One Step at a Time

     I have been a member of the California State Horsemen's Association's  (CSHA) Trail Riders Awards Program (TRAP), since 2012. TRAP was established in 1988 to honor and recognize the trail rider who is the foundation of the CSHA and to encourage the use and maintenance of riding and hiking trails.  I keep track of the hours I trail ride and maintain in log.  At the end of each month I send my log into the program chair.  This poor woman patiently deals with my number dyslexia and corrects when I've accidentally added a 60 hour ride into one of my days. 

   As the hours spent in the saddle add up, you get awarded patches and plaques for your accomplishments.  It's always fun to get a lumpy envelope with a patch that awards you for another 100 hours left behind in hoof prints.  The main reason I joined is that the club is able to take all of the participant's hours, region by region, and have them work to encourage participation at state and local government levels to preserve equestrian traditions and to safeguard the equine community against policies that adversely impact its well-being. 

     Over the last few years Autumn and I have logged just over 600 hours.  We just received our 500 hour plaque which hangs off a crooked thumb tack in the barn.

 

Our major award!

Our trophy on display amongst our clutter.
(Snowdrops, can you see your blue ribbon award you made us?  We love it!)

    Autumn and I have swam away hours.

Splashing in sunshine on the Mad River

 

    We have camped away a weekends of hours riding through, and under, the most gigantic old growth redwoods at Cuneo Creek.

Cindy leading the way on Syria under a fallen redwood tree.

   We have left time in memories on the beaches in Humboldt county.

Caught in a fall sunset at Clam Beach

    When Autumn injured her stifle we walked side by side through the forest as she healed.  Our time spent on the trails sometimes only adds up to 15 minutes, just a quick walk before work. Other times hours melt away.  I don't think many people would bother to add those 15 minutes in but I write them all down.  Hoof beat by hoof beat we have logged over 600 hours. 
    It is amazing what a fifteen minute ride can give you.  It is fifteen minutes of being with my best friend sharing in the way the light slips into the forest.  Sharing the way the shadows fall from the clouds onto the mountains.  Sharing the echo of bird songs in the blowing breezes.   
    Below is a fifteen minute trail walk with Autumn as my photo assistant and Lilly leading the way:

Leaving the barn.

Looking at  Kneeland, the mountain across from us.

Autumn at New Pond, not happy that she is not pigging out on grass.

Autumn happier after I let her get a little snack of grass....I'm a total pushover.

Making the turn for home.

Snow Camp is the mountain across from us.

There's Autumn's palace straight ahead.  She is happy because she knows that it is dinner time.



   If you would like more information on how to join CSHA click on  California State Horsemen's Association.  If you would like to participate in the TRAP program please click on California State Horseman's Association Trail Rider Awards Program.

Thanks for reading!  If you would like to be added to my mailing list or would like to contact me please email me at Jacksonhillhorseygirl@aol.com.

Copyright (c) 2014 Jacksonhillhorseygirl.com May 28, 2014