But it was a smooth ride; the horses didn't flinch when a striped ribbon snake slithered by.
Northern ribbon snakes have from three to 26 young which are born in late summer.
The ribbon snake has a diverse diet consisting of worms, slugs, minnows, insects, small mice, fish, and toads.
The western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus) is a species of garter snake, with several subspecies.
Several pictures of a Mexican ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus rutiloris)
The eastern ribbon snake gets its name from its very thin body.
Some aspects of the eastern ribbon snake make it different from a close relative, the garter snake.
The eastern ribbon snake has pure white lips and a mark of white color in front of its eyes.
Reproduction in eastern ribbon snakes takes place after they emerge from hibernation in the spring, in April or May.
Along the pond's banks, in the grass and among the stones exposed to the sun, a little ribbon snake slithered away from the human trespassers.