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Home » trail riding

Stallion Springs Trail Ride

August 7, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Stallion SpringsStallion Springs Trail Ride

Friends and I explored the Stallion Springs area of the Tehachapi Mountains in Central California. There is plenty of room for your horse trailer at the intersection of Horse Thief and Mustang, called Buckskin Park. You’ll find a few horse pens, hitching posts, and picnic tables to enjoy. From here (our elevation was about 4,000 feet), you can horseback ride in a couple of directions. Some trails are alongside the streets, but the residents are very respectful of horseback riders and take care.

At the time of this video, some trails needed maintenance, but that won’t always be the case. Stallion Springs Trail Maps: https://www.stallionspringscsd.com/equestrian-hiking-trails

Stallion SpringsThere were five of us riding on this outing.  Two of the people knew the area well.  Stallion Springs, and the Tehachapi area is a very horse-friendly.  While we ride through residential areas, the lots are big and far apart.  There are lots of oak trees.  I believe there are five distinct types of oaks in the area.   As we rode through one area, a group had labeled many of the plants.

Most of the group drove from places with a little elevation.  Scratch lives at 500 feet.  I found he was huffing and puffing going up the hills.  The temps can reach the high 80s in the summer.  At that elevation, it feels even warmer.

Stallion SpringsAs we wound around the mountains, magnificent vistas of the Tehachapi valley would emerge.  Then, we would turn around another corner and trees and mountains surrounded us.

Wildlife and the Old Golf Course

Real estate in the area took a hit a few years back.  As a result, the Stallion Springs golf course lost its owner.  It’s overgrown now.  Golfers knew the course for its fast greens and rocky terrain.

We saw a few deer from the trail.  Two elk walked through Buckskin Park as we unsaddled.  There have been some reports of rattlesnakes in the area.  Keep an eye out.

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Filed Under: The Podcast, YouTube Tagged With: adventure, Entertainment, Fun Stuff, horseback riding, Inspiration, trail riding, video

Ride Your Horse on Planet Vasquez Rocks

July 31, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Vasquez Rocks ~ Ride Your Horse On Another Planet 

Vasquez RocksTucked away in the little city of Agua Dulce, just off the 14 freeway in Southern California, are Vasquez Rocks.  Vasquez Rocks got its name from the bandit Tiburcio Vasquez.  Some have characterized Vasquez as a Robin Hood, while others have made him out as a womanizer.  Most agree he lived outside the law.  When he allegedly killed some men near Hollister, California, his gang rode to Southern Cal to escape capture.  For a time he hid in the area that now bears his name.  He eluded capture by using the rock formations and caves to hide.

In the 1930’s, a movie director suggested Vasquez Rocks as a shooting location for Tibet.  This was the beginning of a new relationship with Hollywood.  Og course it was a favorite setting for Westerns.  The Texas Ranger (1931) and the Gambler (1939) used the rocky back drop to simulate the Old West.

When television arrived, Vasquez Rocks’ popularity grew.  The Lone Ranger, Cheyenne, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, The Wild Wild West, and Hondo used the rocks at least once.

In 1967, Vasquez Rocks got its big break in Hollywood.  The crew of the Enterprise landed right in its backyard.  It was used to fight the Gorns.  They also used the rocks in the movie production of Star Trek IV as the planet Vulcan.

Our Ride to Vasquez Rocks

It has shortened the park hours because of COVID.  But, because the Pacific Crest Trail runs through the park, you can get in through those entrances.  There’s parking on Escondido Canyon Road.  They charge no admission to get into the park.

Pertinent Information

Vasquez Rocks Website

10700 West Escondido Canyon Road
Agua Dulce, CA 9139

Park Telephone: (661) 268-0840

If you go in the summer, it can get warm so leave early.  It wouldn’t hurt to take water and a light snack.  There are some trail maps to follow.  For most of our ride you could often see the 14 Fwy. on one side or the houses on the other.  It really helped with orientation.  The terrain can be rock in places.  If your horse has tender feet, I would suggest boots.

Enjoy!

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Filed Under: The Podcast, YouTube Tagged With: adventure, Entertainment, Fun Stuff, horseback riding, Inspiration, trail riding, video

Hansen Dam Group Ride ~ VIDEO

July 24, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Hansen DamWorking on my Video Channel

I’ve had a YouTube Channel for 12 years now.  Back in 2008, I began shooting experiences with my mare Jessie.  The very first video was of us working cows.  A lesson my wife bought us for my birthday.

Through the years, I’ve chronicled many of our rides and adventures.  Video editing software was difficult to use back then.  I wasn’t very good at either shooting or editing.  Over the last two years, I’ve studied video editing and production.  I’ll admit, it’s still scary in front of the camera.  But I have a desire to share our knowledge and experiences, and this is the best way.

