We’re searching for a unique someone who has the Old West look, complete with appropriate attire and an Old West-sounding voice. Age range can vary from being someone in his 30s, up to someone in his 60s for the right candidate.

Principal shooting takes place Labor Day weekend. You will need to arrive Friday, September 3, and you’ll depart Monday, September 6.

Lodging and meals at the ranch will be provided, in addition to a reasonable day rate for two days of shooting and a day of recording narration. The narration recording may or may not take place Labor Day weekend, depending on how much shooting is completed.

Transportation to and from the ranch is your responsibility, but a gas stipend will be allowed.

Please send your requested day rate, a full-body (in costume) photograph, a head shot, and an .mpg recording of your cowboy voice (no longer than 30 seconds) to charles@newcombfilms.com as soon as possible.

An’ ah reckon that oughtta do it.

For most of us all we ever see is the physical side of the horse. We see what our horse does. This is the physical evidence of what the horse is thinking or feeling. One of the main reasons we do groundwork is to access the mental and emotional state of our horse. The physical way a horse reacts to pressure and release lets us judge the way the horse is feeling and thinking.

The other day I was helping a student of mine as she worked her horse. She was asking and getting her horse to do the things that she wanted, but the way that her horse looked as it did them told me that the horse was not happy about doing the maneuvers. Helping her, we worked through her horses attitude and when we ended the training session her horse looked more fluid and relaxed. It really doesn’t matter what you can get your horse to do. What really matters is when you can get your horse to do an asked maneuver in a relaxed manner and responding to your cues with softness.

So the question that I ask is “how” is the horse doing what you ask. The way a horse is doing and asked maneuver is what I call form. And form, I think is more important than speed or precision. I always tell my students “ If you get the form right first you can always add speed later. Form is not only what you are doing but how your horse looks and feels as it’s doing it. We see a lot of people today teaching folks technique. Hold the rope this way, Do this, Don’t do that. And that’s Ok, but what folks really need to learn are the concepts behind the techniques. Understanding why you are doing what you are doing is more important than what you do.

What it all boils down to is the next time you are working your horse think not so much about achieving a particular maneuver but rather ask some simply questions. As you are working how does your horse feel under you and how does it look. Is your horse responding to your cues or reacting out of fear. Are the movements of your horse fluid and soft or are they hard and ridged. The old saying “ if it looks pretty it is pretty “, “if it feels good it is good.” I have a saying “ You want to keep working everyday until your horse does it like butter sliding off a corn cob.” If you are working your horse and it’s not like butter then work at it a little each day until it gets better and better. The thing you want to keep in mind is, you are looking for your horse to be more relaxed and fluid as you progress through your session.  Until next time Pray Hard, Stay Strong, & Rock On .

Moses A Woodson

James M John State Wildlife Area
Las Animas County
8,339 acres

View the Photo Album

August 2007, as I was searching for locations for an upcoming fall hunting trip, I discovered the James M. John State Wildlife Area in southern Colorado.  This turned out to be a little known and unexpected treasure.  If you enjoy viewing wildlife, especially turkey, eagle, deer and elk, this is a great location to visit.  This area is fairly popular with the bird watching community.  Other features include willows, ponderosa pine, scrub oak, pinon-juniper, grassy meadows, and much more. 

James M John SWA sits on the eastern slope of the Raton Mesa, just outside of Trinidad, Colorado.  Access to James M John SWA is through Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area.  Interestingly, public access to the wildlife areas is through Raton, NM.  To get there from the Colorado Front Range region take I-25 South to NM-72 in Raton, NM.  Head east on NM-72 to NM-526.  Head north on NM-526 through Sugarite Canyon to the Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area.  According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife website, public access to the James M John SWA area is open from April 2nd – November 30th and can be accessed via foot or horseback only.  See the Colorado Division of Wildlife for additional details, including accessibility dates, camping regulations, etc.

The trail begins from the gravel parking lot at Lake Dorthey SWA (~7750’) where you have an amazing view toward the top of Raton Mesa.  From the parking lot you follow the established trail in a general North West direction.  Shortly after leaving the parking lot the trail crosses Schwachheim Creek and begins its ascent up the mesa.  At the time of my last visit the trail was in good condition although it was apparent that it is infrequently used.  In many areas the grass was so high that it obstructed my view of the actual trail, however after a short distance I would pick it back up again as though I had never lost sight of the trail.  Anywhere I was unsure, my horse plodded through confidently. 

The trail to the grasslands at the top of the mesa is about 3.5 miles in length and gains ~1250’ in elevation.  It’s not terribly steep but a consistent uphill grade.  Once at the top the trail opens into striking grassland as far as the eye can see.  The trail passes a stock pond shortly after entering the grasslands.  One note here…if you have a GPS you should mark the location where you leave tree cover on the trail.  If you are not using a GPS you should take a number of mental snapshots of where the trail leaves tree cover.  Once out on the grasslands it is easy to lose the trail in the high grass and it can be difficult to pick out the opening in the trees where the trail heads down the mountain.  From this point it is simply a matter of exploring the top of the mesa. 

