The
changing colors of the leaves, the crisp chill in the air,
the squawking flocks of migrating geese- there is no mistaking
the arrival of fall! In the Pine Barrens, as at most of the
national and larger state parks, the coming of the fall season
heralds the best time of year for trail riding. Now that the
summer flies have died down, you'll soon be seeing the horse
trailers lining up again around places like Carranza and Atco,
flocking back to the pines to enjoy the best of leisurely
equestrian sport past-times. According to agricultural statistics,
in 2007 there were 42,000 horses in the state of NJ, and 70%
were non-race related. It is said that NJ has more horses
per capita then any other state in the country, and although
the exact number of trail horses is unknown, one can't miss
the many stables and boarding facilities lining the border
along Wharton State Forest.
If you are a frequent visitor
to the southern section of Wharton, you may have come across
a particularly enthusiastic and dedicated group of trail riders
on the backs of small, shaggy looking horses- the Icelandics!
The Icelandic horse is the world's oldest domesticated purebred
horse. These sturdy horses (although small by US preferences,
they are *not* ponies!) are the ultimate trail horse, with
engaging personalities and a willing attitude.
Isolated for over 1,000 years
in Iceland without natural predators, "Iceys" are
collectively less spooky and more curious then other breeds.
Iceland’s rough terrain scattered with volcanic rock also
ensured they evolved to be very sure-footed. Many Icelandics
are naturally gaited, and can have as many as 4 or 5 separate
gaits which include the walk, trot, tolt, pace, and canter.
Enthusiasts treasure them for the smooth 4-beat gait, which
is the tolt and can reach up to 20mph. Some Iceys also have
an additional turbo gear for short bursts of speed, which
is aptly called the flying pace. This 2-beat gait has a moment
of suspension when all of the horses feet are in midair and
it can reach speeds up to 30mph. In it’s native Iceland the
fastest of these horses are used for racing. It really does
seem like you're flying! I personally know of 14 Icelandics
in the area and a small group of us whom I affectionately
call the Norse Horse Force ride year-round at Wharton in all
weather conditions. Since
July '08 my mare Freydis and I have logged between 800-900
piney miles! Iceys are
horses that love the trail! Some have been known to get upset
if not picked by their owner for a ride. I'm not sure who
enjoys the rides more, the horses or their people!
As
most long time trail riders can tell you, these horses are
not as much pets as they are partners and working animals
with 'jobs'. A good trail horse loves its job, which is to
take its rider safely through a variety of circumstances in
the open world. People tend to assume that just any horse
can go on a trail, but not every horse is suitable, depending
on the breed, the particular temperament, or the experience
level of the horse. The cream of the crop have to be both
physically and mentally sound, then educated and trained to
ensure the most enjoyable experience possible. Even with an
experienced horse, before hitting the trail it is always wise
to make an additional investment in safety equipment such
as a helmet and safety stirrups, and to make sure that tack
is fit and secure prior to riding into the open.
Rides in the Pine Barrens can
cover diverse terrain from paved roads and rural housing areas,
hard packed soil, deep ‘sugar’ sand, blueberry bogs, thick
underbrush, and crossing bridges and streams. Some trails
are designated for equestrian use, such as the Friendship
Trail at Carranza, which is about 14 miles in length. Other
popular trails are nothing more then old dirt roads, often
all that remain of home sites or settlements from over the
last 200 years of Pine Barrens history. Some of my favorite
trails parallel old train tracks, as the ground there has
been flattened and smoothed. Trails that see heavy dirt bike
use are often eroded into what the Norse Horse Force calls
the whoopee-do’s! These are fun to tolt over but riders must
be careful as the erosion exposes tree roots which could catch
on a hoof causing the horse to stumble.
Riding
year 'round, we ride in the dead of winter and especially
in snow. Being an arctic ice age breed, the Iceys grow a very
thick, warm, fuzzy coat similar to wool, making them hardier
in cold temperatures then their riders, who creatively garb
up in compilations of ski pants, balacalavas and battery-heated
boots. Last January, three of us rode out in 9 degree weather
just to see the ice in the river and get a look at the beaver
dam near Quaker Bridge Trail; it was a blast!
