38 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
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EQUINE Lifestyle
the tack room of my horse trailer, he was in a small corral
right next to me. We rode every day, and logged our first
two 40-mile rides during that trip. In keeping with full-disclosure,
we got lost on both of those rides.
“I have shared many nights, several times just the two
of us, camping in the Wilderness and I treasure it. When
we’re alone, if I get out of his sight he will bray for me. I also
think it’s important to ride new trails and give your equine
partner a job. Beau loves going to new places just as much
as I do. We would both get bored if we rode the same trail
day after day.
“His one constant is me. I love that he has been exposed
to chainsaws, obstacles on the trail, work crews, pack
animals, hikers, bicycles and ATV’s. His energy, interest, and
harmony simply make me smile — and keeps me going.”
Achieving Lofty Goals
I had to know, what is it like to have goals and go after
them — even so far as exploring 10,000 miles in less than
5 years — in the saddle? “2018 was an amazing year for
Beau and I,” says Robin, “we both stayed healthy and
sound and were able to accomplish our established goals.
I wanted to exceed my 10,000th ‘rider’ mile; for Beau to
exceed his 9,700th mile; and, to log more miles on Beau in
2018 than any year in the past,” according to Robin.
She continues, “November was a tough month and
I was afraid we would not be able to ‘get it done.’ The
weather wasn’t cooperating, and in the past I have relied
on others to ‘push’ and motivate me by nipping at our
heels. By mid- November, I realized we were on our own.
If I wanted to obtain my goals, I had to dig deep, and rely
on my own drive. Come December, we hit that stride, and
rode on – logging 19 rides in the final month of the year,
and for eighteen of those rides…it was just me and my
beloved Beau.”
Beauty on the Trail Documented
As a member of Top Trail and those following Robin on social
media, we get to see her amazing photography. She is
“diligent about capturing pictures of every ride. I never realized
how much beauty there was, until I took the time to
truly ‘see’ it. Beau has become conditioned to stop when I
sit heavy and whisper ‘whoa,’ as he knows it is time to take
a picture or take a closer look at something within our view
He is also a great ‘spotter,’
pointing out wildlife
I would otherwise
miss without his skill-set.”
Data Time!
Every month Robin shares her “Data Time” updates with
us, too. “I started logging on June 15, 2014 and haven’t
missed a ride. My spreadsheet includes all kinds of data. As
an admitted data-geek, I collect a lot of information: the
trail, the miles from my house, the miles ridden, the speed,
the elevation, who I rode with, and more. I look back on
my ‘Riding Beau’ spreadsheets or view his GPS tracks and
smile.”
Winning Ways with Top Trail
We are so pleased and happy for this incredible team.
As 2018 champs, Robin and Beau have won a tack outfit
from SpecTACKular Tack, and an Equine Therapy Cooler
from Draper Therapies together with Top Trail. If that’s not
enough they have also been the recipients of awards from
the following Top Trail partners: The Hay Pillow, Inc., Hawthorne
Products, and EQyss Grooming Products.
Top Trail began in 2013 as a humble little spreadsheet
driven mileage program
for riders to a still humble
but growing mileage
based program for horses
and riders on it’s own website
with a program doing
the work of the old spreadsheets!
If you would like to check
out Top Trail, please stop by
for a 30 day free trial at
toptrailhorse.com. We invite
anyone who is interested in
keeping records of your rides
and connecting with other
riders to share information,
motivation, and inspiration
to join us and let’s share the
journey.
Warm clothes allow us to
enjoy the beauty that
only winter has to offer.
Lifetime Miles Logged
• Beau’s Top Trail Miles: 7,496
• Beau’s Overall* Miles: 9,901
• Robin’s Top Trail Miles: 7,8017
• Robin’s Overall* Miles: 10,215
2018 Miles Logged
• Beau 2313
• Robin 2343
*From 6/15/14-to-date
2018 Fun Ride Stats
• Trailered Beau: 5,020 miles
• Time in the saddle: 836 hours
• Highest Elevation: 10,592’
• Fastest Speed: Just 14 mph
• 51% of my rides were solo
• 38% of my rides included Jody
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