Rusty Gabriel

I have found that horses are not only bilateral, but also multileveled. The reason I know this is, the more I travel and work with people and their horses, the more I see a continuing situation play out. The first thing that people tell me is how great their horse is, and all the things that their horse is good at. But, and it is always a big “BUT”, my horse has problems with one issue or another. This is where the multilevel part of the horse comes into play. On so many levels people can be a good leader and deal with their horses “BUT” on other levels they have no control what so ever. Once we realize that these horses are so complex we can start peeling back the onion so to speak and deal with the different levels of the horse and become a leader on all of the different levels that are within our horses. One good way to do this is by making a list. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into two halves by drawing a line down the middle of the page. One side is for the left brain of the horse, the other for the right brain of the horse. Then list all the things that you do with your horse on both sides from catching all the way down to competing or trail riding, and be specific, list all aspects of the activities you do with your horse. Once you do that be honest with yourself and place a check mark beside the things that you know you and your horse do really well and that you have total control over. Once you are done look at all of the empty places with no check marks and you will begin to see all of the holes in your relationship with your horse. This is a good thing because now you know what levels you have to work on. Now you can work to become a better leader for your horse in those areas.

Continue to work on those things until next time, and we will discuss the three dimensions of our horses, the physical horse, the mental horse, and the emotional horse.

By: Moses A Woodson

Moses will be at Latigo in Colorado Springs on April 17 & 18

Tomorrow Moses will be working with the gang on int he saddle and he’ll be working with Hank on “The 3 Stages of Riding a Gaited Horse”. They will be in the indoor Paddock area at 10:15am – 11:30am and Moses and the rest of the gang will be arougd through the end of the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo (Sunday – 6pm).

This past Saturday I was riding Lola on the ranch and during my 6 hour ride in the saddle (14 miles) I decided to explore the Chico Basin Creek. See, on the Eastern plains of Colorado, well, it?s mostly flat with a few rolling hills – but this creek has carved out its own masterpiece in this land. In some places the walls of the creek are 30ft tall – a spectacular feat in an area where you can see nearly 50+ miles!

This tree, in  its simplistic glory, sits alone watching the ducks play in a small pond that feeds water and yields life to the wildlife in this area. This tree has many stories to tell – those of the cold and those of the heat; cow and cowboys. This tree, several miles from human activity, has four-legged friends that come visit and take solace form the heat  – a home to many a wary animal – a back scratcher to others. All evident by the padded down grass under its branches and the bare three trunk left exposed to the elements. But fear not, even though the leaves have parted for the winter, this tree will be alive and in full bloom come spring – once again proving never ending comfort to those will to stop by for a visit.

Moses Woodson has come in from Tennessee to work with these guys in his “Ride with the Experts” program Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Expo.

Moses will be using these guys and their horses for his demonstrations during the show.

Working the Blind Side

This is especially special for Margi and Lady Tara as Lady Tara had to have an eye removed a couple of weeks ago and Margi decided to keep her and train her to ride trails as a one-eyed horse!

Margi has had Lady Tara out on the trail already and she did awesome! However, this will be a true testament of trust between a horse and it’s human.

Moses A. Woodson

Crescent A Farms Horsemanship

Moses A. Woodson was born in Tennessee and spent his childhood moving back and forth between Tennessee and Colorado. His parents, Moses Sr. and Mary Woodson, were missionaries on the Native American reservations of the Four Corners region of the Southwest.

Being farmers from Tennessee, the Woodson family has always had a deep connection to horses and to the farming and ranching way of life. At times when the family did not own horses and ponies of their own, Moses spent his time learning from those around him who did. He also read all the horse-related literature he could get his hands on.

Living in the Four Corners area gave Moses a great opportunity to learn from the ranchers in that part of the country. When he was thirteen, his family moved onto a commercial cattle ranch, where he learned the cowboy way of life and experienced a kind of horsemanship he had only read about.

Moses married a girl from the Southwest area. Polly A. Woodson is Navajo; after they married, they moved to the Navajo reservation. While living there, Moses learned to catch, work with and train the wild horses that run free on the reservation. He also worked with many of the area families and ranches, doing day work such as branding, gathering cattle and starting colts.

Moses’ horsemanship education was further advanced when he went to work on the Browning Ranch in Farmington, NM. Bob Browning’s genuine understanding of the horse made Moses want to become not just a better trainer, but a true horseman.

When Moses and his family moved back to Tennessee, he started training horses and found a real need for a horse trainer who could teach horsemanship to first-time horse owners. Today, Moses teaches his own brand of horsemanship, traveling the country doing clinics and demonstrations for anyone willing to learn.

Moses has a humble saying: “I don’t know everything, but I know what I know, and I know it works.”

Last weekend I attended the National Western Stock Show (Jan 9th – 24th) in Denver for the first time with family and friends. It was huge and a blast! There were Horses, Cows, Llamas, Alpaca’s, Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Guinea Pigs, etc. Vendor after vendor and food around every corner!

I had bought PRCA Rodeo tickets for the rodeo on Saturday afternoon. Having watched hundreds on TV and seeing only parts of rodeos in real life, I wasn’t really sure what to expect.

To my amazement that was one of the best shows/performance/rodeo I have ever seen.

From the moment the incredible commentator started speaking about how blessed we all are to live in this country, the way he honored our Veterans and our current Military men and women, he made so many of us tear up! Especially me, I cry every Independence Day during the fireworks no matter how big or small. He reminded us of the importance of keeping our Cowboy/Cowgirl traditions alive. WOW! Not only did he speak from the heart but he was funny as well. The banter between him and the rodeo clown was hysterical!

