W.D. Lines Tract  -October 18, 2025

What a great turnout for our inaugural ride at the W.D. Lines Tract.  It took about 2 years, but this trail is finally open to horses, through the due diligence of STA and Leatha as our STA liason, working with the state forest staff to prepare this property for horses. 

Weather could not have been better with a cool morning temperature.  Fifteen riders showed up to test out the trail.  They were:  Linda V. on Blondie, Joyce P. on Doc, Donna R. on Gator, Nancy M. on Tori, Sharon H. on Beau, Cindy S. on Chewbacca, Erik C. on Sally, Sue N. on Jazz, Don S. on Prime Time, Wendy T. on Eli, Pam S. on Macy, Paulie P. on Image, Marti M. on Roxie, Sandy L. on PD, and Sheila C. on Twilight. 

Susan T., Suzanne L., Gail S. and Dr. C. rode out separately so they could test out Dr. C’s new mule and from what I understand Clyde is definitely a keeper. 

After riding about an hour, we came across a pygmy rattlesnake.  Honestly when I rode up on it, it looked like a stick.  It didn’t even move, but after two horses passed over it, I was told it moved off the trail and into the woods (didn’t it know horses were coming through???)  Later in the ride, we came across a very recently downed tree that was just too big to go over, so we had to find a go around.  Sandy L. spotted a way to cut through and Donna R. jumped off her horse and started clearing a short cut around.  Thank you, Donna!!  We rode pretty close to the lake a couple times, took some pictures and continued on.  After a missed turn by the leader (that would be me), we reversed order and went back to catch the turn.  We rode for 2 hrs. 15 minutes.  This trail is very pretty, winding, shady with a few small hills and I think we all enjoyed it.  I can’t promise you that the bathroom will be unlocked all the time, but the parking lot is open.  Go out and enjoy our new trail and be grateful for STA.

Submitted by Sharon H.