As planned, after breakfast we were saddled and ready just a tad late, by about 10:20, with GPS in hand. We quickly sorted out that Beth and Storm needed to go first, and she periodically waited for us. Actually, eventually Storm started slowing down almost to our pace, so it worked out well. Got off on the wrong foot, going off in reverse of what I had planned, but we kept going anyway, figuring backward is just as good. While the GPS was invaluable in keeping us on track to the existing trails, it couldn’t help when we reached trails that weren’t there at all, or at least not in any condition any of us was willing to risk. We did quite a bit of backtracking, and a couple of times (I discovered later) we were within a stone’s throw of a road when we turned back and took the long way around. Some parts of the trail were completely undeveloped, our only clue was ribbons hanging in trees going cross-country. We tried a few, but it got so bad we turned around. Eventually, we made the decision to go back along a road until we reach a dirt road that would backtrack us to the camp, and that’s what we did. It was almost 14 miles anyway, which is a pretty good ride for us, and we did get some trots and canters in, though for some reason Apollo was a little nuttier than usual, partly because he’s not used to other horses, and partly because the footing was so bad in a few places. He threw a few temper tantrums along the way, which just indicates to me how fit he is, that after that many miles of hard trail he still has the energy to pitch a fit! A good ride, though, Beth and I chatted a good part of the way, Hubby trailed along behind enjoying his (almost) solitude. Got back around 4:00, settled the horses in, had a chat with two women next door who had come in early this morning, discussing other horse camps around the area. They’re from south New Jersey, while Beth is from western Ohio, so we discussed many camps we all knew, though hadn’t necessarily been to. Very informative. We also had a discussion about horse boots, which were better than others, which was helpful because I need a new pair for Apollo (I’ve finally worn the toe out on one of my Easyboot Epics, after three years and heaven knows how many miles!) Beth had been looking at that as well, apparently she does all her own shoeing, and has been considering horse boots. It was great talking with the ladies, a nice change. We exchanged contact information before the day was done, then Hubby and I settled down to a movie and bed.