I was surprised at how many different things go on at this rodeo. Besides the bucking, whirling bulls and horses there are many activities in between. One of the best was Tommie Turvey the Equine Extremist with his extreme horses. They performed “at liberty” with Tommie which means no halter, no bridle, no lead ropes, no saddles, just a horse and Tommie with a couple of training sticks. I balled like a baby watching him and these incredible animals that weigh as much as some cars do just float through this arena and dance with him. They were incredible! That is my dream; to be able to ride and dance with my horse “at liberty”.

If you have an opportunity to go to a PRCA rodeo, I highly recommend it. I won’t miss another one. If you have the possibly, once in a lifetime chance, to see someone ride or dance with a horse “at liberty”, take it!

Photo Slideshows (by OutdoorStudios.net)
PRCA Pro Rodeo Photo Album
Tommie Turvey Photo Album 

Links
National Western Stock Show (Denver)
Tommy Turvey’s Website

The Question: I have a small group of horse riders from Wisconsin that want to spend  a week in Colorado riding.  We are all experienced riders and would be bringing our own horses in July.  We were hoping to camp and ride around the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Western Pass and then travel to the West Elk Wilderness.  Can you please give me any info on camps we could stay at or even if these are nice areas to ride and any other input you think would be helpful?  Thanks for your time.

The Answer:  I do have some data for this area and have it posted online at: http://coloradotrailrider.com/2010/01/03/crested-butte-kebler-pass/

We were right above of where you want to be – almost spot on – and there are great places to camp for a weekend or a whole week.

There are a couple of things that you’ll need to be mindful of before coming to Colorado Mountains and this area.

First & foremost is the altitude; both you and your stock are going to feel it!

Here in Colorado I live at 6,100 feet and I still have to watch my horses in the mountains. More so in the spring vs. the fall, but even after 400 hours a year in the saddle, the horses are still susceptible to altitude issues depending on the area I go.

Attached to the aforementioned post is a Google Earth KMZ file of rides we have been on in this area. This area is just North of the West Elk Wilderness Area South of the Raggeds Wilderness area (both can be ridden from here) is public land and the average altitude is about 9,100 ft. but there are areas in the West Elk that can reach 13,000 feet.

Coming from Wisconsin at 1,000 above sea level you’ll need to give your stock plenty of time to acclimate before extreme riding/climbs. This area is great for that but I would not ride them the first day there.

Anywhere between the Horse Ranch Park and the CR-706 are going to provide you plenty of areas to camp with good feed and water. But we always recommend that you bring feed to supplement the grazing (there are some areas in Colorado where grazing is not permitted) and everywhere requires certified weed free feed - it is very likely that you’ll be checked! You’ll also want your Coggins Test results (required when coming from out of state) as well as any branding inspection papers. For feed we bring in grass and/or alfalfa cubes and re-hydrate them – this is a great and easy way to supplement, but the key is to rehydrated them.

Read the full article by clicking

While this area is fairly mild on hoofs, the Raggeds are called that for a reason – I suggest shoes on all Colorado Rides – no questions asked, and I would also suggest that they have had them on for a while and your stock is comfortable with them before coming. We also carry EasyBoots in case we lose a shoe on the trail or in the mud – we also run 3 and even 4 nails per side for long trips.

Ok, so if you have made it this far, there are two minor concerns worth mentioning. This area (like most CO Wilderness areas) is packed with bears. While you may never see one (here you probably will) their smell will be everywhere and you need to make sure that your horses are used to that smell. Mountain Lions are here as well, but you’ll not likely see one. I have only had to shoot one mountain lion in 12 years of riding & hunting in Colorado – the bears are mostly a nuisance and easy to shew off – just make sure they can’t get to your food at night or while away; we keep all our coolers in a steel stock trainer (our Bear Box on wheels). They are accustomed to people and will come into camp, we had three bear encounters in 2009 alone.

Again, you’ll probably never see either; ok maybe a bear or two, but your horses will smell them and that will make them very sketchy if they are not used to it. I have seen horses on rides with 20+ riders refuse to go down a trail in heavy bear country – most likely due to the scent. I don’t like nervous horses in the mountain so I use bear and/or mountain lion urine that I can get form my local nursery or sportsman shop. Nurseries use sell this for people to sprinkle around their house to keep the deer from eating their plants/gardens & coyotes form eating their pets, it’s also used for hunting bears as an attractant – so don’t spray it on your horse or any tack that you use. Just get some and sprinkle/spray it in and around your pasture and/or stalls where you keep your stock at home. Start off easy, and build up…

The last thing is, expect all four seasons! I have seen heavy snow hit in July.

The photos (from the post) on the blog were shot in September – that snow hit two days after we got there and in the middle of the night. We were in t-shirts one day – heavy jackets the next. When this far away from home you do not want to be wet and/or cold! Bring a slicker, there are always afternoon showers if this part of the country.

I know this is probably more than you were expecting, but that is what Colorado is all about – more than you expect. If you’re going to make the trip and I highly suggest that you do – I want to make sure that you guys have an awesome time and not have to worry too much about the details.

