This story starts out last week when the horses (except for Smooch who was in solitary confinement due to some barbed wire injuries) got out into the neighboring Snake River Ranch. Robin found the gate down and my theory is that a ranch hand left the gate open after monkeying with the flood irrigation control devices in the pasture that Robin leases from the ranch. Anyway, she was out all morning collecting horses and had to cross Lake Creek, which I didn't even realize was there (I thought it was a small creek or maybe an irrigation canal). After examining the property and inspecting fences later that afternoon (I hate barbed wire!!!), I found this wonderful warm water creek (Lake Creek) that had a bridge over it leading to the Snake River Ranch property. Actually it is the Snake River Ranch property, creek and all. So I had another brilliant idea for a ride. I wanted to take Smooch out with Rocky (who is a strong horse and has no problems with obstacles or water crossings) and work on crossing this fairly imposing bridge, and maybe even some water crossings. Robin had a friend that used to ride through the ranch up to Ski Lake in the National Forest. We didn't exactly have permission to ride through the Ranch, but Robin thought it would be OK, so we decided to investigate a possible route to Ski Lake.
On the way out we crossed the bridge. Smooch has never had a problem with bridges, but this one was a little imposing and had a step off on the other side. These pictures are from the second pass over (over and back), the first was led by Rocky. Pictures are once again, by Robin.
We rode through the pasture along the creek and over a few irrigation canals. Getting Smooch to cross them was difficult because they are narrow, deep, and muddy. Once I had to get off and lead him over (which he did with a great leap!). There were also many boggy areas which are great practice because most horses (including Smooch) naturally have a fear of deep mud. It wasn't long before he was a pro at boggy mud. Having a strong horse like Rocky to lead the way through is a great training tool to avoid a fight. We found a possible way to Ski Lake, but there was a closed gate and it was posted. So we turned around and headed back.
On the way back I wanted to cross the creek. Robin said "great, why not", but it took some explaining on my part that I meant through the water, not over the bridge. She was OK with that too. So we found a nice place to cross above stream from the bridge and Rocky led the way again. Then it was across and back again for photos.
To be continued...
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