TRAIL MIX The Official Publication of the Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc. September 2013

November 30th. More details to come later, but this is definitely ITRA GOLD NUGGET a crowd pleaser. All are welcome to join us for the week, the weekend, or the day…just get out here!! CORPORATE SPONSOR Happy Trails to you, Bob

Ladies Ride May 17 – 19, 2013 By Rita Lockridge

Once again GeGe hosted the Annual Ladies Ride weekend at Blackwell Horse Camp in the Charles Deam Wilderness area , part of the BEAUTIFUL Hoosier National Forest just South of Bloomington. I believe this was her 14th year for President’s Report hosting this fun weekend of ladies getting together for fun and By Bob McPheeters riding together. Many of us took time off on Friday to get there and enjoy one more day of riding and it was a gorgeous weekend! The Wow, time seems to be really getting away from us here at weather couldn’t have been better! There were quite a few Lighthouse Stables. Summer is quickly coming to an end, campers already in the campground by noon on Friday so it which can only mean one thing….our biggest camping season was going to be a busy weekend for the trails! Probably the is almost upon us. I want to reflect back and thank our only worry would be the ticks! They have been out strong in members for all the volunteer hours that have been put in numbers this year and the woods have provided them a good across the state and encourage everyone to keep up the hard breeding ground too. work. Saturday was a beautiful day! The group of ladies and I I had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones headed out with a lunch packed. We were planning to find the at HHF. We had a great group show up at the spring ride; fire tower and ride the Axom loop. What a wonderful ride we Brown County was spotless when we left. Work at Versailles had. Several of us had not yet ridden that trail and it is really a has been moving right along, thanks in a big way to Directors great ride! We didn’t quite make the whole loop, or find the fire Larry Sidell, Greg Hersberger, and Nancy Brunnemer (plus all tower, and, running longer than we thought, we did a little the countless other volunteers that make up our great backtracking to get back to camp. We ended up a bit later organization). There have been other work weekends that I’m than we planned to get back to camp but still in plenty of time forgetting to mention here, but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to get our carry in items ready for dinner. Of course, having a THANK YOU for all you guys do!!!! If you’re hosting a pitch in with a group of 60 or so ladies, the food is always workday, or go out cleaning/clearing trails, please be sure to AWESOME!! There’s no way you could walk away hungry!! report your hours to secretary Erin Maksymczak. We had a fun evening together at the “getting to know you” Now to talk about what your board of directors and officers session. Many first timers came this year and if you brought are working on right now. By the time this reaches you in your something for the gift exchange, you went away with cozy homes, we will have had our long term planning meeting. something fun as well. There was no repeat performance by At this meeting we plan to talk to about where we want ITRA to the streaker this year. Several of us had our cameras ready, be in 10 years and how we will be accomplishing these goals. just in case! We are always open to suggestions…please contact any of us. Sunday morning GeGe had arranged for Jerri Todd to give Be sure to mark your calendars and reserve your site with a short talk at the morning session of praise. We had some Midwest Trail Ride for our fall ride September 13-15. Join us good voices singing and then Jerri’s talk about conquering her for a weekend of fun and relaxation. Leave your trash sticks fears put a great start to the day. I think many of us can and chainsaws at home ladies and gentleman….this is all identify with Jerri when she has a fear of speaking yet was able about having a good time and not working. Come out and to get through a talk in front of others! I think a lot of us can find meet fellow trail riders. This is the perfect weekend to network something to take away from the weekend that will help us be and make new riding friends. We will have our trail a better (or braver) person! competition, yummy food, karaoke, and a board meeting. All One more ride was set out upon before we had to pack up are welcome to join us for any of these events between your camp and head home. The group of ladies I was with headed trail riding adventures. Just be sure to at least make it to out to do the 545 and the Saddle Creek trail loop. I sure hope dinner and over to a warm fire at some point!! that the forest management got enough responses to keep this Last but not least, also be sure to get your reservations in for beautiful trail open! It makes a great short loop and when you the ride of the year….our Fall cleanup ride in Brown County 1 want to head home early in the afternoon; it’s perfect for a park to raise dollars to improve horseback riding and horse Sunday morning ride. driving at our IDNR properties. Thank you GeGe Showalter for starting this annual event 14 This coming Fall 50 Mile Trail Ride will be held on the years ago! I’ve attended now about 5 years and it is always a weekend of November 8th, 9th and 10th, 2013. Proceeds trip that I look forward to being a part of! I know many ladies from this event will go to our park improvement fund managed who feel the same way; you