Ride with Kris

Kris Nugent, my colleague and friend rode with me. After several days of triple digit temperatures, there was a tropical storm that brought us relief and an opportunity to ride. When I arrived at the ranch, Jennifer, our stable manager, discussed possible changes to the pasture that Del will be moved to. When more horses are added to our pastures, a shuffle can take place. If Delgado moves in with different horses how will he fair? Herds are comprised of horse pecking orders. There is the alpha, leader horse, and apparently, the rest of the herd order is dynamic but based upon dominance . The alpha horse is the one that makes all the others move (their feet). When Del and I are together, we are suppose to be a heard of two, and I am the Alpha horse. I am working on that one.

Back to preparation for our ride. Kris helped groom and get Glory saddled up. I showed her how I was training the horses to pick up their feet willingly. Del does it with gusto. I show him the hoof pick (he knows he will get a reward after) and his hoof just comes flying up towards me. When I first show him the hoof pick, he occasionally tries to eat it, until he gets with the program. Its sort of funny how enthusiastic his participation is. I move from his front to hind hooves, around his hind quarters, and then end at his nose again. The reward is usually a piece of carrot. It took about a week for him to get this one. When he wants to be Delgado is truly brilliant.

After we mounted, Kris and I headed for the trail to the grasslands. We must cross Highland Valley Road. Care must be taken not to begin crossing the highway when a fast car or motorcycle is close by. Across a dry river bed and up through avocado groves, the trail climbs quickly  to a plateau of chaparral. Kris handled Glory with confidence and ease.

Kris and Glory on the Romona Grasslands

We stopped up on the hill overlooking the Romona Grasslands. The thunderstorms seemed to skirt our path the entire trip and while we witnessed lightning at a distance, neither of us seemed concerned that it was anything more that a beautiful, natural display for our enjoyment. I suspect that we both find pleasure in the power and beauty of the natural landscape. I have not even mentioned that Kris is an accomplished, Plein Air painter.

From Delgado

The point on the grasslands where we stopped was a favorite of mine, the vernal lake.  I have been there many times and it is always a welcomed sight. The water holds reflections of Live Oak trees, cattle,  clouds and ourselves if we have enough skill to get our horses in the water or at least near the edge. Note: Delgado is not even close to being comfortable at a distance. There is always water in this vernal lake even though its size varies with the season. We stand in the shade, at a distance, and watch the activity  a body of water in an otherwise arid landscape attracts. Cattle and  water birds are common sights.

On our way back home, Kris seemed to be enjoying the smooth speed in Glory's gaits. She even cantered with me, an unexpected but enjoyable event. Kris and Glory took it all in stride.

Kris and Glory

After we returned we washed off the trail seat and dirt and gave the horses treats. Del will drink water from a hose in my hand. It is so endearing. All and all, it was a great ride and a great day. Thanks Kris.

Del drinking water from my hand.

Delgado and the Water Crossing: Part Two, Three, and Four

This is a recount of the second, third and fourth time Delgado made it across this water crossing which is really just a wet spot in the road.

The infamous water crossing.

Part Two:
My friend, Diane, rode with me on Telma and I rode Delgado to practice the water crossing. It must be passed on the way around Peck's property to access all other trails to the west of the stable. I took Del's lead rope and halter along after doing some research on how to help Del get over his fear. I tried riding across but Delgado refused to step near it. We tried with the lead rope with me on the ground. I sent him back and forth in what they call the falling leaf pattern but he would only go so close. After some time, doing approach and retreat, a man on a tractor from the property up above us offered his help. He had been watching us with some interest. He first suggested using a nearby hose behind Del. That didn't sound very safe to me. Del can kick and is very sensitive when it comes to ropes and things touching his hind legs. (Another challenge we need to work on : ) Then the man suggested he use his tractor and push dirt over the area. Well, at that point, I was ready to move on. I was tired, sweating and we had only come a very short distance on what would be a long and taxing ride. About half way to the Winery, we rode through one of my favorite areas where there is a shady avocado grove. The leaves rustled as we rode down the cool path. Every so often we had to duck low, hanging branches.

