For a number of years now there have been isolated cases of the EHV-1 Virus haunting the horse world. The recent outbreak that started at the Cutting horse show in Utah is by far the worst and the deadliest.

What can we do? As horse owners we need to take precautions to protect our horses. One simple way to keep our horses safe is by not sharing horse equipment. I’ve done it myself in the past, but I won’t do it now – don’t share horse tack unless you clean it. Buy each of your horses their own bridles and bits. That is best anyway because you usually have to adjust the size if you share between horses. Each horse should have its own saddle pad and saddle. Again, that just makes good sense and each horse has different conformation so you probably need different saddles to fit your different horses.

Check out this article that talks about taking the EHV-1 outbreak as a wake up call to practice defensive horse keeping. I learned a few things. Maybe it will save a horse.

Horse Parade, Trail Ride and Horse Halloween Costume Contest
Halloween Fun with your Horse!

Halloween is extra fun this year if you’re a horse person in North Texas. On Saturday Oct 30 start out the day with riding in the Lucas Founders Parade starting at the Lucas City Hall. Riders need to assemble behind Lucas City Hall at 665 Country Club Road Lucas, TX starting at 11 AM. There is plenty of room to park your trailers there. The Parade starts at 1 PM.

After the parade haul your horse over to the Brockdale trailhead for a costume contest at 3 PM. This is a favorite event for all ages. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in 3 divisions—adult (over 18), young adult (14-18) and youth (under 14).

After the contest there is a trail ride and a dinner at 6 PM at the trail head. Lucas will also be offering trunk or treating for the littlest citizens at 6 PM back at Lucas City Hall.
If you want to participate, even if you don’t have a horse or you’d like to walk in the parade, contact Tracy Matern (bobtracy at dfwair.net) at 214-495-7493.

You can attend any and all of these events. Please RSVP to Tracy for the Parade and the dinner at the email and telephone number above so we are sure we have enough food for you and can give an estimate to the Lucas Parade organizers. Remember to bring your Coggins papers for the activities at Brockdale Park.

Directions to Brockdale Park (location of costume contest, trail ride and dinner)

To get to Brockdale Park/Trailhead from US 75: exit on Bethany Drive in Allen and go east. Take Bethany Drive through Allen into Lucas (about 5 miles). Continue straight through on Bethany Road, the road changes its name to East Lucas Road and intersects with FM 1378. Go through the stop sign straight on Lucas Road. In about ½ mile, when the road makes a sharp curve, you will see the Lucas Food Mart and gas station on your left and a stop light. Turn left here at stop light on FM 3286 (aka W. Lucas Road) . Go less than a mile to Brockdale Park Road. It turns off to the right. (If you get to the bridge over Lake Lavon you have gone too far.) Follow Brockdale Park Road around to the trailhead. You will drive through three 90-degree turns. The trailhead is at the 3rd 90-degree turn on the right and is bordered by white pipe fence. If you get to the boat ramp you have gone too far.

About Trinity Trail Preservation Association (TTPA)
The Trinity Trail Preservation Association is non-profit all-volunteer equestrian organization whose main purpose is to maintain the 25.5 mile trail on the Corps of Engineers land along Lake Lavon and to network with other trail riders and hikers. For more information, see the Trinity Trail Preservation Association’s website at http://www.trinitytrailriders.org or the TTPA blog site at http://www.trinitytrailsblog.org/.

Winter in Texas can be unpredicable. Growing up as an army brat I lived in a number of different States and countries. Many had hard long winters. Texas does get cold in the winter, but we have wonderful warm breaks. The other day it was nearly 80. A day later the high was 40. Today its back up into the 60s. You can’t get bored with weather like that.

From a horse owners perspective this alternating weather means you need plenty of hay on hand, but also it means that there will be wonderfully warm days to ride on in the middle of winter. Let’s count our blessings and go ride.

Technorati Profile

Spring is a favorite time for trail riding. Start conditioning your horse now so you can enjoy the season.

Consistency helps when it comes to training. Doing 3-4 workouts a week will condition your horse better than one hard ride once a week.

Trotting is the ultimate conditioning gait. Trotting is great exercise for both the horse and the riders.

Incorporate hill work into your training schedule. Hill work conditions. Once a twice a week is recommended.

Good luck.

Horse people love to explore new riding areas. This blog is dedicated to sharing trail information in the north Texas – southern Oklahoma area.

If you know of a place to ride, contact us and we’ll add it to the list.

Trinity Trail – a 25 mile long multi-use trail along Lake Lavon on the east side of Dallas. Maintained by volunteers in the Trinity Trail Preservation Association.

Trail Riders Journal Online - Site has maps of many trails in the areaa for free.

Texas Parks and Wildlife – Many of the State Parks in Texas have equestrian trails and campgrounds. This site provides details on what is available at the different parks.

Horse and Mule Trails – Great site that covers the entire US. Lists trails, campgrounds and places to stay overnight.

Guide to Texas Outside – Site lists hiking, biking and equestrian trails