always have a lot of them there! I by the Indiana Natural Resource Foundation. Reservations for know I’m already looking forward to the weekend in 2014! the event must be made by calling the O’Bannon Woods State Park Office at 812-738-8232 on or after September 3. Three additional horse groups have organized riding events at O’Bannon Woods State Park and are also offering to volunteer with organized work days to improve the horse camp and trails. We welcome the “Southern Indiana Draft Horse and Mule Association”, the “Just Along for the Ride” wagon riders of KY and the Dusty Trail Saddle Club of Boonville, Indiana to become full partners in our efforts to provide more and improved recreational horse riding and driving opportunities for all to enjoy. A new day riding parking and picnic area has opened for horse riders. With the help from the Indiana Department of Saturday evening at the Ladies Ride. Corrections offender work crews, a large horse trailer and vehicle parking lot, split rail fencing, horse ties and charcoal News and Updates from O’Bannon Woods grills have been added to the existing Fire Lookout Tower – West Picnic Shelter and Area. Although more finish work and State Park the installation of water hydrants is needed, the site is ready to By Ranger Bob 08/2013 use. Stanley Baelz of OBWSP and his trail team of AmeriCorps workers have marked additional horse trails with 4x4 posts and carsonite decals. We are not done yet and have miles to go before we are finished, but most riders, hikers and park users are finding it easier to return to camp at the end of the day. We continue to need dedicated volunteers to help us to improve and provide better camping facilities and horse trails at our park and on the adjoining Harrison Crawford State Forest. We are looking for: • Bobcat skid steer loaders • Tractor and brushhog operators • ATV and UTV operators • Trained Chainsaw Operators • General laborers and helpers The park provides free camping and firewood for our volunteers. Volunteers must contact the park and pre-register before arriving. If interested in volunteering at the Park please contact Ranger Bob at [email protected] or Stanley Baelz at [email protected] or call the office at 812-738-8232. If you Our biggest, largest and heaviest park workers now have a would like to make contact with Dwayne Sieg, Manager of safe way to travel. Forest and Gump, our two pioneer 2,500 Harrison-Crawford State Forest, his email is [email protected] pound oxen and their two companions, fit safely and or his office number is 812-738-7694. comfortably into the park’s new stock trailer. Ranger Bob’s horse, Mary, and his buckboard wagon also tuck nicely into the trailer. Expect to see us at more local, regional and state Take Time to Pray events. By Pastor Dean Manuel The purchase of a new stock trailer for the park was made possible through the generous donations of many and fund A few Sundays ago when making my rounds with the raising efforts of our partners. Our partnership 50-mile spring horses picking up people for Service I came to a campsite and fall fundraising trail rides, the sale of birdhouses, and the where I recognized the little girls. They are at best in second direct contributions of many provided the dedicated funds to and third grade. They come two or three times a year and their make the purchase possible. Special thanks go to Richard parents stay at the camp but let the girls come to the church King of Kerlin Trailers of Warsaw, Indiana who trusted us in our service. It was good to see them again. After Service the two fund raising efforts, provided the trailer, and made the sale little girls came up to me while people were standing around easy. All the folks at Kerlin were helpful, positive and delightful visiting, and one looked up at me and says, “Pastor Dean.” to work with – THANKS! When I need and go looking for a “Yes honey?” “Would you pray for my little brother? He has new horse trailer I will shop at Kerlin Trailers. been sick and can’t seem to get better”. So right there I bent The Spring and Fall 50 Mile Trail Ride event partners also down on my knees and the three of us held hands and prayed deserve much credit. The Indiana Trail Riders Association and for her little brother. You see it’s not how or where you pray but our local Old Capital Saddle Club continue to team up with our it’s Praying to Jesus wherever you are. Those little girls didn't 2 care if there were 50 people or no people standing around, we stood our ground facing the direction the pony was coming they just wanted to ask Jesus for their little brother to get from. When the pony rounded the turn, the saddle was on its better. What Faith! I love Children!!! Let’s be more like them! side. All of the horses freaked. Bow did a 180 and went As you prepare for your ride wherever you go, maybe in the sideways. I stayed on. The pony then got its leg through a pasture or one of the parks or just watching or feeding your stirrup. Fortunately, some people got off their horses and were horses, remember to talk to God. After all, he blessed us with able to catch it. There again, you always have to make sure this great creature! And the Bible tells us he will be coming that your saddle is on tight. back on a White horse! Hope to see you soon at Brown It only rained one day; but that day it rained enough for the County State Park! whole two weeks. There was thunder and lightning and it Read about us on Facebook at HCCO Horsemans Camp poured for three hours straight. Of course, that was the 29- Horseman's Camp Christian Outreach mile