Dates: June – September

Photos: Click to view album

Getting There: From Gunnison take Colorado 32 north 32 miles to Crested Butte. From Crested Butte take Colorado 12 west, which is also known as Kebler Pass. Kebler Pass Road is a well-maintained dirt road for its entirety, and is part of the larger West Elk Scenic Loop.

The Dark Season Change Photo by: Kevin Day

Camping: While there are many places off the beaten-path to get a rig into, there best place is right off of Kebler Pass Rd called Horse Ranch Park. Horse Ranch Park is a beautiful area for an extended camping with your horses.  There is incredible riding from every direction out of this scenic spot, located on Kebler Pass Road.

The park is a well equipped facility with numerous areas to set up camp and keep your stock well fed and watered.  With the camping area between West Elk Wilderness (South) and the Raggeds Wilderness (North) there is no shortage of riding trails that will keep you well away from city-life, ATV and even most hikers..  Longer adventures to Beckwith Pass and into the Cliff Creek area are something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. To the South, and to the north your journey leads up the Dark Canyon Trail and eventually on to Erickson Springs. 

In the fall elk and deer hunting is popular from this comfortable camp ground – so make sure to arrive early, and check with the Colorado Division of Wildlife for season dates.

Description: The West Elk Mountains comprise a large remote wilderness west of Gunnison. The volcanic ridges and long valleys of this area offer countless opportunities for extended rides. As an added benefit, West Elk receives relatively few visitors outside of hunting season, probably because the area lacks fourteeners or numerous alpine lakes which typically attract recreational users. Lost lake does attract city folks, but can easily be avoided.

Aspens blanket the steep-sided valleys, and hikers, traveling tourist and some off-roaders will travel up and down CR-12 (Kebler Pass) but generally stick very close to the road and usually are visiting in late September to be rewarded with golden fall colors, clear blue skies, brisk temperatures, and the unmistakable sound of bull elk bugling. Elk and deer herds numbering in the thousands also attract crowds of hunters in late fall. An extensive network of trails along ridgelines and valley floors creates a multitude of loop trips, allowing for multi-day or week-long excursions with plenty of off Pass camping large enough to fit full rigs and even groups.

Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZ file with Camping Waypoints

Fossil Ridge takes its name from a high limestone ridge rich in fossils. Ancient seas laid down thousands of feet of limestone and dolomite, some say between 600 and 275 million years ago, creating the Leadville Formation, which yields fossils of varied sea life, from sharks to invertebrates. How odd it seems to find fossils far above timberline, 13,000 feet above sea level, and to consider the monstrous tectonic forces it took to so drastically alter the earth’s surface.

The wilderness is surrounded by the Fossil Ridge Recreation Management area which is approximately 44,000 acres in size. Roads and trails within the Recreation Management Area are open to mechanized and motorized uses. The Fossil Ridge Trail on the South end is a very popular motorcycle trail within the RMA, however in the past twelve years of riding the North end I have never seen a motorcycle or ATV – just the occasional 4×4 on a Sunday drive. This place has latterly hundreds of miles of horse trails, cattle trails and wild game trails that you don’t really ever need to take any of the so-called roads within this area.

Accommodations: We have ridden and hunted this area for the past 12 years. We have packed horses in the wilderness for 10 day stretches and have had many overnight campouts, and there are many different state campgrounds all up and down CR 742 as well as camping in the RMA; but our most favorite place to stay is the Harmel’s Ranch Resort right where the Taylor River & Spring Creek meet – more below.

Read the full article by clicking

North Location: About 15 miles North of Gunnison

Dates: June – August

Photos: Click to view album: These are photos form the past several years of riding in this area as well as our stay at Harmel’s Ranch Resort.

Getting There: Once you have reached Gunnison on 50 highway, turn North on 135 (going towards Almont and Crested Butte) drive for approximately 11 miles. At Almont turn East (right) onto County Road 742. Drive up the beautiful Taylor Canyon to the seven mile marker and enter through Harmel’s big gate!

The Basics: Trails range from dirt & mud to some large granite rocks. While we typically have shoes on all summer long most horses will probably not need them. Your horse needs to be able to cross water. Water is prevalent is a lot of area, but not so much in some, take advantage of the water crossing you come upon to water your horse. It is highly recommended that your horses are in good shape if you intend to ride back to back days. These mountains don’t look very intimidating, but they can give your steed a tough workout.

About Harmel’s Ranch Resort: Harmel’s Ranch Website || Photos from Harmel’s

I can not say too much about this place. Steve, Brad, Mark, Amie, Bode & Garlan have all been wonderful hosts over the past twelve years, accommodating most everything that we have thrown at them! While they are not exactly setup as a horse hotel (they are a Dude Ranch and their target market are Vacationing City Folk), they do & will provide everything that you need from a simple overnight to two-week extended stays. We typically setup in the wintering pasture where water & electric can be had. Parking our trailers in there makes getting to tack & feed very simple. Cabins (large & small) , Gold Medal Quality Fly Fishing, Incredible Food, Massage & Spa, Swimming Pool, Day Care and more - they have something for every member of your family. We have visited where with just our family and we have brought 55+ equestrians in for a long weekend; but our favorite is when our family and our dear friends the Bellingham’s and their family get together here!

