Back to Back Field Trips

 Mud season continues here in NJ. Eryca and I did manage to get out on the home trails a few weekends ago and they were even worse than I expected. The ash trees are coming down in literal piles and we were barely able to push through the Jungle Trail. The ride was not worth its own post, but I'll share photos in my February post. 

Last weekend we had a rare combination of nice weather and free time. I've been focusing on Booger a lot lately, but I really wanted to get both mares out if possible. As a result, Eryca and I did back to back field trips with the horses. On Saturday we did ten miles with Booger and Lilly at Horseshoe Bend. On Sunday we took Lucy and Lilly to Baldpate and rode down to Washington's Crossing for a six mile loop. 

Two Worlds Collide

 Two weeks ago, Jen posted to her horse business page asking if anyone would be interested in getting the endurance horses out for a jaunt. "Bring your own horse, or borrow one of our swift steeds," she added. She didn't need to ask me twice! I immediately commented and followed up with a message.

"Bringing your own horse or borrowing?"
"I'd love to bring my mare if that's ok!"

I've been eager for the chance to bring Booger up to WSS. I was curious to see how she would do in a larger group since she's never done that before. I was also curious to see how she'd go with the other endurance horses. I miss riding with the group and I was hoping there might be an opportunity to join them from time to time in the future. 

Of course, I invited Eryca along. She was working Saturday and this trip would require an early wake up call on Sunday. I told Eryca that there was no pressure to join us, but I was delighted when she was able to make it work. So on Sunday, the 5th, Booger got introduced to a little corner of my endurance world. 

Colliers Mills Ride

 I had so much fun in the Pine Barrens that Saturday that I went right back the next day. 

Bushwhacking in the Pines

 On Saturday, Mike suggested we take Julio for a hike somewhere. Everything up here is a muddy mess so he suggested "somewhere in the Pine Barrens". Eryca and I were planning to go to Colliers Mills the next day so I got to brainstorming some other option. In the end, we decided to drive up past the Friendship Monument, throw the car in the next wide spot, and go from there. It ended up being a lovely walk without anyone else around. I brought my camera, but ended up almost exclusively using my phone for photos instead. 

Teenage me would have been so delighted with a camera this quality that fits in your pocket...

January Wrap Up

 Ok, now that I finally remembered my December post, let's get 2023 off on the right foot. I still have two posts to make about this past weekend, but this is easier. This was a particularly busy January, and I'm not complaining.

First, some stats:
I rode each mare 11 times for a total of 22 rides so far this year. Considering it's almost dark when I get off work and that everything is a disgusting, muddy mess, I'm ok with that. Booger did 53 miles in January. Lucy did 29. I spent about 23 hours in the saddle. We trailered out four times. 

You know who never gets the monthly feature photo around here? Lilly. Let's change that.