day; and we were still 13 miles from camp. We switched 7595 Bob Allen Rd Freetown IN 47235 to the road at that point which was only another 8 miles. The trail had become treacherous with the hills slippery as water Michigan Trail Riders Cross State Trail Ride was flowing down them with pools of water in the gulleys By Sydney Good masking the rocks causing the horses to stumble. Unfortunately, that trail was the prettiest of the whole ride. Three-fourths of the road we rode on was flooded. Slickers did The Michigan Trail Riders Association offers trail rides no good. Every inch of me was wet including water inside my several times each year and several of them offer the boots. Fortunately, I have ridden that trail many times so have opportunity to ride between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. been able to enjoy its beauty many times before. The trail ride totals approximately 240 miles and is offered with The trip was a multitude of horses getting loose, people and without layover days. The ride offered the last two weeks getting bucked off, horses getting tangled in their ropes, of June includes four layover days and alternates between saddles breaking, reins breaking, etc. The problem with rides riding from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron and from Lake Huron like this is that there is a multitude of various levels of horse to Lake Michigan. I did this ride in 2003 with Simply Divine and people riding that includes some without a lot of experience. did it again this year with Litenin Ribbon N Bow. We were not without our own additional problems as fitting a Bow and I survived the trip and completed the ride. She big trailer into tight places can be problematic. We ripped the was extremely lame after the first day. I’m not sure what the drainpipe off of both the gray water tanks and ran the driver’s problem was. We rode nine miles to Lake Michigan and side of my trailer into two different trees doing some damage. trailered back to camp. She was fine going into the trailer and One mother-daughter combination somehow got turned was stiff getting off. It was only nine miles back to camp. I put around on the trail. They did not realize it until they got back to her on the picket line; and she got much worse. She would lie the camp they left. They ended up riding 44 miles that day. flat out and sit up and flat out and up. When I got her up, she Another woman who had only ever ridden a horse five times in put all of her weight on her haunches. She was pointing her her life made the trip. Her saddle tree broke, she fell off, got left front. I was on the phone with a vet four times. I used a bucked off, her horse kicked other horses and her horse vibrating massager on her left shoulder and back, used a roller charged her once when she came off; and she had to hide on her back and shoulder with a magnet in it. I put ice packs behind a tree. It was a borrowed horse; and she was riding on her shoulder, put liniment on her and gave her Bute. I went with the owner. The owner went under a tree. This woman to bed thinking I would be going home the next day. The followed but did not realize that you had to duck forward under registration fee was $320; and I hated going home but could trees and not backward. She laid back and a branch hanging not ride her. I could have applied for a refund with her being down ran the length of her belly and broke her bra. so lame but sure hated the idea of having to do that. I got up On the positive side, my new Tucker saddle works great! I the next morning; she was completely normal and normal the was not sore at all even when I rode 7 hours and 40 minutes whole trip. I have no idea what the problem was or if what I did one day. Seventy-two riders started and forty-eight finished. helped or which of the things I did helped. Bow and I completed the ride; and it was much easier than The next day I rode with three other women and we were when I did it ten years ago on Divine. Bow was a very good the first to come upon a woman who had broken her leg in girl as usual. One woman made her 74th trip at 75 years old. three places trying to get back on her horse. I assume she Many people on the ride had an uneventful trip with lots of took a potty break. She was an older woman with two young fun. There were games for the kids every evening; and the teen-age girls with her who seemed not to know what to do. club makes a huge effort to support the youth with fundraisers She had been standing on an embankment and tried to get on so that the kids can ride for free. Many new friends were when her horse started walking off and her saddle slipped. made; and of course, there is the beautiful scenery to enjoy. She came down on the embankment wrong and broke her leg in three places. It took a long time to get help to her; and they had to take her out on a sled behind an ATV. One of the Congratulations to our new lifetime members Dave women I was riding with was an RN and stayed with her. It is & Rosie Landis, Mark & Phyllis Legan and Dan & always extremely important to teach your horse to stand still for Rita Shrader. mounting and dismounting and to check your saddle before mounting to make sure it is tight. A couple days later I was riding with two other women and we heard thundering hooves coming back to camp at a very Send articles for the Trail Mix to: rapid pace. A pony had bucked off her rider and was racing Marsha Berry back to camp. The trail made a 90-degree turn there; so we 70417 C. R. 13 could hear the pony coming but could not see it. I knew it New Paris, IN 