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An Equestrian Life

Horses, Trail Rides, Vintage
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May 25, 2015

Trail Ride – State Arboretum of Virginia

On Saturday I took a trip with my neighbor to the State Arboretum of Virginia in Boyce, Virginia. It was about an hour’s drive from my house, and since I followed my neighbor’s trailer there, I’m not even sure I could find it again. I was just zoned out, passively following the trailer, not noticing the scenery. I did notice that we did not take the main entrance in, as horse trailer parking is around the back of the property, and it took a couple of back roads to get into it. Yup, I will never be able to find this place again.

Parking was in an enclosed paddock, so if your horse is an escape artist it has one more barrier between it and freedom. But it also means you better be able to maneuver your trailer because once a few trailers have parked, it becomes a tight fit.

I had decided to bring Vintage because I didn’t feel like having to deal with green horse antics today. I just wanted to relax. And Vintage delivered the entire way. Except for the one time she spooked (stood frozen) at a rock. What a weirdo. To her credit, it was a big rock, borderline boulder, but still. The deer leaping away 10 feet from her doesn’t do it, a rock does it.

The trail went through fields, forest, and then what seemed to be an overgrown mess of shrubby weeds that was a fight to go through. Vintage was at just the right height for her to fit perfectly under the branches, and I got whacked with every single leaf. And because I was so busy fighting through the branches, I forgot to steer Vintage out of the branches, thus leading to a never ending circle of being hit by branches.

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A clear spot between the over growth. Ahead, the tunnel of darkness.

The nature part of the trail was a bit limited, and a significant amount went through the lawns by the buildings.

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Passing all these stone walls, I could pretend I was lord of the manor, out for a stroll on my estate.

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A private residence on the property. Or more specifically, the gatehouse of the private residence.

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Back in the woods.

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The pond, which seemed very very low.

Riding the whole trail system at a walk took about an hour. It was nice, but for the travel time it took to get here, I think I’d rather go to a different trail.

But, on the positive side, it was a good trail for my unshod horse. There were only a few spots I had to cross over the gravel road, the rest of the time there was an option for riding in the grass or dirt.

Back in the parking paddock, we untacked and there was even a hose. I had one moment of stupidity when I put her halter on, and assuming that the halter was already attached to the lead rope I marched purposely to the hose. Once I reached the hose, I turned and saw I had no horse, I was just dragging the lead rope on the ground. Vintage was exactly where I had left her, munching on the grass. It was a good thing she didn’t get the munchies for freedom and decide to leave.

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Vintage: “I’d be happy just eating grass, thanks.”

Sadly, the sun was took bright for me and triggered a migraine, so I was very ready to go home at that point. After a torturous drive, I got home, put Vintage out in the field and collapsed in bed to hide my face. Berry and Pony were still stalled, so Vintage got several hours of private turnout.

Ahh, this is the life.

“Ahh, out in my private turnout, no annoying children to bother me.”

When I finally did turn them out, they expressed their displeasure at being locked up, but luckily Pony forgave me quickly. Berry trotted off flapping her tail around, letting out some snorts. She was bitter for a while.

With the exception of the migraine, it was a good day!

TAGS:appaloosahorsehorseback riding
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Fashion has been inspired by equestrians for a long time, and likely a long time to come. It's a classic, beautiful look. It's form and function. It's sport and elegance. We equestrians like it, and it's nice that others appreciate it too, even if the fashion interpretation isn't always practical.

Next time you have a dirty ride, remember that even at your messiest, you're a fashion icon. You just happen to get up close and personal with dirt.

#equestrianfashion #fashion #style #horsestyle #equestrian #horses #horsegirl #riding #countrystyle #countrygirl #oldmoneylooks #horsesofinstagram
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Fashion has been inspired by equestrians for a long time, and likely a long time to come. It's a classic, beautiful look. It's form and function. It's sport and elegance. We equestrians like it, and it's nice that others appreciate it too, even if the fashion interpretation isn't always practical. Next time you have a dirty ride, remember that even at your messiest, you're a fashion icon. You just happen to get up close and personal with dirt. #equestrianfashion #fashion #style #horsestyle #equestrian #horses #horsegirl #riding #countrystyle #countrygirl #oldmoneylooks #horsesofinstagram
4 weeks ago
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1/6
FINALLY got some mounted photos on my boy! I can't believe it took this long, but I'm happy it finally happened. Stu loved just standing here, it was his favorite part of the whole ride. He's a good stander, and I'm a good sitter, I'm  wearing my amazing @syncequestrian breeches so I'm basically glued to him.

Thank you @nataliaornatascha you're so good at this!! 

#equestrianlife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #warmbloodsofinstagram #equestrian #ridinglife #horses #horsephotos
FINALLY got some mounted photos on my boy! I can't believe it took this long, but I'm happy it finally happened. Stu loved just standing here, it was his favorite part of the whole ride. He's a good stander, and I'm a good sitter, I'm  wearing my amazing @syncequestrian breeches so I'm basically glued to him.

Thank you @nataliaornatascha you're so good at this!! 

#equestrianlife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #warmbloodsofinstagram #equestrian #ridinglife #horses #horsephotos
aneqlife
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FINALLY got some mounted photos on my boy! I can't believe it took this long, but I'm happy it finally happened. Stu loved just standing here, it was his favorite part of the whole ride. He's a good stander, and I'm a good sitter, I'm wearing my amazing @syncequestrian breeches so I'm basically glued to him. Thank you @nataliaornatascha you're so good at this!! #equestrianlife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #warmbloodsofinstagram #equestrian #ridinglife #horses #horsephotos
3 months ago
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2/6
There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy.

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy.

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy.

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
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There's nothing like a summer day with horses. You may end up dirty and sweaty, but you'll never be so happy. #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horsefarm #virginia #horsecountry #countryside #farmlife #lovehorses
5 months ago
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3/6
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible!

#iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
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Well, after you disappear for a while, reappearing in Iceland is pretty cool. Good thing I now have the travel bug because I still need to ride an Icelandic horse there. But just seeing it was still pretty incredible! #iceland #blacksand #travel #travelgram #travellife #icelandtravel
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
He makes me happy but also causes confused and vacant expressions, but like, overall, pretty happy

#horsesofinstagram #horsegirl #equestrian #instahorse #horselife
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He makes me happy but also causes confused and vacant expressions, but like, overall, pretty happy #horsesofinstagram #horsegirl #equestrian #instahorse #horselife
9 months ago
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5/6
When you have to  guess at what your trainer said 🤷 more leg is always acceptable

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrian #horses #horselife #moreleg #ridinglesson
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When you have to guess at what your trainer said 🤷 more leg is always acceptable #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrian #horses #horselife #moreleg #ridinglesson
9 months ago
View on Instagram |
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