My goal is to shoot quality videos of trail rides, travel, horse training, and things-you-should-know.  As difficult as it is to be behind the camera and on top of a horse, I’m trying it.  I hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and offer feedback and suggestions.

Hansen Dam Trail Ride

Several years ago we did an ETI Trail Trial at Hansen Dam Recreational Area in Lakeview Terrace, California.  It was my first experience with an ETI trial and we had a lot of fun.  Hansen Dam is easy to get to.  Just off the 210 Freeway near Sylmar, there is ample parking for a group of trailers.

Gabrielino Equestrian Park is located there.  A warm-up arena with good footing is next to the parking lot.

Different sections of the area offer different trail rides.  In one section there is thick growth with many creek crossings.  In other areas there is rocky, almost desert -like terrain.  Our ride took us through both areas.  We had an experienced guide, but if you’re good with directions, it would be difficult to get lost.  The 210 freeway is visible from almost anywhere, and we use it as a landmark.

On one of our trail rides there, we rode under the freeway, up Little Tujunga Canyon, to a food truck is in the middle of a nursery.  It’s called the Hideaway Cafe Food Truck.  It serves good Mexican food and there is a place to tie up your horse.

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Filed Under: The Podcast, YouTube Tagged With: adventure, Entertainment, Fun Stuff, horseback riding, Inspiration, trail riding, Travel, video

Horsemanship in Germany

September 17, 2019 by John Leave a Comment

Horsemanship in Germany

horsemanship in GermanyI got a very thoughtful email from a listener.  Christian lives in Germany with his wife and three children. It sounds like he has a demanding white-collar job.  He was very complimentary of the podcast – one of his favorites was the episode with cowboy Bill Mooney – He encouraged us to keep producing them. Thanks Christian. I’ve had several emails back and forth with Christian.  His English is very good. Through the emails I’ve learned a little about his life and horsemanship in Germany. He gave me permission to share some of his story.

Horsemanship in Germany is different.  According to Christian,  women and girls dominate the horse industry. Now, I’m not saying that like it’s a bad thing, only to show that Christian had a few more hurdles to get to where he is today.  His family was not wealthy, either.  For him to pursue his passion for horses as a teenager was definitively a challenge.

And, when you pursue a dream, sometimes luck has a way of finding you too.  After college, Christian worked for an international company that sent him to their plant in Evanston, Wyoming.  While there he visited a ranch where he found himself on the back of a horse once again.

This is Christian’s story.  I hope you enjoy it.

Join Us on this Journey

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we’ll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #155

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http://traffic.libsyn.com/duhpodcast/Ep_155_Christian_from_Germany.mp3

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Filed Under: The Podcast Tagged With: adventure, dressage, Education, Fun Stuff, horseback riding, Horsemanship, Inspiration, trail riding, Training

Safety on the Trail – Learning the Ropes

September 3, 2019 by John Leave a Comment

Safety on the trailSafety on the Trail – Learning the Ropes

It’s a bit of a shame that we even have to talk about safety on the trail.  Once upon a time, it was you, your horse, and the countryside. If you did a good job with your horse, you were safe.  Nowadays, there are outside factors.  Besides the usual dogs, as the open areas get gobbled up with developments, it forces many of us to ride in more urban areas.  That puts us into contact with more people who don’t know or care about horses.  As homelessness increases, we encounter tents and encampments.  People come out begging for money.  Or as we ride along the river, they are along the bank bathing or doing dishes.  The site of someone splashing around in the water unsettles many horses.

Thinking About Safety on the Trail

I’ve found that a little preparation goes along way from preventing disaster.  Having a few basic tools at your fingertips can solve many problems.  Pepper Spray is a powerful deterrent for unwanted advances from both people and dogs.  Carrying a $2 whistle helps you alert others nearby that you may need help.  Ensure that your cell phone is on your person and NOT in a saddlebag in case you get unseated from your horse.  And, there are many more “little” things you can do to improve your safety on the trail.

Local Boarding Stable Gets Proactive

Our local boarding stable, Rancho Rio Equestrian Center,  is being proactive about safety on the trail.  They’ve hired trainer Elmo Sheeran.  Elmo is a retired Sheriff Deputy who has trained many mounted police forces.  Teaching civilian rider is quite different.  The main difference, according to Elmo, is civilians need training in moving away from danger.  Law enforcement moves carefully toward danger.  Elmo will teach a class on Safety on the Trail at the equestrian center later this year.

Join Us on this Journey

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we’ll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #154

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/duhpodcast/Ep_154_Safety_on_the_Trail.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Filed Under: The Podcast Tagged With: adventure, Education, horse tips, horseback riding, Horsemanship, trail riding, Training

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