OUR EXTREME DREAM

     On Saturday Cory and I rode with Chele, Marilyn, and Traci K. at Shangri-La in Ocala, FL. It's part Greenway trail system. We made the trip to take our chances in a Poker Ride to benefit a local trail riding group.

     We followed the red trail loop on our first trip out.  It was a short ride, only about an hour and a half.  Upon returning to the trailhead, we took a short break and drew our poker hand.   Unfortunately, none of us had the winning hand.  No worries though.  Our real reason for coming was to explore new trails.

     We tried to hit every trail in Shangri-La area. We rode blue, yellow, red, one color we're not sure of, and green (our favorite).  We rode all the way to some hard road, up and over hills, down little valleys, and through some VERY close trees. There were some narrow trails through places that looked like a jungle.  There were areas where tall tress blocked the sun and made it appear almost cloudy out. We rode past many large rocks with and without trees growing out of the top that made the some of the horses spook. Let's just say the place was amazing!

     We would definitely call this an advanced trail ride. There were no passengers today. We really had to pay attention and actively ride our horses almost the entire time. Cory rode it like a trooper and hung in through the whole ride, which was about 4 hours all together. It was the most advanced ride she has been so far. She and Beauty have become fabulous partners.  They have no fear of trotting off and/or picking on Mommy and Linc.  Go Cory!

     All and all, we would like to say it was well worth the drive to Ocala. It is a very nice place to ride and hopefully will allow camping again very soon so you can hang out over night and relax. YEE-HAW!

     What a fabulous day!  After several weeks off, I finally got to ride.  Cory, my niece (Melody), and I met some friends Thomas Creek in Callahan.  These are some newer trails so it felt like we were sploring.

     Denise on her new horse, Ace, and Melody on Rocky

     Robbie on Ramsey

     Liz on Monarch

     Cory and Melody trotted much of the ride.  It makes my heart happy to see Cory on her pony.  They are true partners when she's relaxed and not worrying so much. 

     Me (who's still working on those fat arms) and Linc (who's worried about his buddies leaving him)

     Cory is a superb trail boss!

     HERE are a few more pics.

Cory and I met up with Liz and the boys for a ride at Cedar Point Preserve.  I rode Rocky and pined Izzy.  Izzy was a total basketcase on the way there.  Once she unloaded, she was fine.  She's such a fruitloop.

HERE are the rest.

     I kind of took it easy today.  I had to catch up on laundry before going out with the horses, and quite frankly, I was exhausted.  That "burning you candle at both ends" will wear you out.  Boy it felt good to lay on the couch (first time in a month and a half).