TRAIL RIDE NEWS  -  JUNE 2010

     Once again summer is here is full force and the heat is on.  Our SHA trail ride season takes a break until temperatures are more conducive to fun in the saddle.  The Trail Ride Committee has met and has come up with a tentative ride schedule.  Our season begins in October, and rides are always held on the third Saturday of each month, except for December when our Christmas ride and dinner is usually on the first or second Saturday.  Sometimes in March, when we also include our Poker Ride, neither of the two rides will use the third Saturday.  So far, our first ride of the season will be October 16.  Karren Ayotte will lead the group through the Arnett Canyon area near Superior .  Directions to the trailhead, and a more complete schedule will appear in a later Pony Tracks and the Website.

 

 

SHA TRAIL RIDE NEWS  -  MAY 2010

      On Saturday, April 17, we rode the Arizona Trail north of Picketpost Mountain.  We often pick this trail for our April ride because it usually comes through with a great wildflower display.  We followed a three-part route.  The first part includes most of the flower display and runs along a rolling ridgeline with views for miles in all directions.  Next, we drop into Whitford Canyon where a running stream offers refreshment for thirsty horses.  The trail crosses the stream several times and passes through stunning red cliffs and woodsy mesquite groves.  We tied up in the trees along the creek and enjoyed a shady lunch break.  Afterwards we left the AZ Trail as we came out onto the forest service road and followed it back to a right turn which took us to our final stretch…..a long sandy wash which led us almost all the way back to our trailers. 

     SHA is the trail steward for this section of the AZ Trail, and Russ Wright is the coordinator.  Russ and his crew have done a great job of trail maintenance each year, not only trimming overgrown trees, bushes and cactus, but repairing creek crossings and trail footing, especially after flooding rearranges the trail and the trail markers. 

 

      Our SHA trail rides are over with for this season.  Now comes planning for next season’s rides.  Can you help?  We will have a planning meeting the same night as the board meeting on June 2, and at the same place…..the Boys and Girls Club on Idaho and Tepee, just past the Library.  The meeting will begin at 7:00.  We’re looking for ideas on trails to ride, what kind of rides do we want to have, how often, who can lead them, etc.  All input is welcome.  Please let me know if you can attend this meeting.  I will be coming down from Pine, but not if there is no interest.  Call me (Barb Houck) at (928)476-2431, or email me at bghouck@q.com.