Stats:
Trail Ride #1
Location: Kalama, WA
Distance: 3.9 miles
Elevation: 664 feet
Ride Time: 55 minutes
Horses: I rode Vinnie, another rider rode Zorro, and Dessa free-ponied
Today was a particularly special day! Zorro and Vinnie have done this particular route multiple times, including the most recent time on Christmas Eve, but today Dessa joined us! Dessa is my little 11-hand Icelandic cross who loves joining us on rides. However, she hasn’t been able to do so for two years as she has been recovering from a founder that nearly cost her her life. Today marks the first time that she’s been able to join us on trail, and the first time I had my whole herd out on trial together.
Despite this being one of my “core” workout routes for the big boys to condition on, Dessa happily trotted, paced, and cantered along with us showing no signs of getting worn out, so we were able to take it at a relatively good pace, including the 1.5-mile consistent climb that goes from the lowest (1,275 ft) to the highest (1,825 ft) elevation points on this loop which we mostly trot.
By the end, we had three sweaty but happy horses! The views were incredible as well – it has been a special treat to have so many consistently clear skies in the middle of January!
