Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sangre Scenic, Westcliffe, CO

This ride has moved up to one of my absolute favorites!
For some reason I assumed the ride was Fri, Sat, Sun. I was wrong! The above is a picture of ride camp when i got there. So I helped Linda Hardeman set trail (in a niffty little Trekker vehicle) on Friday which was nice. When we returned at the end of the day all the neighbors had moved in and were busily setting up for the rides on Sat, Sun and Monday.
I rode 55/35/50 completed all three days on two horses. I took it easy and was only about 4 hours behind Crockett Dumas on day three! The weather was warm apart from a couple of quick squalls and little friendly breeze to keep both riders and horses in good shape. Although the loops repeat themselves ! never get tired of the scenery which is just gorgeous especially with the leaves beginning to turn.



The ride meetings were brightened up by a happy crowd and a blue grass band on Sunday evening. I didn't even get the name of this trio but here is a picture of them playing. They are just starting up and you may just see them somewhere else some day.
The food was freshly prepared and presented by the ranch owner/manager and her crew. It was delicious and plenty of it. Another extra 5 lbs brought home around the belly of yours truly as I make my way toward heavy weight!
The Sangre Scenic ride is usually held twice a year at Music Meadows Ranch nestled at the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains of South Central Colorado. The ranch covers 4000 acres and is beautifully run by lovely Elin Rusher. To find out more go to http://musicmeadows.com or call 719 783 2222. 'Itellya,' it's well worth a visit.
Big thanks to Elin and co, the ride manager Linda Hardeman and her volunteers and Vets for making this an enjoyable 'top of the list' ride.
Oh and getting to see Crockett do a jig to the music was absolutely precious! Didn't have my camera then DARN IT!

Monday, September 06, 2010

Rushcreek Reunion, 2010

Rushcreek Reunion in Lisco NE is a very special ride held every Labor day week end. Thanks to Rushcreek Land and Live Stock we get to ride the beautiful open rolling hills of Nebraska among grazing cattle, chugging windmills and meadows of smiling sunflowers. Lyle and Teresa along with Lynn Jones and all the cowboys and friendly volunteers combine to produce an atmosphere of good ole down home ranch hospitality, great food and fun all week end! I've been taking things easy with my horses as of late so my goal has been the turtle award. Jack Evers got it on Saturday but i snagged it on Sunday. My second this year following the Zucchini at Happy Jack. I could really get into this turtle thing especially when it always seems to come with a completion and a sound horse!!
I'm looking forward to next year as Lyle announced his plan to make it a three day ride with a possible 75 mile trail! Stay tuned. Hey and if you want to ride your horse barefoot and have a horse with even half way decent hooves, this is an excellent ride to do. The footing is very soft. I did a 50 and a 25 barefoot no worries!
Timbo French helping out Lyle at the awards banquet Sunday night. He was in top form wearing the sexy little crew apon he and Lyle bidded up to and bought for $800 at the conference in February. They will be kindly donating it back to be auctioned again next year. A chance for other generous and good humored ride managers get into and look equally sexy in at their awards and briefings!!!
Flamboyant Beau (Flambeau). Quite a Novelty to be riding my own horse for a change!
Photo by Karl Creations
Chris Compton showing Rushcreek Theo 'Teddy' the way. He's really listening too."Yes i see that ribbon" says he! The sun flower is a nice touch too. Chris's birthday is Sept 5th and it has become a tradition for us to ride a 25 together. Lyle loaned her this lovely Rush Creek horse for the ride. He's for sale and a real sweet heart!


This was actually taken at Happy Jack by Pascal Karl. See here Tim French's Walkin' horse 'TROUBLE' sticking out his tongue at the photographer. Trouble is adorable but certainly lives up to his name! See also my foot in a brace.