Trail Rides - Page Five
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mountain azalea along the trail

From mid-March through May you'll see well over 100 species of wildflowers. The mountain azalea blooms about mid April. It is one of the more showy wildflowers, actually a bush that grows to about 6 feet high. It has a scent rivaled only by the world's best perfumes. The trails we ride in early spring show a new species in bloom about every week. The bloodroot, which blooms in March with a gorgeous white flower has a blossom which lasts only one day.

deep in the forest

Who says you have to stay on a trail all the time? One of the advantages of riding during the "leaves off" season is you see a lot more of the rock formations that make the Ozark Mountains so unique. A ledge like this one can run for a mile or more. These ledges are wildlife havens. Caves, cavrens, and shelfs make comfortable homes for bobcats, foxes, bears, and several species of small rodents. You'll also see some very interesting trees. Some of the knarled up cedars clinging to the cliffsides are 200 years old or more. Look closely at the big oak tree growing next to the ledge in the top right of the photo.

a deep forest ride

On most of my rides we stick to trails. On occassion if the group wants, we'll explore off trail. This primative experience comes very close to duplicating what early explorerers saw and experienced. Like most responsible horsemen, I am concerned about preserving our wilderness. So I don't conduct too many rides like this one due to environmental impact. But like all things, primitive rides in moderation do not adversely affect the envirionment.

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