Here is Ari on Lennox on our trail ride in Devil's Canyon.
We parked at the Opal Equestrian parking lot for our ride. There is a pit toilet there, but no water. The trail head is across the road from the parking lot. The trails are located near Fruta, Colorado near Grand Junction.
Here I am on Mercutio on the trail.
Check out the mountains in the distance as Ari starts us off.
This is a panoramic picture, so you can look around.
Frankly, the pictures I took don't do the canyon justice. We did the rim trail where we were riding on the ridge above the canyon. The trails were narrow and Ari was nervous, so it was hard for me to stop and take pictures.
The weather has changed for us. Temperatures are now in the mid 80s to low 90s, so it is hot, but there was a light breeze which made our ride bearable.
My horse has been a champ. He is relaxed and easy-going on the trail. I have been riding him on a loose rein most of the time. He gathers brilliantly (means he uses his back properly to carry the rider) and he is managing a nice easy fast walk to keep up with Lennox's extended gait. Mercutio has difficulty maintaining a Walking gait due to arthritis and stifle issues, but he is adapting to keep up with Lennox.
Lennox, on the other hand, is challenging Ari. Lennox just wants to move out at his fast gait and take no prisoners. He means business. This makes Ari nervous, especially on a narrow trail we don't know.
Both horses wore their Scoot Boots for this ride. The trail was hard rock in several places, but great trail markers and the trail is well maintained - thanks to the local Back Country Horseman's club.
After the ride, we always check the horses for any injuries.
Lennox had a small sore on the side of his pastern from wear with the Scoot Boot. I sent off the picture along with an inquiry to the Scoot Boot folks. They responded back almost immediately! What great customer service!
They obviously understand the saying "no feet, no horse". It's really important to take care of your horse's feet, if you want to be able to ride.
They said the reason for the sore is Ari was tightening the strap too much. The Scoot Boot is meant to have a little play so the boot moves with the horse. They also recommended we put some foam tape between the strap and the pastern to provide some padding. Ari admitted that he was, in fact, over-tightening the strap because he was worried the boot would come off. Now that he knows better, he is happy as he can make the adjustments and be able to continue using the Scoot Boot.
Tonight we are in Montrose, Colorado. The horses are being hosted by Pahgre Rach, a horse motel.
Barb and Beau are the hosts and they obviously love horses and their ranch. They care a great deal about the horses and take excellent attention to them. Food and fresh water were waiting in the paddock when we drove in.
Here are Lennox and Mercutio exploring their horse motel room for the night. They seemed pretty comfortable right from the start.
Tomorrow we head to Gunnison, Colorado. Getting closer to our property in Canon City - hoping to arrive there on Friday.
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