snowless snow ride

Today's forecast called for 4" of snow and I was all excited about another snowy trail ride.

At 3:30pm when I finally got out there, this is what the trails looked like:

 

Not a single snowflake...anywhere!

It did snow a little bit this morning, but it wasn't cold enough outside to make the snow stick, and it all melted very quickly.

Despite my snowless snow ride, Lucy and I had a great time out there today. I was hoping for three things, and they all came true:

1. Part of the trail has steep banks on both sides, with a rushing stream below. Lucy sometimes is ok with this section of the trail, and other times she doesn't know which direction to spook in, because there are very scary things on both sides. Today I just wanted her to realize that forward is the best choice in that situation, and she was really good about it today!

2. I wanted to go to the power lines and do some hill work, but I was afraid she'd throw another massive buck at the top of the hills. She quickly gave my confidence a major boost - she was a perfect lady and was forward and excited to gallop up one of the biggest hills, but she came back to a relaxed walk immediately at the peak, and there was no bucking!

3. I have been very conservative about letting her canter toward home, because on one of our trail rides not long ago, she tried to take advantage and run away with me. I got her attention back, but it took a while, and then I made her walk all the way home. Today we did some trotting AND cantering on the way back to the barn, and she was so polite about everything! She listened to my half-halts and wasn't stupid.

at the power lines

back at the barn, spying on the neighbours

normally I'd crosstie her, but she loves being able to look out of the barn doors
and I figure it's good practice for being tied.

And here's one photo from a trail ride we went on earlier in the week, with Cairo!