46553 would not be good; but the only thing we could do to try to get [email protected] out of the way was to turn around. That would have put the Deadline: October 10, 2013 pony coming up behind us, which would have been worse; so 3 We used to manage a Bison ranch in Noblesville, but then we purchased our current small 19-acre ranch (known to many as R&M Ranch) up in Elwood in 2005. It was all cropland at the time we purchased it, so we had to put up new fencing and get the pasture established before we could bring horses up there. Tell us about… During that short 2-month time we boarded our horses with a friend. Tue was sometimes known for getting into trouble, so Your escape artist he was given the "stud stall", but every morning our friend would wake up to find Tue in the front paddock that the stall’s outer door led to, no matter what the friend tried to secure the The greatest horse I ever owned latches with. Tue also opens doors and gates to let himself and others in and out, so we have to keep all gate and door In 2007 I built a new barn after the old barn was destroyed latches secured with a padlock through them, even while out by a heavy snow load. When I built the stalls (nothing fancy) I there working or you might find him lifting a latch or nudging a installed a sliding gate latch. When I began to stall the horses door open. He also likes to play with the light switches. I think in the winter, several times I would go to feed and my Arabian he's sending "smoke signals" to lure other animals to R&M and mare would be in the aisle of the barn eating hay from the that could be why we end up with so many strays and rescues. haymow. One time I went out and another stall was open and Michelle Gordon Judy's horse was also out. I got a lawn chair and sat and waited to see what was happening. Before too long, Tippy Windy (Arab mare) took hold of the gate latch and worked until she got it to slide and then she took her nose and pushed the gate I used to camp with a woman who had an escape artist for open. She then proceeded to another stall and undid the latch a horse. He would typically get loose at least once when we on that one too. I drilled a hole in the gate latch and put a snap were camping – usually in the middle of the night. The most through it so she could not get out. That was 6 years ago and interesting time he got loose however was on a day ride at she still tries to get the latch undone. When folks come by to Potato Creek. visit they all want to watch the ESCAPE ARTIST at work. It Deb and I had joined up with Miranda for a day of riding at never ceases to amaze me how quickly she can work her Potato Creek. When we were eating lunch we noticed that magic. I still love her and think she is the greatest horse I have Miranda’s hitch was kind of at an odd angle with her car so we ever owned. went over to inspect it. The hitch was broken and since Larry Gates Miranda couldn’t haul her trailer that way she tied her horse, Windy, up to a hitching rail on the edge of the woods and took Escapees Outsmart Their Owner her car to a hitch place in Elkhart to get a new one. While she was gone Deb and I went out for a ride and when I’m not going to say I am the smartest person in the world; we were riding back through the campground I remarked that a but I certainly expect to be smarter than most animals including horse tied there looked just like Windy. When we got back to my horses. Well, so much for that theory. When I was around the day area we discovered that Windy was gone but his lead 13 years old, I had two geldings. One was a Pinto horse rope was still hanging on the hitch rail so we went back down named Sundance Champion. The other was a Welsh pony to the campground to retrieve him. The people there said he named Silver since he was gray. The two of them got along came wandering into their camp with just a halter on and they quite well together; and it turns out, conspired together. had tied him up. When we got him back to the day area we I was going to school and had a pretty consistent schedule. tied him back up to the hitching rail on the edge of the woods I would go out around 7 AM to feed the horses before getting that Miranda always used and walked back to where our ready for school. My bedroom window looked out on the small horses were tied near my trailer. As we were walking back pasture area that the horses had. The fencing was electric. there we heard hoof steps behind us and looked back to see One morning, I got up and looked out the window to see the Windy following us – minus his lead rope. He had managed to horses just as they were coming back into their pasture area get the snap undone in less than a minute! I guess he was after having been out. I’m not sure how long that had been lonely and wanted to be tied near our horses so that’s what we going on; but it was obvious that they knew to come back for did while we waited for Miranda to return with her car. Life was their grain and hay on schedule. The fence was not shorting never dull with Windy around! out but was dramatically lower in this one spot. Both the boys Marsha Berry were able to step over it without disturbing a thing. They had their plan all worked out. Go out at night and find the greener Next topic: Tell us about the most interesting thing grass on the other side of the fence and make it back in before you’ve ever encountered on the trail morning feeding so that no one would know the difference. I’m not sure they had it planned out like that or just came Send your stories to Marsha Berry 70417 C. R. 13 New Paris, back