Hunter’s Camp at Sam Houston Forest, Sept. 3, 2007

The temperature was so darned pleasant you might think fall is coming soon.  Low 80’s with slightly overcast skies made for very comfortable riding conditions.  The trails were good with solid footing and surprisingly little water standing given all the rain we’ve had this summer.  And every now and again a faint breeze filtered through the woods.  We rode the trails and never saw another soul until close to the end.  Truth be told, it couldn’t have been a better morning for a trail ride in East Texas.

This was my first trip to the area but won’t be the last.  The vegetation is lovely and the trails in many areas are little used - providing the effect making your way through the forest.  The two hour ride was over much too quickly and the trail ended back at the camp site where Ken Sanders had kindly set up a tent for a picnic lunch.  As always with the CEA folks, companionship and conversation were enjoyable.

There was conversation about a ride after lunch and it was VERY tempting to forget the responsibilities back home and stay for another two hours of total relaxation.  And did I mention we were all entertained by Mike D’s horse lying down for a snooze when we stopped for a short break on the trail?

 

Swim Party / Ice Cream Social, (July 21, 2007)
 

The email reminder said “Rain or shine we will have our annual summer get-to-gather.  Starts at six”.  A relief, the party was a go despite the soggy summer skies threatening to add more water to wet pastures.  The guests began to arrive as per the email at 6:00 and laid out the appetizers they brought, opened bottles of wine and the party was in progress.  But oddly, there were no hosts.  The doors had all been open, the lights on welcoming us but no one was home.  We mingled, nibbled and drank until finally, sometime after 6:30, the hostess arrived – covered in mud.  A new fashion trend for The Commons:  arriving late for the party you are giving splattered with sticky gumbo?

But remember, these are horse people.  And our host couple had been spending the past hour running down the pipeline after their horses.  As the hostess disappeared, hopefully for the shower, the host arrived and his greeting to the party-goers was “for the record, I did not leave the gate open”.   And the stories flowed fast and furious.  Everyone there had also “not left the gate open” but been in a position to chase down horses once or twice.  Camaraderie among horse owners is like nothing else.

At the risk of sound like the Huffman Food Critique, we have to mention the perfectly grilled hamburgers served with fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce.  The side dishes brought by fellow Equestrian Association members were testament that we are educated in things other than horses.  But the true affirmation of culinary talents was made apparent at the desert table.  When was the last time you had home churned vanilla custard ice cream with fresh strawberry puree?  Luscious.  But that is just the beginning.  There was a tribute to chocolate with a variety of rich, decadent offerings and a three-story carrot cake.  One content desert connoisseur was spotted with a plate heaped full to which Ken Sanders was moved to say “you’re going to eat ALL that?” and she did!

For fun, enjoyable conversation, terrific food and spending time with the best people in The Commons, the place to be is a Commons Equestrian Association event.  Don’t let the next one happen without you.

 

ROMANCE ON THE TRAIL, THE NIGHT RIDE (July 1, 2006)

As the group left the Davis’ the horses began to jockey for position.  The riders were lively and spoke of the good food and fun they had all just enjoyed.  It was a warm night and the late afternoon rain had left the air heavy.  But when the group spread out on the pipeline, the heavy air gave way to a light breeze that was magnified by the movement of the horses.  The quarter moon slipped in and out of the clouds and added a wash of light to the path ahead.

The chatter continued to Kingwood Drive but the sounds of the night began to be more noticeable.  The frogs and crickets grew louder and together with the heavy breathing of the horses became a background chorus.  And then the group split, it was late and time to turn in earnest toward home. 

With only the two of us, the sounds of the night became louder than our thoughts.  The moon, now solidly covered with clouds, offered no help in seeing the way.  The lights of the houses we passed offered only the faintest lights, it was dark.  The horses picked their way carefully, startled on occasion but they, too, seemed to enjoy the peaceful setting that enveloped us.  Horses, night and the sounds of nature were the only intrusions on us.  Gone were thoughts of tomorrow’s plans and whatever demands would be placed upon us then. 

A romantic night ride in The Commons is one to remember.  If you haven’t ridden at night, go for it, and if you have, remember the feeling and go again.  We miss a wonderful experience by only thinking of riding as a day time activity.  But do it with someone close to you as it is even better.   

 

The Mardi Gras Trail Ride

The Mardi Gras Trail Ride We invited 2 friends and one co-worker to the Mardi Gras ride. The friends were eager to ride with us and since they are beginners we joked about improving their riding skills and having a good time learning to ride better. But my co-worker, call him Bob, talked of the riding he had done in the past and how much time he spent in the saddle growing up in West Texas. He was ready to get back in the saddle and ride into the sunset. The day was gorgeous and the trails were in top condition. Off we went. Within 30 minutes, his litany began: the saddle didn’t fit, his legs were too short and finally, the horse is poorly trained. To which we answered with our litany; toes up, heels down, sit up straight. And after 30 more minutes we found ourselves behind Jo Sanders and her Paso and their quick stepping and the bouncing began. Bob bounced for the next hour with almost every other breath asking “are we there yet?” We were mean, I admit it but by this point, we had heard enough about our poorly trained horse and ill-fitting saddle and we couldn’t help but chuckle with every bounce. And finally, the ride was over. The gumbo was absolutely wonderful and for a few moments, Bob forgot about his backside and inability to feel his toes in his boots. On the next Monday at work, he sheepishly admitted he was sore. Then the next Monday and then the next Monday rolled around and he was STILL sore. We have not seen Bob in the Commons since!