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I wanted to relate to you the highlights of the trail riding adventure I
planned through "RideCamp" and went on 2 weeks ago. I think it says a lot
about the good things that can come out of relationships built on the "net"
and in this case "RideCamp".
About two months ago when I found out I would be attending a meeting in
San Francisco, I immediately decided to try to find a place to go riding.
Our California friends keep telling us about their great trails, I wanted
to see them first hand. I sent an inquiry out through RideCamp seeking a
rental stable in the San Francisco area. Well, the response from our
California friends was unbelievable. I received not one rental stable
recommendation, but numerous invitations to come ride with various folks
who had extra horses. This was so much more than the response I had
expected. I was overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. Over the next few
weeks numerous e-mails were traded back and forth as we all became friends.
I had decided to centralize my riding activities around San Jose so that I
could also visit a cousin there. As luck would have it most of the
invitations came from folks nearby. Sallijan Snyder and Judy Etheredge
became my electronic tour guides as I aspired to cram in 4 days of riding.
I left Richmond with a full itinerary, and a suitcase full of riding
stuff (including my TrailTech stirrups :) . I had managed to dodge the
questions from my always worried mother and husband about how I met all
these folks from CA. I didn't think telling them we met on the internet
was the best answer for the uninitiated. <grin>
I arrived in San Francisco for my meeting on Thursday. That evening I had
a chance to share a drink with fellow Ridecamper, Linda Romander. Our fun
visit set the tone for the rest of the trip.
On Friday afternoon I quickly escaped the city and headed for San Jose.
Sallijan met me there and gave me the quick tour of Lightfoot Stables where
she boards. We would ride together along with Helen Harvey on Saturday at
Calero Park, a five minute trailer ride away. By the end of that ride I
was already impressed with the beauty of the trails and terrain and quickly
had learned the difference between what the locals called "hills" and
"mountains". I also got to try out Sallijan's Sports Saddle, which I
really liked. We followed the ride with a quick trip to Dominque
Freeman's shop, Go the Distance. Needless to say, I splurged and bought
new biothane tack and lots of other great stuff. One of the few times in
my life when I signed a credit card slip with out looking at the total. I
didn't want to know :)
On Sunday, I journeyed to north to Hayward where I would meet up with Judy
Long and Nick Warhol. I must say that the drive up the hill to their
boarding barn gives new meaning to "a good transmission". Here I was
introduced to their infamous horses, War Paint, Shata, and my mount for the
day, Rowan. We packed up the trailers and hit the road for Mt. Diablo
where I saw incredibly beautiful scenery and trails. I think I'm in
heaven. I'm getting used to the look of the grass covered mountains as
opposed to our heavily timbers ones here in Virginia. Judy and War Paint
left us far behind and Nick became my mounted tour guide, pointing out all
the landmarks. Rowan was clearly happy to be out on the trails again. He
knew his business - I was merely a passenger.
On Monday, I had the ride of a lifetime. I joined Becky Hart and Judith
Orgus back at Lightfoot Stables. From here we trailered to Lexington
Reservoir, just south of San Jose, for a training ride. I rode Lainey, a
little grey arab mare that I would loved to bring home. She had the most
wonderful canter. Yes, I got to go out with Rio! I was close on his heels
as we alternately trotted, cantered and galloped up into the hills. What a
thrill ride! I left with tentative plans to have Becky out for a clinic.
My last day, Tuesday, I rode with Judy Etheredge over in Milipitas. I got
to ride her new arab gelding, Tamaar. The was my last day and by now the
tendonitis in my knees had flared up and I was tired. However, Tamaar and
Judy gave me a great slow ride. Judy gets the prize when it comes to
location. From her barn you can ride forever on some of the most
breathtaking trails I've ever seen. We rode from the area of Ed Levin Park
to Monument Peak and to the edge of the East Bay Regional Park. The ribbon
of trail seems to go forever.
I did find the trails were much easier than ours here in Virginia. The
climbs are soooo gradual and there's not nearly the amount of rock we
suffer with. You can really move out. The maintenance issues are
different as well since most of the trails are in open areas and are more
subject to erosion than downed trees. The lack of natural water on the
trail was also one of the noticeable differences. In our area of Virginia
we have plenty of natural water.
In summary, I was impressed with the "Ridecamp" hospitality, the lovely
horses, and the incredible, never ending trails which always offered
gorgeous views. Someone even arranged for perfect weather :). ***Thanks to
all the RideCamp folks who made this a trail ride adventure I'll always
remember.* ** It was fun to finally get to meet everyone. I learned a
lot about California geography & history, trail issues and alternative
horsekeeping methods. If you ever have a chance to ride in this part of
California - Go for it. You won't be disappointed.
Sally Aungier
sadly back in Powhatan, VA
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