in time to get their breakfast; but they sure had the IN 46553 or email them to me at [email protected] escape route and timing perfect for their continued success. Unfortunately for them, they got caught and the fence got fixed ending all of their fun. The Epic Trip to Arizona Sydney Good By Ron McCoy Tudini Here at the end of June we are somewhat settled in. We I have a gelding named Icetueperfect (barn name Tue) who had to go to town today and the temperature, according to the was nicknamed "Tudini" back when he was about 4 years old. car thermometer, was 118 degrees. It is somewhat cooler up 4 here in Gold Canyon, 111 degrees when we left home. wipers couldn't keep up. Karen following me in our car Let's face it - that's hot! I have ridden in the San Tan switched on her headlights and wouldn't you know, the right Mountains a couple of times now and have enjoyed every one was burned out. We were in regular communication with moment of it. Yeah, we get up early, ride early and take a long our cell phones, which were a blessing. I had purposely nap before the heat sets in. That's life in Arizona. planned our trip to go through St. Louis on Saturday. Traffic I got back home today before Karen, so it's a good time to would surely be lighter. We also preplanned our rest area recap the epic journey. stops and sort of winged it on gas station stops. We paid We had really worn ourselves out making all the $4.17 per gallon in Indiana and on our next fill-up in Illinois it arrangements, closing on both properties, packing up our stuff was considerably less. At each and every stop, I offered Lefty and saying good-bye to everyone. We also had to make an water but he was not interested. At St. Louis we picked up I- unexpected trip to Tennessee as my son-in-law died 255, which bypasses St. Louis to the south, and then we unexpectedly of a massive heart attack. This was just seven picked up I-44. days before the movers were to come and pick up our For several weeks I had called one overnight facility and furniture. We were on a schedule; however, as our sales didn't get an answer. Just a happy, chirpy little voice that said, contract said we had to vacate the house by June 10th. "leave a message", which I did, and never got a response. Friday, June 7th Using my nationwide, overnight stabling directory which We were ready as we could be when the movers showed Jody Weldy gave me years ago, I found another facility just up at 8:00 am. Since we had sold or given away most of our outside Burbon, Missouri. I called and the lady said she had a furniture and everything else was packed in boxes, we felt they space and also a fully furnished cabin. Lefty had a grassy 100 should have us loaded by noon or 1 o'clock. Not the case, foot by 100 foot pen with a shed. I made sure he had plenty of they didn't finish until 5:30 or so. fresh water; filling the buckets in such a way as I could tell how I was about falling down tired and was wanting to clean up much water he drank. now that the house was empty. That didn't happen. We spent We had a fully furnished cabin, a kitchen with everything in the night with Bob & Jean Becker, our neighbors, who had it you would want. I couldn't find any food, however. Along graciously offered to put us up. with the expansive front porch, there was a grill. We'd covered Saturday, June 8th 390 miles that day and so far, so good. Slept in late this morning as we were extremely tired from Sunday, June 9th the previous day's moving. We managed to clean up Didn't get off to the best of starts. The bed was very somewhat in the house but remembered the schedule, which comfortable and coffee on the porch was really relaxing and it now included getting to Phoenix before the moving van. We was a beautiful morning outside. The place was very quiet and got all of our stuff in the car and truck and managed to have a relaxing. In fact, I never saw anybody, including the owner, small space left for Teddy, our dog. who simply said, "leave a check on the table". Just horses We got to the barn about 10:30 am. Rachel at the barn grazing in the surrounding pasture. had fixed Lefty’s morning and night feed in several zip lock Lefty had eaten well but drank only a small amount of freezer bags. And she also gave me a bale of hay. I got the water. If he didn't start drinking more by noontime, I would trailer hooked up, hay bags filled and two 5 gallon water have to do something. He loaded up like he was going on a buckets filled and loaded up. Just as I was about to load up return trip home. Lefty, Karen said the check engine light came on in the car. We'd been going down I-44 for a couple of hours and here This was a different light from the maintenance-required light, came the wind and the rain; lots and lots of both. From the which usually means we are due for an oil change. Something "one eyed" car behind me Karen said she could barely see me, was wrong with the car, just what we needed. so I slowed down. Before long the weather cleared as we got We planned on taking 4 days for the trip. Leaving Saturday to Springfield, Missouri. Joplin was next and we would pass and arriving Tuesday, as the moving truck was to be there on into Oklahoma. Gas prices had steadily dropped after leaving Wednesday. Ron, who I had worked with at the barn for the Indiana and Eastern Illinois and were running $3.68 to $3.80 last three years and was a mechanic before he retired, per gallon. suggested to check the gas cap. It could be loose. Well, sure We had made this trip through Oklahoma many times and enough it was, so I screwed it on tight