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.