Eastern Shore Virginia’s 2018 Fall Trail Ride


by: Marlene email

DSC_2944Keep Calm and Ride Horses was the masterplan for the October 6th weekend when the attendees of the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s Fall Trail Ride arrived on scene. Rescheduled from late last month because of weather, this time around it went off without a hitch. Within moments of arrival, riders turned into busy bees- – unpacking and setting up their campsites, lighting fire pits, chatting with friends, meeting new corral neighbors, walking dogs. Some saddled up for a quick jaunt before dark but most concentrated on feeding, grooming and getting their horses comfortable and settled in after what had been, for many, a long trailer trip to get to the Shore. ( Although many arrived in what I think of as very comfy “horse mansions” on wheels. )

Several of the folks we met had driven down from Delaware and Maryland, including one rider who said her horse Andy was “ just the best” and he had inspired her to buy a little farm. Bouncy little dog Ember’s owner indicated that this was the 8th Ride she had attended and had come to love the Shore just from participating. A lady who hails from nearby Greenbackville, busy feeding some treats to her gorgeous white and chestnut mare, mentioned that she had started attending the precursor to today’s Ride way back when, nearly 30 years ago. Nearby, a group of moms and daughters played cards while their horses munched contentedly just a few feet away. Everywhere, a spirit of calm and happy relaxation reigned.

Saturday is the big day, lots of excitement as riders set off early for a nearly full day excursion. It’s a great opportunity to soak up the Shore’s relaxed coastal ambiance, exploring winding trails through farm fields, into woodlands bordering large waterfront farms, past little freshwater ponds, across roads and over dams, and out onto beaches bordering the Chesapeake Bay, splashing enthusiastically across sand flats, through saltwater shallows. Saturday evening the Station 16 Northampton Fire & Rescue Company, the event sponsor, hosts a big BBQ to celebrate the exciting day, after which most riders are ready to relax by the fire, pleasantly tired, drowsing off to the sweet night music of owls calling from nearby woods and horses nickering softly under the moonlit sky.

 

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