After having tested several different types of hay on the horses, we decided on some decent $8 bales out in Cedar Creek, partly because we can combine the trip with a ride at nearby McKinney Roughs. After fitting a new trailer hitch so the pickup could haul the horse trailer (it required a significant drop, which Hubby had acquired yesterday from Tractor Supply), we loaded up the horses and headed to Kathy and Roy's, where we picked up a full 24 bale load. We then headed out to McKinney Roughs, going to their office first and picking up a map, then learning where the 71 trailhead was (two lefts east on 71 from the office), paid the required $24 ($12 pp for equestrians), then headed out on the trail by about 1:00. At first the trail was a bit ordinary, with quite a bit of gravel on it. Eventually that turned a bit more to dirt and sand, but it followed along the road for quite a while, making it quite noisy, as 71 is a busy 4-lane divided highway. We gradually turned east, paralleling a quieter road, which was much nicer, and then we finally turned down to the Colorado River, where it was much quieter and much lovelier. We took Riverside trail, which did just that, and then climbed back up to the top of the ridge. It was a GREAT ride, one of the best since we've been here, actually, though a bit more expensive than usual, but we figured it balances out for not paying anything at Pace Bend : -). Really nice. We did even more trotting and cantering than usual, and the temps got up to the upper 70's, so the horses were sweating more than they usually do, with Apollo actually working up to a lather on his shoulders. He behaved brilliantly today, no outbursts or rodeo-ing, but just a steady pace all the way. Fabulous! We only did about half the trails even though it was a three hour, 7+ mile ride, so we'll definitely be back to do the rest! Great day! Stopped at Trudy's Tex-Mex on the way back for happy hour and a snack, topping off a fantastic day!
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