Timber: Logging Horse to Trail Mount Legend
Timber received his name due to his first career as a logging horse. The two thousand pound Belgium Draft Horse stood more than 18 hands – his back was higher than most six foot men. Despite his massive bulk, Timber was calm and obedient to his handlers. Since he proved himself in the New York state wilderness for the logging company, he was entered in log pulling competitions as well. At the end of the season, he was sold to a horse dealer in New Jersey who trained him to ride. In a short time, Timber became known as a reliable trail mount and was bought by a resort stable in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. “He arrived with huge logging horseshoes,” says Lauren Quintana of Mountain Laurel Riding Stable. “We replaced them with riding shoes but hung one of the logging shoes with its enormous cleats by his stall. Visitors were amazed by the shoe the size of a dinner platter!” Although Timber responded well when ridden, he had a playful side. When the trail guides went to bridle him, even experienced horsemen had trouble sliding the bit in his mouth while securing the headstall over his ears. He was so tall that he’d lift his head from the manger in his standing stall and continue munching his mouthful of hay while the person climbed the manager to be able to reach his head. With a twinkle in his eye, Timber would turn his head away so he could finish his snack before having the bit put in. Once bridled, Timber would be led to the mounting block – a large wooden structure to help guests climb onto the trail horses. Timber stood quietly while the person went up the steps and raised their right leg over the Western saddle. They did this slowly, even big men, because Timber was so broad. The beige draft horse looked like he was falling asleep until he felt the rider thump onto his back, then he was ready to go! The guides had to stand by his head and be certain to hold him still until the rider was balanced in the center of the saddle. After the guest had the stirrups adjusted and understood how to “plow rein” using two hands, Timber was respectful and listened well to the rider. If they hesitated about what they were doing, or were not paying attention, Timber just followed the horse in front of him never causing any trouble. Riders walked their horses in a single line, and if they were up for it, they trotted on an old dirt road for a short distance. Timber had a big trot, and was always right behind the lead horse while the older, slower draft horses and other mounts took up the rear. Often the rider on Timber yelled to stop after only a few trot steps due to the big bounce he created. The lead guide often heard the giggles from the guests behind Timber as they watched his rider thump, thump, thump in the saddle. “One guide told me about a young man and his new wife riding on their honeymoon,” says Lauren. “He was bragging about how he went 180 miles per hour at the Pocono Racetrack for a driving lesson the day before. He was a big NASCAR fan, but his wife loved horses so he was willing to take a trail ride with her. When he began trotting on Timber he yelled to stop – he thought that it was way too fast for him!” The trail rides on the resort property were adjacent to a state forest. Mountain Laurel, the state flower, grew in abundance and the white blooms in early June made the trails look like they were covered in snow. The woodsy landscape provided guests with glimpses of hawks, deer and their fawns, and the occasional black bear. Timber became a legend on one trail when he met a bear face-to-face. As the story goes, the lead horse, Pebbles, froze when she spotted the black bear. The wild beast stopped as well, and a staring contest began. Then, Pebbles pranced and wanted to turn around. Timber, next in line stood as still as a statue, staring down the bear. The bear took one look at the mammoth horse, and quickly changed his direction back toward the forest. And so the trail ride continued. The story of fearless Timber and the bear was told every summer.
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