and, of course, the light it seems something not right always happens. So I had some didn't go out. I checked the manual which has more pages in it apprehension and had planned on going through Tulsa and than the last novel I read. It said "after a few trips, the light will OKC on Sunday, expecting less traffic. Just before getting on go out". Darned if after 2,200 miles and numerous gas fill ups, the turnpike Lefty finally took a long drink of water, much to my the light still blinked brightly off and on. relief. He was relaxed and ate from his hay bag regularly as I Being tough and macho and mostly at a loss of what to do, kept it pretty well filled up. I loaded Lefty into the trailer that morning and we set off. Lefty The rest area along the turnpike was closed, so it was a is a 29 year old quarter horse, mind you, and even though long stretch to Tulsa without stopping. Tulsa has always been seemingly in perfect health, well, you never know. He stepped difficult as there is always so much construction and the roads right into the trailer probably thinking this was just another trip are identified anywhere from "Will Rogers Turnpike" to to Versailles. We were on the road at around 11:00. "Cherokee Expressway” or to "Turner Turnpike" and numerous We got up on I-74 and stopped as planned at a previously other monikers. What happened to I-44, I don't know. We designated rest stop to check everything. This is something I survived this and made it on to the next turnpike to OKC. really believe in - when making a long trip go a short ways, Again the one and only rest area was closed. Another 100- stop and check to see how everything is riding. All was OK mile stretch. The turnpike ended suddenly at OKC and I knew and after an hour or so, we circled around Indianapolis and a rest area was coming up quickly. The traffic was end-of-day- picked up I-70. We made another stop at a rest area and I Friday-night heavy (even though it was early Sunday offered Lefty a drink. He refused and gave the look that afternoon). suggested he thought we should have gotten to wherever we I had to cross five lanes of 75 mile an hour traffic without were going a long time ago. being able to phone Karen as to what I was doing. I made it, We now encountered some very heavy rain. Windshield she barely did. I really caught it from her and deserved it. 5 Well, wouldn't you know the rest area was closed with the "all livestock haulers must stop". We were just simply waved gates locked up. We took a well-deserved break at an through. overpriced gas station. We're still on I-70 and old route 66 ran through these towns This part of the country is where you see a lot of one ton a good number of years ago. I can only wonder what kind of pick-ups with those big ranch guards attached on the front. experience these travelers had. Now in Arizona the land Saw a number of those pulling trailers with a few bleary eyed flattens out a lot. It's deceiving and is a lot harder to cross by cows in tow. Then there are the ranch stock trailers with the horseback than you would think. canvas coverings on the front half. Horses are loaded with Pulling off at Holbrook to gas up for our jaunt south, which saddles on and ropes tied to the saddle. Saw several of these is in reality devoid of almost anything, it's good to be on the even in downtown Oklahoma City. Outside OKC traveling west safe side and be prepared. Unfortunately the brakes on the on I-40, the previously intense truck traffic dropped off to nil. trailer gave up the ghost with a loud clanking coming from the At El Reno the tornado damage from the month before was right side. Something broke. When I switched off the break unbelievable. Next to nothing standing all along I-40. Piles of system, the clanking stopped. Checking this out it appeared junk everywhere and heavy-duty billboards just bent over like that no other damage was done. We only had 200 miles more toothpicks. to go, most of it in mountains with some steep grades going Now it got windy, coming straight at us. Truck gas mileage down hill. Since we were fairly lightly loaded with just one fat dropped to zip. I really didn't care as we had gotten through old horse, we took off down Rt. 377 headed to Heber. I once Tulsa, endured the turnpike and passed OKC without Karen saw a guy riding in this rangeland area with two loaded being annihilated in our mishap. packhorses in tow. I always wondered who he was and where Clinton was our overnight stop. I had called A J Reynolds he was going. about a week before and confirmed we were coming and At Heber we picked up Rt. 360 to Holbrook enjoying some checked directions. I'd stayed there before and pretty much of the most spectacular scenery of the trip. Pine covered knew where it was. First problem was that the road mountains and deep valleys with those 75-mile vistas. At construction going from a county two lane road to a divided Holbrook it's Rt. 87 to Phoenix. There are some pretty rugged four lane. I drove through the town without ever realizing it. mountains here with long downhill runs and, of course, some We were really running late now, so I stopped and called. First long steep uphill runs which sometimes slowed my old truck to the house, no answer. Then the cell phone, no answer. a top speed of 50 miles an hour. The pines gave way to scrub Waited a moment, called again, left messages turned around, oak, then creosote bushes and then finally cactus. stopped at a convenience store run by foreigners who barely Upon entering the Phoenix area, at University Avenue to spoke English and did not know