It will be fun, they said
A few weeks ago, WallE and I were sporadically invited to do a hunter pace. I had heard about 'hunter paces' before and how they consist of trails with jumps and you aim for an optimal time, but really did not know much about them. I imagined a thirty minute track with optional jumps scattered about. I was very wrong.
WallE and I were invited to participate in a group (I had no idea groups were even allowed). Our group opted to do the full hunter pace instead of the mini hunter pace.
I cleared my Sunday and planned to meet the group around 11:30am. I enjoy solo trips with WallE. When I get to spend the entire day, doing horse things for myself (with no other concerns or obligations), it makes me very happy. I spent my time readying the trailer, packing our tack on and grooming WallE before heading out. When I drive the paid for truck and trailer, with my horse on it, it gives me a great feeling of accomplishment. A feeling of 'I've made it.'
We arrived and were directed to park on a grassy hillside. This makes me nervous, because my truck does not have four-wheel drive, but with a few hiccups we navigated the terrain and found a good spot. I put the emergency brake on and lept out to sprint to the port-a-potty. After using a less than tidy toilet, I met my group and we registered for the event.
WallE stood on the trailer like a champ. This is something I think I sometimes undervalue with WallE. Once he gets onto the trailer, he is in his 'quiet space.' I think he feels safe and content that he will not be bothered.
I unloaded WallE, let him eat some grass and then tacked him up. I opted for the airvest as protection and no gloves (since I did not think we would be out for more than thirty minutes). A group member came to meet me, we mounted, met our other group member and went to the start. The timer, gave us a lengthy list of instructions before sending us out.
I had discussed with my group, that I would like WallE to be in the lead so that he behaved his very best. He can sometimes be a bit silly/snotty if he feels left behind and being in the front (knowing he will behave better) helps me to feel more confident as well. We took off at a trot and proceeded to trot up and down some very grassy areas before going into our first stretch of trees. For a good while, we trotted and cantered over grassy fields, in and out of tree patches and enjoyed the scenery. Only once did WallE get a bit snarky, when our teammate cantered beside us.
Eventually, the horses seemed to settle and it was time for a walk break. While we were walking we discussed the hunter pace and went into more detail about the length. 10-12 miles is the normal length for a hunter pace...I had no idea. At this point, I turned on my mile tracker so that we could track our miles ridden and promised WallE an apple when we returned home. We entered the forest and traveled for the next hour, primarily at the walk. WallE enjoyed the loose rein and was quite the trail champion.
After about an hour at the walk and trot in a very forested area, we worked down a hillside to a large creek to cross. WallE put his head down and enjoyed drinking water before leading the group across. On the other side of the creek, there were more creeks that seemed scarier to the rider. The first was in gully type set up, so of course WallE walked down and then LUNGED out and up the hill. At least he was brave and without much hesitation. The our other teammates followed suit, each taking off a little before the last. The final horse basically jumped the entire gully. I find myself wondering if they watch one another as they navigate the obstacles and think about how they will cross, or just wait for their turn and wing it.
The next creek was flatter, but had more obstacles in it (rocks, pipes, logs and other items). WallE jumped across it the first time, but we ended up walking back and forth several times to help a teammate cross. After another mile or so of trotting, cantering and walking through the forest, we crossed the big creek and headed towards the last leg of the ride.
We had to cross an actual road with cars. Luckily, there was a police car and officer stationed at the trail head to help us cross safely. Right after the road, there was a creek with a waterfall...surprisingly all the horses crossed easily and without balking at anything. We worked through the wide trails with the horses becoming more and more ready to be done and get back to their trailers. Maybe thirty or forty minutes after we crossed the road, we re-crossed the road, cantered up the hill and over the finish line.
Three hours or perhaps three years after leaving our trailer, we returned. Distance riding is difficult and seems to go on forever to me. Luckily, WallE seems to enjoy it for the most part and is a great trail companion. I dismounted, let WallE eat grass and drink water (water I brought from home in a huge container so I would not have to walk to a water source). Once WallE was groomed, linimented, wrapped up and safely on the trailer with hay and water, I went and ate what might be the best chicken pot pie I've ever eaten.
The hunter pace might not have been what I was expecting, but it was a great way to spend a Sunday and the experience gave me a great sense of accomplishment and a little endorphin high for the rest of the day. They said it would be fun...and it was.
