On our most recent rides Bestie and I have enjoyed a loop or two around the paddocks. On the first ride about a week ago, the indoor was in use, and although it would've been ok to go in and share the space, it seemed like a better idea to stay outside. After our early January frigid temperatures, mid-month the temperatures had warmed up and felt positively balmy. So refreshing to shed a few layers and take a deep breath without freezing your lungs.
Yesterday's ride was a replay of that earlier ride, except I decided right from the beginning to stay outside. We did two loops around the paddocks, which takes about 20 minutes - sometimes longer if she's in a moseying mood. Yesterday we did one loop pretty quickly and the second loop at a moseying pace. Again, it was in the 40s, warm enough but with a bit of a brisk breeze. The air felt fresh.
Heading out on this route outside is such good exercise for Bestie because on each loop we encounter two uphills and two downhills. I can always feel her working on the uphill portions. Although it's hard to tell from the photo above, the little hills are just steep enough to give her more of a challenge than walking or trotting around in the indoor. And she seems happier, taking in the scenery. Maybe she feels like me - I always feel a bit stir crazy at this time of year - too much time on the treadmill indoors leaves me craving fresh air.
What better way to end the day than coming back to a plushly bedded stall and a waiting mound of hay?
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