of A J Reynolds or where the be exact, the air conditioning in the truck quit with a clank, howl main crossroads were. So we drove around a little and I and scream. This all-important item was switched off also. I found a tiny paved road running west. Got on that and after a simply rolled down the window, pulled my straw hat over my mile, we found the place. There in the front yard on a riding forehead, hung my arm out the window and looked as casual lawn mower was A J. Handle bar mustache, pants tucked in as I could, hopefully giving the impression that this is the way I his high top boots with spurs on. He didn't hear the phone, of do things. After all, it's only 109 degrees. course, because of the mower. Finally getting to Kristen's place (where I am boarding Yeah, the town had changed a lot, buildings etc. torn down Lefty) and unloading, we found this was a real relief. Other and the yellow flashing light marking the crossroads had been than being pretty tired, it was a good trip. taken down. Teddy, our dog, was a happy camper all the way. We were about out of Oklahoma now and my spirits rose. Our odyssey is over. Our plan on making this a four-day Monday - June 10th trip, rather than a three-day trip, was a good decision. Had two We got our best start yet but soon encountered heavy days with heavy rain, on and off, along with heavy winds. A headwinds again. The truck skips a beat every now and then few mechanical problems, but not enough to keep us from and my engine warning light came on. It was really hard to get finding pleasure in the trip. any speed up due to the wind. We had been going about 70 All in all, life is an adventure. It is great to know people who mph. Gas is down to $3.43. We are more than halfway now realize this. and I am really enjoying the wide-open space scenery. We stopped in a very nice place in Moriaty, New Mexico about 30 miles east of Albuquerque. Tuesday, June 11th We got our best start yet, but not without incident. I was shaving with my electric razor and had the right side of my face slick and clean when the battery died. The left side was pretty shabby. And I didn't have the charger or a safety razor with me. So I ended up not looking at people straight in the face, just off to one side or the other. The landscape with the mountains in the background being a dusty brown and the spreading pasturelands in front of us also with burned grass with contrasted green bushes made you feel like you wanted to saddle up your horse and ride across it. We had on and off heavy winds, which is normal for this area. Lefty is eating well, drinking lots of water and has no swelling or trouble with his legs. He seems to be traveling better than we are. As we crossed into Arizona, I should note that no one anywhere ever checked our health papers for the horse, even when we stopped at a way station that had a sign Ron and Lefty in their new home 6 Good Dog

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a Good Dog. 1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up. Ol’ Wild Bill sez 2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell. 3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar. Be careful with 4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'. that rope 5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff. 6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on While handling any rough stock, including the toilet. 7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable cows, never loop a rope or lead line way of saying 'hello'. around your hand, arm or body and 8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under hopefully not your neck. Should that wild the coffee table . or rough stock suddenly decide to go 9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the south, that loop will tighten and you are house - not after. trapped and will likely go south with that 10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my brute. Might think about tying a couple of butt . knots in that lead line or rope that will help 11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my to keep the line from slipping through your crotch. 12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and hand. he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

Old Folks Riding Rules All I learned in life I learned from my horse

A. Hunt down plumbing facilities, with and without buildings, 1. When in doubt, run far, far away. upon first arriving at the trailhead. This used to be in the (B) 2. You can never have too many treats. position, but at this point, plumbing is more important than a 3. Passing gas in public is nothing to be ashamed of. smorgasbord of mounting accommodations. 4. New shoes are an absolute necessity every 6 weeks. B. Scope out mounting blocks, as in picnic tables, tree 5. Ignore cues. They're just a prompt to do more work. stumps, ditches, and available trashcans that can be flipped 6. Everyone loves a good, wet, slobbery kiss. upside down and stepped up on. 7. Never run when you can jog. Never jog when you can walk. And never walk when you can stand still. 1. We DO NOT need to show up with our hair combed, make- 8. Heaven is eating for at least 10 hours a day... And then up on and wearing a clean shirt. sleeping the rest of the day. 2. Moaning, groaning and complaining about aching muscles 10. Eat plenty of roughage. is perfectly acceptable as is taking Motrin prior to a ride. 11. Great legs and a nice rear will get you anywhere. Big, 3. Helping someone on or off the horse does not mean the brown eyes help too. rider is an invalid. It only means the horse got taller overnight. 