IN West County Summer 2019 | Page 26

mow, fertilize, and clear the paths year-round for visitors who are hiking, biking, walking dogs, skiing, or riding their horses.” The pathways, packed dirt and grass, are wide and well-mowed, making the park a safe and pleasurable venue for horseback riding. Vision is clear and visitors are polite, making way for each other whether on horses, with leashed dogs, or running their own 10K. The parking lot is enormous, with plenty of space to turn around and park. Anderson feels that Pleasant Ridge is an ideal venue for horseback riders of all ages and experience levels. “I lead 4-H rides here for kids as young as 8 years old and adults in their 60s,” she says. “No matter the confidence level, riders on horseback here feel safe and protected.” Anderson shares her thoughts on other benefits the park offers. “The trails are wide enough that we can ride our horses side-by-side and talk as we clip along,” she notes. They traverse diverse scenery, fields, meadows, wetlands, and woods with a wooden bridge that can be crossed by those confident enough to give it a try. One of her favorite seasons to saddle up and head to the park is autumn. “This is a place of silence and solitude in the fall,” she says. “Orange, yellow, and rust leaves swirl through the air and blanket the pathways in a cornucopia of color.” n GETTING THERE RACCOON PARK Springfield Township Old Lake Road, East Springfield 814.922.3274 Open every day 7 a.m. to dusk www.facebook.com/raccoonparkeriecountypa PLEASANT RIDGE PARK 8289 Barker Road, Fairview Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority 814.474.5077 Open every day dawn to dusk www.fairviewtownship.com In the saddle of her Black Morgan, Meredith captures the well- groomed trails. Her mother, Trill Dreistadt, on her Thoroughbred Hunter, of Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview Township. Photo by Meredith Dreistadt. 24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com From (l to r): Alexa Ruland, Michele Ruland, Madison Anderson and Ayla Ruland (halt their horses by the David M. Roderick Wildlife Reserve monument on the banks of Lake Erie at Raccoon Park in East Springfield.