ISSUE 64 / May 2016
Happy Birthday Tom!
Your access to all things related to Best of America by Horseback
Across America, the weather has been unseasonably rough with flooding and destruction. Here in Virginia, we have been spared much of the storms but it has rained for the last two weeks each day. The rain forced us to reschedule our annual Gathering of Friends and Family Event, but safety of our friends and guests is more important.
For those that wanted to come to the Gathering here at the farm, but could not due to weather in their area or events such as gradua- tions, it opens a new opportunity to join us next month on the weekend of June 17-19 or again in the fall on October 7-9. It is a very special time for me and our Best of America Family to renew old friendships and make new ones. I especially enjoy the unlimited time I can spend with you or our visitors in a relaxed atmosphere with a no-pressure schedule.
If you have not been here before, come visit us at our home and farm. We would love to have you here and show you country hospitality at its best. The food will not disappoint you. In these tough times, it is important that you take care of yourself with much deserved relaxation and to be with people that truly appreciate you in every way. So, consider coming by. Even if you do not have a horse, take the much needed time to visit.
So, we have been talking about coming here. However, I also want to come there. As we begin plan- Page 2
ning new locations and events, let me know if you would like for us to come to your hometown to speak to your riding club, visit a town event or festival, or have a trail ride in your com- munity. We love a parade, enjoy speaking to your group or banquet, and finding new places to ride. Simply email me at my personal email or call the office and talk to Lisa or Kristen at 540-829-9555. (Personally, I used to fly a great deal, but now prefer to drive with my horses or, if speaking or an appear- ance, I hop on Amtrak to your area.). If you want me there, we can find a way!
Finally, Best of America is compiling a list of great equine products that really work and are backed by the kind of folks you would have come home to share dinner. If you know of a product, large or small, let us know. We want to share it with all our viewers and readers. Cost is not a factor, because if the product is a quality one that really does the job, I will find a way to get them on our website and/or show.
Plan a ride with us somewhere or come by and visit us at our home. I really want you to come see us. I look forward to having dinner with you.
As always, if I can help you, contact me directly at my personal e mail at [email protected]. You have friends here.
Tom
Gary Bass Photography
Happy Birthday Tom! Page 3
Join us on these upcoming rides! October 25-27Find more details on our website: www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/rides-events Leatherwood Mountains French Broad Outpost Ranch - Del Rio, TN* Ferguson,2016 NC Sept 18-25 Gathering at the Farm - Culpeper, VA Enjoy this dude ranch east of the Mississippi in the Oct 30 - Nov 3 June 17-19 NEW DATE Great Smoky Mountains, where all you need to Come join the fun at Tom’s personal farm in VA. American HeartLearn Assoc. about the amazing history linked to the farm bring is your hat and boots. and enjoy activities such as cattle drives and team Fall Gathering at the Farm - Culpeper, VA Beach Ride Oct 7-9 penning. Enjoy the fall colors at Tom Seay’s personal farm MyrtleNational Beach, DaySC of the Cowboy Celebration with cattle drives, trail rides, and evening camp- - Humboldt, KS fires. January 12July-18 22 -23 Del’s hometown honors the American Cowboy Airfield 4-H Conference Center Reunion Cruisewith an all-western parade, street fair, concert and - Wakefield, VA Nov 4-6 Grand Cayman,a trailJamaica ride. Ride the beautiful trails at this peaceful getaway in The& Haiti Bolo Club - Sherwood, TN southern Virginia. July 29-31 Florida Cracker Horse Association Demo & January 24Ride-26 in the mountains of Tennessee near Chattanooga where “country meets comfort”. Trail Ride - Mayo, FL 300thR.O. Ranch Anniversary Knights of the Golden Nov 11-13 Enjoy the beautiful trails at RO Ranch and learn HorseshoeMayo, FL Trail Ride - Culpeper, VA about the Florida Cracker Horse and its heritage Aug 24-28 through demonstrations and seminars. April 18-20Be a part of this historical ride that claimed all of the land west of the Blue Ridge Mountains for the Cruise to Belize Dec 3-10 “Our Barn”King of England. Visit Belize with Tom Seay and choose to either Lakota of Ohio Grand Opening Celebration Ridgeway, SC trail ride in the Jungle or visit the school that Tom - South Solon, OH* supports. Enjoy cruising with a group of horse- May 2-4 Sept 9-11 loving people. Join the celebration of the new Lakota of Ohio Cattle Drive Weekends at Andora Farm East Fork Stablesdealership. May 21 & 28, June 18, July 2 & 16, Aug 20, Jesse James Festival Weekend Trail Ride & Sept 2, Oct 15 Jamestown,Events- ClayTN County, MO* Come to Tom’s farm in Culpeper, VA to work and Sept 14-18 May 16-18 drive cattle. Enjoy southern meals, stall and Spend a weekend riding and enjoying the Jesse electric hook-up. Spaces limited James Festival in the county home to the famous 4th Annual Gathering Cowgirl Week at Andora Farm outlaw hosted by Clay County, MO. May 15-19 & July 5-10 Tom’s Farm in Virginia Cowgirls invited to drive cattle, trail ride, rope, team penning, line dancing, and meet other cow June 13-15 girls. Tom & Pat Seay host a great week with Old Cow Town meals, stall and hook-up. To join Tom Seay, Del Shields & Kristen Biscoe Saguache, CO for an adventure . . . June 20-22 Call 540-829-9555 or visit Tribute to the Mustang www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com
Wyoming *denotes rides hosted by the location. Visit our website for details on how to sign up or call 540-829-9555 for more details.