Avocado grove with Diane ahead.

We made it to the winery, but unfortunately it was closed! We were disappointed to say the least. Turning around, we retraced our path. About a quarter mile from the avocado grove, Delgado stopped and would not go forward. He was obviously tired. Delgado is such a prancer that he tends to wear himself out.  I decided to get off and walk him for a while as Diane needed to return to the stable. I walked beside Del as we climbed up through the groves and out into the sunlight. There was one more, very steep section of asphalt further on,  so I stayed on the ground and continued to climb. What a workout! Out of breath, I mounted up and we headed downward toward the geologist's house where there was water for the horses.  The remainder of the ride was uneventful, except at the very last hill near the stable. That darn Delgado got his second wind and nearly tossed me when his legs tangled with a branch in the path.  He bucked on the downhill! What a horse.

 Part Three:

The water crossing was wet again.  This has become our main obstacle (I say this has become in the present tense because we are still having issues crossing). Diane went with me again to practice.  It is on the way to all trails west of the stable. My memory is a bit confused on the details of this water crossing however, I do remember that after some effort, I gave the end of the lead rope to Diane. She was mounted and on the other side of the water. Diane pulled on Del's lead while I pushed in the saddle. We managed to get Delgado to cross. We thought we had the answer....

Part Four: 

Diane and I planned another attempt to ride to the winery. This time Diane rode Glory and I rode Del. Glory went right over the water. What a good girl! I had done some preparation for this water crossing on Del. In the arena, I dug out an area and lined it with black plastic. After successfully getting Del over it, I put water in the shallow depression. It did take a while but he finally would stand on it. Most of the water had leaked out but it was still wet. I praised Delgado, and even gave him a peppermint reward. I thought we were prepared and that he now would cross more easily. When we got to the water crossing, Del refused. Diane came back and we tried again to have Del follow Glory close behind. No.  I tried some approach and retreat and then we tried the method that was successful last time. Diane pulled and I pushed. No. Delgado was being stubborn I believe. Since he had crossed this place a number of times now, I felt it was no longer a big fear factor for him. Sweating and frustrated, I picked some cattail reeds to swat his rear as Diane pulled. He jumped across. I have had some conversations with Jenn, Del's previous owner. She is trying to help me understand Del better.

Glory and Diane stop for a bit of rest and a drink of water.

We made it to the winery that day but that is another story in itself.

Bushwacking with Joe

On Memorial Day, September 6th, Glory and I took a ride into the hills nearby with Joe and Soldier. Joe feels that this type of riding off the trail helps build confidence in both horse and rider.

Left to right: Roberta, Parker and Dan.

When I first came to the stable, I rode Telma with a group of riders that often did this type of riding. Roberta, and her husband Dan would cross Highland Valley road and  head off into the chaparral. The rides were fairly casual in terms of challenging horse and rider. 

Joe has been training his paint, Soldier, to do many different things. He has become active as a Patrol rider for the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department. He has also participated in riding parades with the Escondido Mounted Police. While Joe states no horse is "bomb proof" Soldier demonstrates how calm and willing a horse can be with a dedicated rider who is paying attention to the trial and the surroundings. I was so proud of Glory. This was the first  ride of this type that I took her on. Soldier plowed through the brush and broke off charred branches that still litter the landscape from the fires of 2007. He just moves along like a bulldozer, a beautiful one at that! Glory was just as calm and followed behind not seeming bothered or stressed by the challenging terrain. Once, we were too close to one of the charred branches and her rein was caught on it. I asked here to stop and she stood for me to untangle it. I know other horses that would have been afraid and thrown a fit in that situation. She is such a versatile horse! 

Joe and Soldier Memorial Day, 2010.