A note from Harmel’s: Harmel’s Colorado Ranch Resort has been operating as a Colorado family dude ranch since 1958. We are slow to change our definition of Western Hospitality. The world has run off and left us in a class by ourselves and we stick by what we were taught by our parents and grandparents—the guest comes first and we delight in saying “Yes” to you.

Ride details to come.

Ride details to come.

Ride details to come.

Upon our arrival in Hermosillo, we were met by the landowner of several large ranches my hunters were going to hunt on. He suggested we get some supplies since we would be miles from any stores. He also said we need get some Baca Dora before we leave town. “Baca Dora?” “Yes, amigo,” he replied. This is the drink of Sonora. Clear liquor made from cactus….drank similar to Tequila with salt and lime. Okay, when in Rome do as the Roman’s do—Right? 

We all pushed a shopping cart through the isles of a large indoor market throwing everything we thought we could use and a little extra for the caballeros and their families who were going to be working cattle on the ranch we were going to scout and hunt on. As we passed the liquor department I noticed this display of Baca Dora. JR and I were anxious to learn about the drink of Sonora and started to read the label which said, “THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT HAS DETERMINED THIS PRODUCT CAN DESTROY BRAIN CELLS——-DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!” JR and I looked at each other and thought, “What the hell, we’re not at home,” and placed a couple of bottles in our cart. The brain cell part didn’t dawn on either of us for some reason? Perhaps one could argue that you have to have brain cells in order to destroy them! Think? Moments later our landowner host came over to our cart and looked at the two Baca Dora bottles. “Oh no Seniors, we will stop on the way out of town and pick up some of this home made….., much better and stronger than this store bought Baca Dora!” Stronger than the brain cell killing stuff in the store, I thought? 

When the three carts were full of fresh fruits, vegetable, eggs, bottled water, a case or two of cerveza, and plenty of good Sonora beef we were off with just a few more stops for fuel, ice and of course the real Baca Dora. JR and I were excited to see our accommodations and the ranch we would to call home for the next month. Once we arrived at the ranch we were certain our stay was going to be special. The people of Sonora are the most gracious folks I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. The caballeros, the cook and their families all lined up to greet JR and me. Our bags were delivered to a modern ranch house that was for the exclusive use of the scouts and hunters. 

A fire was already built in the front yard and JR and I quickly joined our new friends and neighbors around the fire for some more hospitality and fresh shrimp. Yes, shrimp. The Sea of Cortez was only a few miles from the ranch and a fisherman stopped by the ranch to deliver us some recently caught jumbo shrimp. It was particularly interesting to be standing in the desert and eating fresh seafood. One of the wives presented us with a round block of white cheese that was delicious. She no doubt got the milk from one of the ranch cows and made it in her modest kitchen. 

For me personally, this is why I came to Sonora. To experience a different culture, taste different foods and drinks as well as meet new friends. Even though everyone else but the landowner didn’t speak English, JR and I were communicating and having the time of our life. It wasn’t long and out came the Baca Dora jug. You know the kind, with a finger hole and minus any labels. Cups or glasses were nowhere in sight so we just passed the jug to each man standing around the campfire. When my turn came I hoisted the big jug up and took what I thought was a man sized gulp! Mamma Mia. The back of my neck felt like someone had put a lit blow torch on it. “Oh Boy,” I said, “That’s good!” I then passed the jug to the next guy and started to look for a place to sit down. 

After a few more passes around the fire, I noticed the lack of dental work or maybe I should say teeth, on my new drinking partners. Now please don’t write me and accuse me of being prejudiced because I am not at all! The fact of the matter is that these Sonora cowboys make very little wages and seldom leave their assigned ranch. Anyway, if there was a tooth in my new friends’ mouths you can be sure that it hadn’t seen a toothbrush in years…..and besides, if the Baca Dora can kill brain cells it certainly can kill a few germs. Sure, I’ll have another swig!

Morning came real early. You know you have had a short nights sleep when you wake up, put your boots on and they are still warm! My head was pounding and fresh brewed coffee and orange juice wasn’t helping a bit! Manuel was to be our driver that morning and off JR and I went with binoculars in hand to a high point on the ranch.

With head steadily pounding I spotted some señoritas and bambinos but no Muy Grande. I knew if Muy Grande was on the ranch he wouldn’t be far from the girls, as it was what we call the rut or mating season. After the sun was up for about two hours the elusive Desert Mule Deer finds a place in the shade for the day and scouts with pounding heads go take siesta. 

“Buenos Días,” the cook said to me as I slowly dragged myself towards the ranch house and my bed. “Buenos días,” I replied. The cook pointed to his watch and held up one finger. Lunch in one hour. Perfect! Alka Selzer, an hour siesta and I’ll be ready to see more of Sonora, I thought to myself.

Lunch was cooked and served outside and again it was delicious! During lunch the cowboys made hand signs that I understood to be an invitation to join them in moving some cattle. JR opted to take another siesta but I was more than ready to accept the invitation.

The cowboys pointed to a big Bay horse for me. El Capitán, they announced several times…El Capitán! I went to the corrals and walked up to El Capitán. He just stood there like I would have expected a working horse do to. On the top rail of the corral were a line of saddles and I pointed to one that looked like it would fit me. The cowboys nodded their heads in agreement and I said much obliges.

