The long wait is over! Spring has finally sprung here in Western NY. It seems like the leaves came out and the grass sprouted up overnight! Spring doesn’t just bring us warmer weather and greener views, it also brings us more work! Spring cleanup isn’t my favorite thing to do once the weather breaks. Picking up sticks and raking up the last of the fall leaves is really the last thing I want to do once the warm weather hits. I want to hit the trail, breathe in the fresh air, feel the energy and life in the forest, share quality time with my horse, and finally be reminded why I worked so hard all winter to maintain healthy horses.
It seems like no matter where I go on the internet this time of year there are advertisements for horse shows, organized trail rides, clinics, and the inevitable pleas for volunteers to help clear designated horse trails. We are very lucky to have access to many designated horse trails in our area, but every year the same struggle is felt across the region – everyone wants to ride, but so few seem to have the time to help. And, while I understand that our riding time is limited, without help, the trails waver between staying open and having to be closed down. I commend those that give countless hours to the trail cause! The hours of hiking, clearing, and maintaining that are necessary to keep the trails open and safe so we can all enjoy them are exhausting and labor intensive. But, imagine if everyone who used the trails gave even an hour of their time hiking one single section of the trail or riding the trail and hopping off to move a limb that’s fallen across the trail... I know, it sounds easy, but the reality is, many of us can hardly find the time to sneak in a ride, let alone set aside time to volunteer. So, consider donating to your local trail system instead. Supplies are always needed and it’s a way to help keep the trails open even if you can’t physically be there.
Here at Hay Hoarder, we are very thankful for the access we have to so many trail systems. We are equally thankful for all the hard working volunteers that donate their time and energy to provide the rest of us with such amazing places to ride! We hope that while you’re out there enjoying the spring weather and exploring the equestrian trail system in your neck of the woods that you’ll consider volunteering your time or donating to your local trail organization. Let’s all try to do our part to make sure these trails stay open!
Happy Trails from Team HH