That’s Darginka watching the 50 milers leave for their ride. It was good timing at sunrise and I managed to get a few photos of them. In my very last shot the sun rose and shone on the riders, oh man the light was perfect, but we had to get ready for our start in the 25 mile ride! Darginka was actually energetic and forward at the start and I let her choose her pace. For the first 10 miles (16km) she moved out beautifully and even cantered. Then she just decided that was enough and we pretty much walked the rest of the way. I kept trying to encourage her to follow some of the other horses passing us but she was happy to just walk and wouldn’t be persuaded. Next time I’m going to bring a camera and just relax and enjoy the rest of the ride!! We made pulse parameters immediately and got all As at both checks and finished the ride in 21st spot out of 75 riders entered.

The Home on the Range ride was held near Washtukna, WA. The countryside is gorgeous and Darginka just wanted to be turned out and left on the range. Greg Beckley and other landowners in the area are working together to make a huge recreational area on their amazing properties.

Cathy Leddy had her Akhal-Teke gelding Galen and rode with Wendy Connell and her cool Nez Pierce (Akhal-Teke crossed with Appaloosa) mare Ali (Alpowa) on the 50 mile ride. Shannon Mayfield and Octopelle (Akhal-Teke-Arabian cross, by Aliger) were also riding the 25 miler, although I don’t think I saw them. And Monica Bretherton took her beautiful Taz (Akhal-Teke-Quarter Horse cross, by Astrachan) on the 12 mile ride. Next time we are getting together and I want photos!!

You can check out more photos and ride stories on the following blogs:
Monica Bretherton’s Horsebytes
Cathy Leddy’s Cascade Gold
Shannon Mayfield’s Mayfield Magic

And here is Cathy Leddy on her Akhal-Teke gelding Galen (MV Moondancer x Galka 4):