I think Glory and I  were paid quite a compliment when at one point later in the ride, Joe said that someone else he had ridden that area with would not have gone where we did.

Glory and I back at the ranch after a great ride.

Crossing Water

I am hopelessly behind on my recording of experiences on the horses. Yesterday's ride was an exciting one with Daniel on Tiena, and myself on Delgado.  Daniel told me we would be bush-wacking. I decided to wear my helmet as the last time I rode with him we went through areas with low, hanging branches.  Our goal for that ride was to find a way around John Peck's property. This is a story in itself. Peck's property is a beautiful tract of land, about one hundred and sixty acres, that he intends to develop. At one point, when I spoke to John Peck, he agreed that if I were to write a letter releasing him of any liability, he would allow me to ride on his land. I did so, and then he changed his mind. A few days ago, Peck sent both myself and Daniel a letter threatening legal action for trespassing on his property. It is unfortunate since this is a gateway to many miles of trail riding.

Setting out to find an alternate route, we rode up behind Daniels property. He brought his machete and occasionally got off Tiena to cut away a branch here and there.

This is the "water crossing" that Delgado has been having problems with.

Then we came to a little water crossing. I say little, however to horses who cannot judge the depth of water this can be very scary. Apparently, Delgado has not had much practice with water crossings. After unsuccessful mounted attempts, I got off and tried to lead him. Daniel also tried leading him. We finally got him across, but I realized that I need to go back there and spend some time working with him so he is not afraid.

The path we took circumventing Pecks property requires traversing a substantial gully lined with Live Oak trees, brush, occasional patches of Poison Oak  and boulders. At the bottom, there is the gully, that is passable, but the horses tend to want to jump over it. I was grateful it was dry at this point. Delgado gets pretty worked up in these situations. About half way down we got off and walked the horses. Del doesn't really walk, he prances and sometimes moves faster than I want. We definitely need to practice this type of activity as well. He jumped the gully at the bottom and I managed to stay out of his way.

Mounting up again, we continued through Avocado groves. Then we came to another area of the dirt road we were following, that often has a little run-off of water. This is more like a sheen of water about ten yards across. I am doing what you are suppose to, keeping momentum and focusing on the other side. As we rode on to the wet area Del put on the breaks. All four hooves skidded along for a bit. I wish I had a photo of us for I'll bet it was funny!

Daniel and I continued along one of the asphalt roads, dirt roads and trials in the back country around Starvation Mountain. We arrived at one point that we both know, a beautiful tractor road down through more avocado orchards. It is very cool, shady and normally quiet, except for the rustling of leaves from the horses hooves. This is another area that it is nice to have your head protected by a helmet. I have been conked more than once on the head by an avocado in the low hanging branches.

At the bottom of the hill we decided to turn back and retrace our steps. We had achieved our goal of finding a way around Peck's property. At a distance I noticed a man by his garage. We stopped to talk to  ask for permission, having ridden on his property. He was most gracious and offered us water for the horses. He has three horses of his own and is leaving this week for five days of riding on Catalina Island. How cool is that!

Since we were having good feelings about talking to people along the way, Daniel stopped at another property closer to the stable. The couple who live there are just finishing rebuilding after the fires that swept through the area three years ago. They are adjacent to Peck's property and said we could ride across any time. It is interesting how different peoples' attitudes are concerning their land.

The water crossings went progressively better until the last one where I had first led Del across. I tried to keep momentum and stayed mounted. At the last moment Delgado jumped high into the air over the water. Daniel saw me fly up off the saddle (he said two feet) but fortunately, I didn't loose my balance and stayed on him. It was probably more like a foot, but I was way up in the air. I think I must be addicted to the adrenaline rush that Del gives me!

We headed back over the last little mountain to the stable. It is a steep hill and Tiena was moving along quickly as she can do. I somehow missed seeing the low hanging branch and rode right into it with my head. It hurt my neck from the impact! Needless to say, I have decided to make a habit of wearing my helmet when I ride Del.