W.D. Lines Tract at Talquin State Forest – December 20, 2025

This trail is great to ride this time of year, no hunting allowed. We had a little excitement before we took off.  One flat tire and one loose horse.  Chewbacca decided to start the ride ahead of all the other horses he quietly walked through the opening in the fence and headed for the woods. His owner whistled, he turned towards her and started back but he didn’t come back through the opening instead he went around the fence straight to the highway.  Cindy kept whistling and Chewbacca came close enough for me to grab. A little unnerving but all good. After a group photo we started down the blue trail. Perfect weather not too hot, not too cold and no bugs.  A group of 15 is a little difficult to keep nose to tail when we got strung out. Those in front would stop and wait.  We meandered through the woods towards Lake Talquin – this trail brings you very close to the water in a few spots.  Forest Service has been great in keeping this trail clear, the downed trees we reported from the previous ride were all cleaned up. I didn’t see much wildlife, a few birds and some squirrels, since we were too noisy.  Almost back to the trailhead and one rider turned off to school his horse.  Two others went down the service road – they had a need for speed and enjoyed gaiting their horses.  I reached the trailhead, dismounted and looked around – not good, really not good – I started with 15 riders and only returned with 8.  I knew what happened to three.  Minutes later two more came. I asked if anyone knew about the others. I was told Scott and Doell started down the orange trail becauses one horse was upset by the large crowd.  Those two showed up a little later. I was still missing the new man that turned off to school his horse. He was also new to the area. I wasn’t leaving until he returned. Scott and Doell stayed with me. This gave Scott plenty of time to change the flat on his trailer. I checked the sign-in sheet for his emergency contact number – not enough digits. We decided to tack up and go looking. I left a note on his truck to call me. Of course 15 minutes out he called and we turned around and headed back. He was so appreciative that we waited. I told him I was the one in charge and I would not leave anyone in the woods. I learned a few things that day.  It was a beautiful ride.  

Submitted by Linda V.