In the winter months the sand
often freezes into ruts solidifying the tracks of the last
traveler in warmer weather so we do take precautions and put
special winter shoes on the horses so they don't slip on ice
or snow. In the hot, sticky summer months we prepare by bringing
along extra fly spray and drinking water for the horses, and
we'll stop half way through on a long ride to let the horses
wade in the Mullica River and cool off. This also gives the
riders the opportunity to shoot the breeze from the back of
their horse. Most of the Iceys enjoy the water and if left
to their own devices a few of them would like to take a bigger
swim! Everyone’s favorite season to ride though is the fall.
By this time the flies have died down, the colors of the forest
are ablaze, and there is a crispness in the air but heavy
jackets and long johns aren’t yet needed. Riding in the autumn
months always reminds me of good things like apple cider,
ginger snaps, and pumpkin pie! This year, since Halloween
falls on a Saturday, the Icey group is also planning to do
a costume ride followed by a party at a nearby stable. The
big question is - what should my mare and I be? I’m thinking
- Vikings!
Trail
riding is an excellent way to enjoy nature and explore the
unique eco-system of the Pine Barrens, as horses can go where
motorized vehicles cannot. On our rides we've encountered
a variety of wildlife including a bald eagle, a great blue
heron, wild turkeys, a pair of mute swans, a giant snapping
turtle (who was not pleased to see us), and does with their
fawns; as well as seen many unusual plants. I often ride with
my camera handy and have been fortunate enough to capture
some wildlife on film. My mare Freydis is quite the photographer's
horse, stopping as soon as she hears the saddle bag open and
the camera come out!
Most of the trails at Wharton
are multi-use so besides critters, trail riders also routinely
encounter the 2-leggers and their vehicles. Coming face-to-face
with ATVers, jeep clubs, and motor bikes is not uncommon many
miles out into the Pine Barrens. Most of the bikers do realize
that a sudden or noisy engine encounter could frighten a horse,
putting its rider in danger, and as a safety measure they
will pull to the side of the trail, stop quietly, and allow
the horses to pass. Not quite so thoughtful are some hikers
or picnickers with loose, barking or aggressive dogs. While
a dog yapping or chasing a horse may frighten it, there is
also a strong possibility that the horse may kick out in self-defense
of what is perceived as a meat eating predator. It only takes
one well-placed hoof to stop a dog in it's tracks permanently,
so dog owners should do the right thing for all animals and
restrain loose dogs until the riders have passed. Trail etiquette
works both ways though, and riders must remember that if their
horse hears the call of nature, to step off the trail!
Of
all the situations I have encountered on the trail, the most
disheartening is coming upon illegal dumping, which is a huge
problem on the outskirts of the Pine Barrens. Nothing is a
worse hazard to hooves or tires then suddenly finding yourself
on a sandy trail full of jagged sharp glass from broken beer
bottles and smashed window panes. A horse can be severely
or permanently crippled by sharp metal or glass cutting into
the soft undersole of the hoof. This trash is also a hazard
for hikers. These acts of irresponsible environmental vandalism
seem to increase in the fall, and although committed by only
a few, illegal dumping in the state forest affects everyone
who uses the land.
Trail riding overall is an
exciting and exhilarating hobby, made all the better by the
willingness and hardiness of the wonderful Icelandic horse
breed. I’ve enjoyed every mile my mare and I have covered,
and I’m looking forward to the change in seasons. Every ride
is a different experience and a time to get out and enjoy
nature. We’re very fortunate in NJ to have Wharton State Forest,
and I encourage those with trail horses to get out and explore
all that the barrens have to offer. If you are out among the
pines and come across the happy riders on their small, shaggy
horses, do stop and say hi!
See you on the trail!
Ellen Wilson and Freydis
Ellwilson@yahoo.com
For more information about
Icelandic Horses:
United States Icelandic Horse
Congress: http://www.icelandics.org/
Frida Icelandic Riding Club
http://firc.us/
Tolt News: http://toltnews.com/
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