I saddle up my new mount and grabbed a bridle hanging on a post. El Capitán was looking like he was going to fall asleep and I figured that was because he had been through this so many times in the past. As I stuck one foot in the stirrup the cook came a running shouting “Caliente, caliente!” Not understanding Spanish, I thought he was offering me words of encouragement and I was a saying, “Gracias, senior, gracias.” I had no idea the word caliente meant HOT! El Capitán stood perfectly still until I got my other foot in the stirrup, then in one motion he was heading for the sun and running full speed as he bucked what felt as high as the sky. I thought to myself, “This ain’t workin’ out so good!” 

One thing that was in my favor was my bucking horse was heading right down a sendero. I looked to my left for a place to bale—–Thorns and stickers the size of jack knife blades were everywhere. I quickly looked to my right and same thing! Holdin’ on as best I could I noticed I was getting into a rhythm and each buck was slightly less than the one before. I just let El Capitán keep right on a rollin’ and pretty soon he ran himself right out of the buck. Finally my horse was just walking and I turned him around and headed back to the spectators. “Vámonos amigos,” I said using two of the ten words I only knew in Spanish. I should have known more Spanish words than that having once been married to a Spanish teacher but in all honesty we hardly ever even spoke in English much less attempting Spanish. 

My new friends were now shouting, “Cowboy Frrrrred-Cowboy Frrrred!”and slapping me on the back. “We must celebrate—-El Capitán has been ridden!” In a flash the Baca Dora bottle appeared and one of the cowboys backed up his pickup and opened up the doors and turned the radio on full blast. Husbands and wives were swing dancing as their kids clapped and joined in. “Cowboy Frrrrred-Cowboy Frrrrred!”

For a short time in history I was the Sonora hero but only because of thorns and stickers. In truth, the bucking horse event was one reason to celebrate and the other was an excuse to do so with Senior Baca Dora present.

A one time encounter with El Capitán and Baca Dora. My celebration that day was a the enjoyment of watching the true happiness of the ranch families, a campfire, steak and shrimp, all served beneath the beautiful Sonora Sunset.

Cowboy Frrrrred
Trail Horses of the West

Note: Before the shooting of this event, Les had never spent time with horses. He did not know how to ride, pack, or camp with horses; so prior to shooting, he spent two weeks on the Colorado ranch getting familiar with the ins and outs of equestrian life.

For more of Les, visit: www.Survivorman.com

I keep forgetting that this area is full of trails to ride! Make sure that you bring a fishing pole; the reservoir looks like a great spot for fishing. I have always wondered how to get up here from the Air Force Academy, and I may just have found the road. Updated Photos & KMZ June 17th, 2008

Location: 45 minutes from Colorado Springs

Dates: July 2007 – May 2008,  June 2008, August 2009

Photos: Click to view album

Getting There:

• HWY-24 from Colorado Springs to Woodland Park.
• Turn right at S Baldwin St
• Continue on CR-22 / Rampart Range Rd
• Turn right at Loy Creek Rd
• Continue on Shubarth Trail

Trail Ride Description: (See Google KMZ file below for ride directions) Like I said, this is a great area to ride. The trail starts out on a 4×4 dirt road made of the typical Colorado crushed granite. Most everything to the north allows vehicles (including ATVs) on it, bit if you head down into the southern area you’ll be where they can’t! Even-though, vehicles are allowed, I usually don’t see to many. Today I saw 3 parked cars and 2 ATVs. I stopped and talked with the guys on the ATV as they were trying to find a way to Stanley Reservoir for a little fishing. It broke my heart to state the obvious - No Motorized Vehicles! They were bummed as I rode off and down to the the lake. Be prepared for some climbing, I got in almost 1,400 feet in this 11 mile loop. This is a neat & clean trail that I would not be afraid to take kids or beginners on. 

Click for full view of the trail profile

The Basics: This is a heavily populated area on the weekends as it is so close to Colorado Springs so expect motorized traffic of all kinds. There is no water at any of the camping areas and the two lakes are kind of far away to use for horses/camping, so bring your own. I would recommend shoes if you are going to ride this area a lot.

Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZ file with Photos & Waypoints

Date: April 2008, August 2009

Photos: Grape Creek Trail (updated)

Getting There: Once you get to Canon City you’ll head past the 3rd street (Light/Park) and find First street hidden just on the other side of the park. Head down First Street to Temple Canyon Road. Go out about a mile and you’ll see a large dirt parking lot on the right. This is Ecology Park. There is plenty of room for many trailers here.

Trail Ride Description:This was an interesting ride as we had just heard about it and we had very little information on its location, but finding it was not that difficult. From the NW side parking lot you’ll be greeted by a sign B.F Rockefeller Ecology Park, this is your que that you are where you need to be. Follow the groomed trail down the hill and look for a walk through & drive through gate(s). There is a sing post on the opposite side that reads, “Water Gap Trail” (Right) and “Pinon Trail” (Left); follow Water Gap Trail to the wooden bridge.

Once you are across the bridge you’ll see De Wesse Ditch to the left and a small trail to the right. Reading the directions we were given, we thought this was our route and headed out. De Wesse Ditch is about a mile and a half to the end, dry and sandy, and oh, yeah, did I mention the “ditch” part? Yes it is all ditch and we were a little worried that we had driven this far for a dry creek bed.

