Gaited Horse Training : Horse Classifieds : Gaited Horses : Online Magazine

GOING Gaited

ONLINE

When the going gets rough... go gaited!

MAGAZINE

f o r g a i t e d h o r s e e n t h u s i a s t s

Photo of Ivory Pal by Cheri Prill Tennessee Walking Horse Issue August 2010

Like this article? Send it to a friend!

Column

Archive

Have a question or comment for the gait trainers? Email them at gaittrainers@goinggaited.com or browse the Ask the Expert forum here.

EQUINE

TRIP OF A

LIFETIME

Helen Cary

Our travels had taken us through a variety of mountains in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Driving through the Virgin River Gorge, was a landscape like none I had ever seen. one can only imagine the violent forces it took to create such topography. Our last stop in Arizona was actually right on the Utah border. We stayed in the community of Fredonia. Lots of riding on the Utah side of the border, around Kanab. We found another old movie set, this one had been used to film some Gunsmoke episodes. Fences kept me from having much of a photo shoot.

Our Geldings experienced the only health issue we had the entire trip while in Fredonia. Weather was sunny and 60s in the day time, but dropped down to the low 20s at night. Our guys had finally dropped their winter hair, which would have been bad enough. Add to that the non stop wind, bringing the chill factor down into the teens. The place we were staying in, had no shelter for them, just pipe stalls. And while she had some horses in stalls, many of hers were just completely out in the weather. This was common, so I guess the horses adapt. After 2 nights of frozen water, our guys went off their feed. They wanted their heated water buckets and warm stalls. We bought blankets, and put them in the trailer one night. We had the gas heat on in the living quarters, and left the walk through door open. Their water didn't freeze that night. We gave them probiotics, and a couple of days off. They started eating again, and recovered quickly. I spent lots of hours out by the corral keeping an eye on them. We had inquired about equine vets, so we would be ready if they needed one. They never became acutely ill, rolling, sweating, panting and showing signs of serious pain. Stools were dry, bowel sounds were slow but present, so I felt secure in giving them the probiotics and waiting a little. We celebrated when they started eating again, and jumped for joy over manure piles. Horse people, are a breed apart. No doubt about it.

While the guys were recovering, Jerry and I did some sight seeing. We found the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument land. I have never seen such colorful hills. The first time we were there, I didn't have my camera, just my phone. Those pictures were still stunning. The hills looked like they were covered with Navaho blankets in pinks and grays and rusts and gold. Thank goodness it was OK to ride there. We had a great afternoon there on horseback. We didn't even use the boots, rode for about 4 hours through some of the most beautiful nature on earth. Lots of history markers to keep us in touch with the story of the land.

We decided to visit the North rim of the Grand Canyon while in this area. We were so disappointed to find out that they don't open the main gate into the North Rim until Mid May. We stopped at a restaurant near there, and local lady told us she could tell us how to get into the park via back roads. She drew us a map, describing the roads as wash board, steep, winding, narrow, no guard rails....so I drove! Jerry has a thing about heights, but I really just wanted to give him the chance to enjoy the sights. 40 miles of said roads later, we were treated to the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. We were glad we had made the effort. It would have been so sad to be that close, and miss it. I had hoped we would see the Condors that have been released up there, maybe next time. Besides, the drive was crazy fun. I felt like I was playing one of those driving video games. Our 3500 Dually 4X4 was up to the challenge, even if I was hanging on for dear life. I was glad we weren't pulling the trailer. This story continues......