12. When you want your way, stomp hard on the nearest foot. 4. No one will comment about how big someone's butt looks 13. In times of crisis, take a poop. in a saddle. 14. Act dumb when faced with a task you don't want to do. 5. Everyone will wait, patiently, while someone dismounts and 15. Follow the herd. That way, you can't be singled out to take adjusts equipment. Everyone will also wait, patiently, until the blame. that person remounts and is ready to move on...no matter how 16. A swift kick in the butt will get anyone's attention. long that takes. 17. Love those who love you back, especially if they have 6. When a horse is acting up we will accept that the horse is something good to eat. just having a bad hair day and it is not the rider's fault. 7. Mentioning it is too hot, too dry, too humid, too wet, too buggy, etc., is considered self - expression, not whining. 8. Wanting to be first, last, walk or just stop does not mean the rider is a wimp. Sometimes it is necessary to teach a horse who is in charge. 9. We will take the time to discuss the important issues of the day like who is getting a new horse, or any other relevant information which needs to be passed on. 10. We will acknowledge that horses are very strange animals and sometimes for no reason at all we fall off of them. If this happens to any rider the other riders will ascertain that the person is okay and then not mention the incident to another living soul, especially husbands and significant others. 11. We will acknowledge, without apology that riding more Where in the world did Jody and Rocky go this summer? than 2 1/2 hours increases our grumpy level far more than any Find out in the next Trail Mix! ego benefits we may get from riding longer.

7 Ranch Wife 101 Submitted by Wendi Rummel Round 2 It Ranch presents Trail Rider’s Equipment The first idea was to create a list of rules for cowboys written 5 Star Wool Pads by cowgirls, things that would bridge the understanding gap. Parker Nylon Equipment But historical reaction by cowboys for advice given by their Garroutte Leather Products wifely partners made me realize the futility in the effort. Moving from that fleeting moment of "saving the world," I Schutz Bros. Leather Products decided to help a small part of it by suggesting some basic Select the Best - Joint Supplements advice to those considering matrimony to a cowboy. While this 10734 N. 800 E Ossian, In 46777 is by no means a complete guide, recognizing the following 260-639-6657 situations will save years of misunderstanding. [email protected] Ranch wife 101 guidelines: 1. Always load your horse last in the trailer so it is the first one unloaded. By the time he's got his horse unloaded, you will have your cinch pulled and be mounted up ready to go - lessening the chance of him riding off without you with your horse trying to follow while you are still trying to get your foot in the stirrup. 2. Never - and I repeat never - ever believe the phrase "We'll be right back," when he has asked you to help him do something out on the ranch. The echoing words, "this will only take a little while" have filtered through generations of ranch wives and still today should invoke sincere distrust in the woman who hears them. 3. Always know there is NO romantic intention when he pleadingly asks you to take a ride in the pickup with him around the ranch while he checks water and looks at cattle. What that sweet request really means is he wants someone to open the gates. 4. He will always expect you to quickly be able to find one stray in a four-section brush-covered pasture, but he will never be able to find the mayonnaise jar in four-square feet of refrigerator. 5. Count every head of everything you see - cattle especially, but sometimes horses, deer, quail or whatever moves. Count it in the gate, out the gate or on the horizon. The first time you don't count is when he will have expected that you did. That blank eyelash-batting look you give him when he asks "How many?" will not be acceptable. 6. Know that you will never be able to ride a horse or drive a pickup to suit him. Given the choice of jobs, choose throwing the feed off the back of the pickup. If he is on the back and you are driving, the opportunity for constant criticism of speed, ability and your eyesight will be utilized to the full extent. "How in the *@*# could you NOT see that hole?" 7. Never let yourself be on foot in the alley when he is sorting cattle on horseback. When he has shoved 20 head of running, bucking, kicking yearlings at you and then hollers "Hold 'em, hold 'em" at the top of his lungs, don't think that you really can do it without loss of life or limb. Contrary to what he will lead you to believe, walking back to the house is always an option that has been used throughout time. 8. Don't expect him to correctly close the snap-on tops on the plastic refrigerator containers, but know he will expect you to always close every gate. His reasoning, the cows will get out; the food will not. 9. Always praise him when he helps in the kitchen - the very same way he does when you help with the ranch work - or not. 10. Know that when you step out of the house you move from the "wife" department to "hired hand" status. Although the word "hired" indicates there will be a paycheck that you will never see, rest assured you will have job security. The price is just right. And most of the time you will be "the best help he has" even if it is because you are the ONLY help he has.

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