I took a chance on the weather today and I am so glad that I did. We loaded Tarma up and went to our favorite nearby state park, Milo McIver. There are a series of obstacles built by the North Valley chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails, of which yours truly is somehow currently the VP of Field Services.
I had no idea how Tama would do as this was our first official outing in which I did not take her either to the farrier or to the vet to get drugged up and her teeth done, so I can understand why she was a little hesitant to load up. She trailered just fine and I am so glad that I finally got my trailer camera figured out as it is such a relief to know how my driving is for her. She popped off the trailer with a few big snorts and a really big shake and then we were off to the races.
I also once again used my spawn as a guinea pig; he rode her while I led her. Even though they were sadly no other trailers in the parking lot when we got there, I went ahead and threw Kade up on her because she was so calm. She was definitely alert and not quite sure about everything, but not spooky in any way. She was pretty cool throughout the whole thing. The only struggle we had was with the balance beam, which I’m starting to think that’s me because Flash couldn’t figure it out with me either. Other than that she was perfect. I did discover how far I have to go to get fit again, because walking the meadow loop around McIver took the breath right out of me for a little while.
I can’t wait until I get her rear Renegades ordered as I think a few more outings like this and she’ll be good for me to ride!
On the loose 
Are Renegades the orange things you have on her front feet? Are they to protect her feet in rough or rocky terrain? I have never done any real trail adventures but I would like to know what equipment I would need if I did.
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Yup, they are a brand of hoofboots. You have three basic options for good protection these days; barefoot, steel or composite shoes or boots. Tarma’s soles aren’t very thick and everything is so wet and soft here I use hoofboots when we go on the big gravel so she doesn’t get sore, hopefully by summer her feet will be healthy enough to go barefoot 🙂
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I also like the Renegades. I used to have a bright orange pair for my unshod pony, Pumpkin Spice. They were pretty easy to take on and get off (unlike some other brands I tried). Easy to hose off and keep clean. I liked the bright orange color because if you would happen to lose one, they are easier to find than a darker pair. I once was riding my pony, Bear, on a trail ride when a companion lost a black hoof boot in a patch of deep mud. Took quite a while to find it without a pop of bright color to distinguish it from the mud.
That obstacle course sounds like fun! I sure wish I had something like that close by in my area. Love to play around with stuff like that. Glad you had a good first outing with your new mare!
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