Back at the wooden bridge we took the smaller trail North West up and and, well yes, into another dry creek bed! This was starting to stink, and then Bam! We came upon an irritation canal splitting water from a creek (small river if you ask me) and the fun began.

Click for the Grape Creek Trail Photo Tour (updated 4/10)

Grape Creek, despite its name is is rather large and deep in areas. Winding water, deep canyons; the horses had a ton of fun with so much going on around them. The weather was great and lunch on the trail listening to the water was a heavenly delight compared to the busy city life!

The Basics: Fair warning here; there is WATER every where. While only our boots got wet a couple of times, there is truly about 20 water crossing in the first hour. The creek runs forever, so you can go out and back as far as your horses care to. Shoes are recommended, but I don’t think totally necessary. Most of the rock we ran into was large river rock and typically in the water. Now with that said, you need to keep an eye on your horse as it is tiring trying to keep a balance atop all those rocks. There’s not a whole lot of climbing here, but the water and river rock will test your horse. Also, from the parking lot to the dam just past the first crossing, you are likely to encounter hikers, bikers & dogs. This area is a “little” more open to them being running loose, so watch for them. With a good water horse, this is an excellent ride to take kids and beginners on.

Click to view the Google Earth KMZ file (updated 4/10)
View directions in Google Maps

Dates: July 19th

Photos: Click to view album

Trail Description:On a scale of 1 to 10 this is a 15! This ride give you everything from beautiful views of Pikes Peak and the Continental Divide to gorgeous rides through aspen groves and evergreens and deep river crossings. You’ll also be thrilled with the beauty of the huge granite rock formations, especially Dome Rock itself which rises 800 feet above the canyon floor. We started our ride at the west parking lot on the Willow Creek Trail #40 and rode for three (3) miles up a gentle slope on a packed sand two-lane trail. After about three (3), the trail narrows to a single file and shortly thereafter we came to a “Y” in the trail. We took the right branch, up a steep climb. [The left heads down to a locked gate] At the highest view point we were at 9,700 feet, which is a long way up from the parking lot which was at 8,800 feet. We then continued on this trail, passing the Sand Creek Trail #41 on the right which is a great short cut if you need a shorter ride. We turned off onto Spring Creek Trail #43 and followed it all the way to Dome Rock. The trail makes some steep drops as it approaches Dome Rock but nothing that was a problem¹. Just as we rode past the south side of Dome Rock we had our first water crossing. It was deep and wide² but the bottom of the river was sandy, so it was very easy to cross. We had lunch in a meadow by the rock. We then circled around the rock³on Dome Rock Trail #46. This trail takes you back and forth over Fourmile Creek nine times. It also takes you into Muller State Park at some points. About 2.5 miles from the end, we came across the ruins of Jackrabbit Lodge. This had been a private hunting lodge that burned to the ground in the 1940′s. All that remains is the stone chimney and part of the foundation.

At this lodge you can choose to go left into Muller State Park. We continued on the Dome Rock Trail having fun crossing the river and viewing the heard of Big Horn Sheep the live there. River crossing can be avoided by staying on the north side of the river along the footpath. We stayed on the wide road, that was once a stage coach road, and had fun playing in the water. At times the river was so deep²from the beaver dams that the water came above our horses’ bellies! About 0.5 miles from the end we came across the ruins of an old collapsed mine. This trail returns to the east parking lot. This is an easy trail and shoes would not be required as the surface is packed sand.

Note: This complete 9.4 mile loop is only open from July 16th to November 30th. It is closed for the rest of the year for the Big Horn Sheep lambing. But you can take shorter loops, such as Sand Creek Trail loop, or going out and back on the Willow Creek Trail or the Dome Rock Trail.

1. We took the opportunity to have lunch, water and graze our horses in a beautiful meadow just left of the base of Dome Rock right by the creek.
2. We were told by a local that last years rains flooded out most all the beaver dams; thus all the water crossings were very easy to negotiate and none of them were very deep.
3. From the meadow you will head slightly south and cross the creek; this will take you around a large pile of rock formations and them back heading north on Dome Rock Trail #46 following the river up the canyon.

About the author: This trail description was written by Margi Evens - Author of Riding Colorado I & II. If you would like to know more about Margi and her books, please click here.

Maps to Download:
Google Earth KMZ File

Details: US Air Force Academy

Notes:(5/29 9am) Some folks have been asking questions, see below:

• A coggins is not required to ride on the Academy
• The trailer in fee went up from $5 to $10 (we think)
• We will be meeting at the parking lot by the arena not on the south end stables
• You do NOT need to register or have your name on the list at the gate
• Use the South Gate
• Make sure that your tags on your truck AND trailer are current
• Bring as many friends as you want!
• Enjoy…

We will be riding the Lower Grape Creak Trail this Sunday – This is an incredible ride for this time of year. Warm weather, flowing streams and not to tough on the horses.

Date & Time: Sunday, May 10th, 2009 – Leave the Trail Head at 10am

Weather Update: 5/9 @ 10:30pm – Right now the Weather Channel shows NO RAIN for tomorrow in Canyon City! Our ride will start at 56° F and mid-afternoon it will hit in the mid 60′s  – we will be blessed with a very pleasant sunny day!

