that the symptoms are subtle and easy to miss.

Stay well, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Getting Trail Ready

Equine Affaire was lots of fun, with many opportunities to learn something new, and some new product on the market that make allot of sense. Our Ohio Horse Council sponsored a booth dedicated to trail riding, because there are so many awesome trails in the state of Ohio.

I snatched up material that caught my eye as I prepare to fully enter trail riding season. Some of these rules sound obvious but they are worth reviewing.

1. Be sure that your horse is trail ready. Not all horses make good trail horses. Some horses don't really enjoy trails and the hard work involved. Others act out or may be potentially dangerous to their riders or to other horses.

2. Learn about the trail you will be riding before the ride, or ride with someone familiar with the rail.

3. Leave the dog at home. Maybe your dog and horse are buddies but this may not be true for other horses.

4.Nonriders using the trail are supposed to yield to horses if possible.

5.You may need to instruct bikers or hikers to keep a safe distance from the horse. I've found that if I greet the other person on trail and they respond, the passing goes more smoothly. If they shout out they are vegetarian, the horses really relax.

6.Carry a first aid kit, cell phone, ID on you and on your saddle in the unlikely event that you become separated from your horse.

7. My personal bias is that riding is like swimming, you should always have a buddy. Besides, you'll want to be able to back up your story when you find Big Foot on trail.

So get out there and have safe fun. Helmets are IN.

Happy Trails, Kathy, Horsedrivensite.net

Winter Drip

My Springer Spaniel sat next to me on the glider near out fire pit, his eyes closed, nose to the sun, soaking in the rays that had been hidden for so long. I sat watching winter melt away one drip at a time, each drop sparkling in the sun like diamonique bargains on QVC.

I watched my Fox Trotter soak up the rays as well and I thought about what led me to this breed. Of course comfort was the big drawing card. I couldn't picture my aging spine tolerating much more vertical movement. Think I've shrunk about a half inch already and who needs to speed that process? A sure footed horse is what I needed and one that could cover long distances quickly and love doing it too.

Since this breed is favored by the U.S. Forrest Service I though now there's a few mile to cover, count me in.

Just a few more drips and we'll be riding again and not a moment too soon.

Happy Trails, Kathy Horsedrivensite.net

Today's Autumn Trail Ride

We were three women looking to escape everyday life. We were heading to the historic Boston Store trailhead in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The sky was cloudless, quite unusual this time of year. As we parked out horse trailers, we could hear the vintage Cuyahoga Valley Railway chugging toward it's station at Boston Store. Everything looked so different with the leaves gone from the trees, and we could see the train pass in the distance, ghostlike in its greyness.

The temperature was about 50 degrees and the wind was brisk at times. The horses were ready to burn off some energy, but with reminders from me my Fox Totter was willing to follow her buddies. Deer were on the move as this is mating season, but no wild turkey which was a surprise. Guess the word is out about what happens to turkeys in November.

The trail is a nice variety of meadow, wooded areas, hills, some road. We crossed the Cuyahoga River, alias the "crooked river". There's a railraod crossing of course, a few steep inclines, a few small wood bridges, and an everchanging landscape that is a feast for the eyes. The out and back trip is about a two hour ride. With furry winter coats wet with sweat, the horses had that distinctive earthy odor only horse lovers can appreciate.

We talked a little and caught up on saddle problems, , barn politics, family news, horse event news, camping strategies. We shared in the sisterhood of horse lovers and it was wonderful.