Submitted by David and Philly Smith
On the carriage trails of Acadia National Park: We spent two weeks at the park this year so far; the first two weeks that Wildwood Stables was open under new management. Mr. Carpenter opened one week earlier then usual so we enjoyed the light bike traffic and hikers. We missed our annual meeting with our horse friends because of our early stay at the park. We found that Mike Carpenter, his daughter and staff were wonderful. The trails are in great shape and truly enjoyable. It is amazing to drive in a new area each day and see the changing terrain moving by us. It never ceases to amaze us just how beautiful the carriage trails are.
This photo was taken at Hadlock Pond. We drove to Aunt Betty's pond and had come down through a beautiful wooded area were we have never been before. With a team of horses you can drive further as they feed off from one another. The extra horse power makes a difference. It was wonderful to reach the outer edge trails where we could not go riding in a saddle.
We are trying to keep our horses in shape for the park trips here at home. We don't have many driving trails, and we have been discouraged because of it. Our vet suggested that we drive a minimum of one half hour three times a week to keep them in shape. He said to consider it being at a gym for a good work out. Our attitude has changed for the better because of his encouragement. We are now happy with our short rides. We have been banished to our arena due to all the rain. We have not been discouraged with our 30 min. drive around and around the arena and have been thankful that we have been able to get out at all.