Getting There: Once you get to Canon City you’ll head past the 3rd street (Light/Park) and find First street hidden just on the other side of the park. Head down First Street to Temple Canyon Road. Go out about a mile and you’ll see a large dirt parking lot on the right. This is Ecology Park. There is plenty of room for many trailers here.

Additional Information: We will be having lunch on the trail, so be sure to pack something to eat in your saddle bags! Please let us know if you are going to be there, so we know to look for ya!

Click for complete details and ride preview.

Location: Located just minutes west of Colorado Springs and just south of Hwy 24 & 31st.

Dates: October 25th, 2008

Photos: Click to view album

Trail Description: The towering, rosy-smooth stone edifices of the Fountain Formation, which makes up the ramparts of the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, are just one remarkable feature of this trail loop. Passing beneath these flaming walls is a moving experience, but so is climbing onto the large, flat plain atop the Morrison Slide. With a number of different trails intersecting the main trunk, there is almost an endless anount of riding to be had.

Getting there: While traveling Highway 24 West, look for 31 Street and head left (South) a 1/4 mile and look for a big dirt parking lot on the right.

More Details: There are many trails throughout this area to explore, however be careful as there are also some trails that are not passable on horseback. (Not be me at least) We tried the Section 16 trail, and about 300 yards off the main trail we decided to turn around (and not an easy feat!). The granite trail was too much for my comfort level, especially with the kids with us. Another note; this trail is mostly Colorado Granite and those without shoes had hoof work to do when they got home.

Maps:
Google Earth KMZ File
Standard Image Trail Map

It has been a while since my last post. As you all know we are in the middle of hunting season; but I thought I would bring you a few photos from the Field. While we have been riding/hunting in many different areas, here are a few photos from some of the areas that we will be putting on the schedule for next year.

We are working on a ride in Dome Rock / Muller State Park or somewhere like these areas to ride in the Aspens while they are changing. This is a great time of year to ride; cool breeze, changing colors, Elk bugling, it doesn’t really get much better that that!

If you have a suggestion for an early October ride, please send us an email.

September: Through the Trees at Dusk – Marshall Pass, Colorado

September: Leftovers from Hurricane Ike – Kebler Pass, Colorado

If you have any question regarding existing rides, or rides you would like go on, shoot us an email and we will try to answer it for you.

We will have a schedule for October, and possibly for November – we typically ride steadily through Thanksgiving and then it is hit & miss.

Riding during hunting Season

Season Dates:
West of I25: September – November
East of I25:  October – December

Most horseback riders are grateful when summer heat gives way to cooler autumn weather. What better time for a leisurely trail ride? Autumn is very often hunting season too. That may conjure up romantic images of blaze orange-coated riders racing across open fields.

The reality is that today’s hunters are more likely to be sitting in a tree stand, wearing camouflage and holding a loaded gun or bow. Bow hunters are not required to where blaze orange, and the chances are very high you’ll never see them; but rest assured, they will see you! Unfortunately incidents between horseback riders and novice hunters are not unheard of.

Sadly, horses have been shot from beneath their riders by over anxious hunters. Even people, horses and other livestock at pasture are at risk during hunting seasons, especially if their camps or pastures border on forests. There have also been documented cases where overly passionate equestrians thought it a good idea to help out wildlife by blazing through the woods; a dangerous and reckless act.

All sports enthusiasts have to learn to respect each other and that is certainly the case during hunting season - simply put, stay out of each other’s way. Horseback riding on the trails during hunting season means riders have to take extra precautions. As an avid hunter, it pains me to make this statement, but it can’t be more ture, especially the closer to the city you ride!

In Colorado it is unlawful to interfere with hunters. That includes, but is not limited to, alarming, distracting, or frightening prey; causing prey to flee by using light or noise; chasing prey on foot or by vehicle; throwing objects; making movements; harassing hunters by using threats or actions; erecting barriers to deny access to hunting areas; and intentionally injecting yourself into the line of fire. Violators face criminal prosecution and may have to pay damages to the victim, as well as court costs. Learn more on this topic by reading the Hunter Harassment page.

Before you horseback ride:

• Find out what the hunting regulations are in your area such as what time guns may be fired and what animals are in season. 
• Try to avoid known hunting areas!
• Try to stay in open fields where you will be more visible. 
• Avoid riding at peak times such as early morning. 
• No matter what the season, when headed out on trail with your horse, tell someone your planned route and what time you will be back. 
• If you meet hunters tell them your planned route. Try to keep the communication open, no matter what your opinion towards hunting.

When you ride your horse: 

• Ride with a buddy. 
• Wear a ‘hunting orange’ vest, saddle pads, ahlerts and/or saddle bags. 
• Wear a brightly colored helmet cover. 
• Make or buy a brightly colored rump sheet for your horse. 
• If there is any chance you will be near gun fire, be sure you are on a horse that is used to it!

At home or camp: 

• Use a ‘hunting orange’ turnout sheet.
• Keep your horses close to your house or camp during peak hunting times. 
• Mark your corrals well! Make sure that all contained stock is well makred
• Check your fence lines frequently and check for gates accidentally left open, you do not want your stock running loose around hunting areas.

Most hunters are conscientious sportsmen who follow the rules. Be respectful and courteous, and they will respond in kind. Remember that while we can enjoy our sport almost year-round hunters have a right to their relatively short time in the woods.