Caroling on Horseback - Christmas 2007

Full Story of our evening, click here

ERIN - BEFORE	ERIN - AFTER

View YouTube Video of Caroling here

1st Annual Neighborhood Caroling Ride

This adventure was inspired by Karen of Curlies Austria. The idea was to visit our neighbors that have graciously allowed us to cross their property all summer long in order to reach the state land trails. Because of them, we had an amazing summer of riding and we just wanted to thank them in person.

Those involved were: My good friends Sue & Erin on their trusty mounts Lacy and Bailey, both QH's. I of course was riding my ol' pal Reese, a Bashkir Curly. My husband Tom was our assistant for the night and he hauled Reese to Sue's for me. Once there, he unhooked the trailer so that he could escort us with his truck (when it was time) along the highway home. This is an important fact here, so remember it - I'll get back to that a bit later. ;-) Just a hint, I think my husband has a little Popeye in him...or maybe hercules!

Our horses were dressed in garland, bows and battery operated christmas lights. I was GEEKED. I LOVE things like this!!! I think Sue's main focus was staying warm. ;-) We headed out at 4:00 because it would take us about an hour to reach our first neighbor. (see map) Wolves have been spotted in our area, so we wanted to be out of the woods by nightfall. That hour allowed us some time to warm up our voices...which for some of us really didn't help much (I for one can't sing!) but we had fun anyway! The snow was so pretty - we have about 2 feet right now. We had to blaze our own trail at one point too, but it was light and fluffy, so that made it easy. Just 2 seconds up the trail and Sue was already shaking her hands from the cold. I had tons of handwarmer packs in my backpack, so we stopped to fix that problem. (the cold hands, not Sue. ;-)) Lol

Our first 2 neighbors were not home but we left a bag of cookies at the first home (that Sue baked, yum!) which I carried in my backpack along with a Christmas Card. Knowing I am a picture freak, Erin offered to snap a few pics. What a gal! We then reached the Moores and they were having a birthday party for Thomas. They knew we were coming and everyone was outside waiting for us. The moon was out and we started singing as we approached them. Our battery lights looked so awesome! All of a sudden the camera flashes started going off! lol. And they offered the horses carrots. Reese loved that! It was such a hoot. As we left, we met up with Tom at the highway and he escorted us by following behind in his diesel pick up. The pavement was wet and the cars going by would spray a bit but the horses were SO amazing! They encountered dogs, kids bouncing around and just about anything you could imagine in the dark....and handled it like old pros. We were just so proud of them!

On the way home, we stopped quick at another neighbor and at first we thought they weren't home...so we tried to put more hand warmers in Sue's boots because she was really cold. (we REALLY need to get this girl fixed up with some winter clothing!!) But she just couldn't do it while mounted on her very huge mare. (I think she needs to invest in a pony) We still had 30 min. til we got home and I was worried about her. All of a sudden Jim came to the door and invited her to come in to get warm and get those warmers in her boots. Erin and I waited outside in the cold night air.....shivering.... while holding her horse......HA! Just kidding....we were fine! Okay...Sue's all set? Ah, Nope...now she has to find a way to get back on this huge mare of hers in these big bulky clothes? (back to her needing that pony) Good ol' Jim brought out a step ladder for her! He chuckled and said he loves helping damsels in distress. lol. What a great guy! Suzy seemed pretty good now -- so we were on our way again. Let's get this girl home!! HA.

After 2 1/2 hours -- riding at 20 deg, a full moon, star filled sky and a perfect snowy night, we arrived back at the barn. I was still quite toasty in my extreme winter riding gear!

Now back to the truck & trailer.....WELL, as Erin & Sue hustled to untack their horses, feed them and head inside where it was warm....Tom arrived and started hooking up the trailer. I untacked Reese and gave him some hay and waited. Low and behold he says, "well, I just busted the handle off the trailer" -- What? (this is where Tom turned into hercules!) Our trailer is NEW!! Apparently it was frozen and when he tried to crank down the hitch, it just snapped off. He tried to use a pair of plyers but it was just too cold. It was like the whole inside casing was full of ice. SO, the only thing left to do if I wanted to get my horse home was to ride him there. If we trotted, we could make it back in about 25 min. or so. SO, I tacked him back up and off we went...with Tom in tow following us. WE had 2 miles of highway to get home, a stretch of road that I normally hate to ride on because there isn't much shoulder and it is along the back of the bay where it is wide open and the wind can be really cold and gusty. (see map) Reese was incredible. I just could'nt believe that he trotted most of the way happily, as cars zipped by and after a long night of riding already. (I wondered what those people were thinking! lol) As we got close to home, I darted into the woods to my usual trail that goes to the barn. It was SO quiet...beautiful. I just tried to take it all in. The moon was so full and the stars lit the sky. It reflected off the snow like a night light. I felt so blessed in so many ways. To have a horse like Reese in my life, such a wonderful husband who supports all my goofy ideas and such awesome friends!!! This was the very best Christmas present ever --- such great memories. I am sure this will be an annual event!

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