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Best of America Family, I pray your spring is starting well. We have had a wonderful spring so far that has allowed us to plant an early garden, get early cuttings on the Al- falfa and enjoy a number of other blessings spring time brings with it. I have been busy shoeing horses for anx- ious adventurers who are hitting the Kansas trails, partici- pating in shows and just generally getting the spring trim up on their equine friends.
Del working in the studio on his new CD to be released soon.
I can finally say that the recording of my new CD is in the books. We are hoping for a June release date and with great anticipation. We had a great deal of enjoyment recording this project and the folks who shared their talent with me on this album are amazing in their own right. I know you will enjoy them as much as I do. I was blessed to have my good friend Stephanie Layne from Nashville come to the studio and work with me on the harmonies and vocals. It was a treat and what a great voice she has.
As I look ahead to the summer we have some shows coming up that are looking to be real high- lights. I'll be at the Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Sup- per in Benton, KS on May 20th with Johnny West- ern, Les Gilliam, Belinda Gail, The Diamond W Boys, the Prairie Rose Rangers and others who are sure to make this a night of memories. June 2nd - 5th will find me at the Circle E Ranch near Belve- dere TN. for the Fiona Rose Murphy Benefit with Michael Martin Murphy, Belinda Gail, Stephanie Layne, Eli Barsi, and a host of great entertain- ers. Form there we are back in Kansas for our 20th year Echoes of the Trail event in Fort Scott. July is a big month for us as we celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy here in Humboldt. It looks to be a big deal so far and we hope you'll join us. Please keep up with my schedule and come see me whenever you can. I'd love to see you at one of my shows.
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I will miss not seeing many of you at Toms gathering at the Farm this year. Bryce is graduating high school that weekend and we'll be home celebrating with him. I am excited to see Tom hav- ing the special cattle drive weekends and Kristen having Cowgirl Weekends. These are events that are small groups and allow for personal time to enjoy Tom’s stories and meals at his table. I hope to join them on some of these events to share these good times with you. Keep those ponies saddled and their blankets wet. Keep them pointed down the trail and your eyes open to the wonderful sights around you. Hope to see you soon. God Bless and,
Del teaching the kids at school how to write Cowboy poetry to enter ALWAYS RIDE THE in the National Day of the Cowboy contest in Humboldt this July. HIGH TRIAL,
If you have suggestions for Del about where Del you would like to see him perform, send him an email: Gary Bass Photography [email protected]
Gary Bass Photography
Visit Del’s website to see his tour schedule or to purchase his CDs: delshieldsmusic.com
LIKE Del on Facebook Del Shields Cowboy Music and Poetry Page 6
October 25-27 If you haven’t tried Spurr’s Big Fix yet, hopefully its because your animals Leatherwood Mountains have not been injured or have any issues. Ferguson, NC This one bottle can treat so many ailments from the top of the head down Oct 30 - Nov 3 to the hoof or paw. From hoof issues, to skin problems and even an antisep- American Heart Assoc. tic for those wounds.
IfBeach your Ride local store is not carrying Spurr’s Big Fix, next time you are in, ask them for it. Myrtle Beach, SC If you do most of your purchasing online you can buy it directly from them: Januarywww.spurrsbigfix.com/order 12-18 -now Reunion Cruise Spurr’s will be giving away one bottle each month to one of our Trail Club Members. So who is Grand Cayman, Jamaica the big winner this month? & Haiti
January 24-26
R.O. Ranch
Mayo, FL
April 18-20 “Our Barn” Congratulations to Ridgeway, SC May 2-4 Nora & Tim Boyett East Fork Stables FL Jamestown, TN May 16-18
4th Annual Gathering Tom’s Farm in Virginia
June 13-15
Old Cow Town Thank you to Spurr’s Big Fix for the Give-A-Way!
Saguache, CO Learn more: June 20-22 www.spurrsbigfix.com Tribute to the Mustang Follow them on Facebook: Spurr’s Big Fix Wyoming
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Story of a Neglected Horse - Part Two
The time had come for us to head to California, and Siesta was going with us. I loader her in the trailer first, and then put Cinnamon in. They both had mangers full of hay, and were content to just stand quiet and eat. I loaded a few more things, and we were off. This was only the third time Siesta had been in a trailer, so I was a little concerned how she would do on the long trip. I stopped often to check on her, and she was always just quiet and relaxed. Cinnamon is always quiet in the trailer, so I know she was helping Siesta.
The trip went well, and we arrived safely without any problems. The first day of the clinic went as ex- pected, we started with ground work. Siesta did so well, es- pecially since this was her sixth session to- gether. I saddled her, and did the saddle work part of the clinic too. She did amazing! I explained this was her fourth saddling session, and third ride. I knew this would be good for her, and really educational for the participant in the clin- ic. I figured she would present some things I could use for teaching, but she did so well, it really looked like she had been ridden for years.
The second day started out the same, she did groundwork very well, ground tied well, and transferring to sad- dle was awesome. The second half of the day was out on the trail and we were to lead the ride. I was unsure how this would go, as I had never ridden her out of the round pen or arena. The backup plan was to use Cin- namon if Siesta was not ready.
As we left out of the parking lot of the Equestrian Center, Siesta was doing well, walking along, and being very inquisitive. She was so eager to check everything out, and walked out with some enthusiasm. I really began to enjoy her, and could tell she was enjoying the adventure. She lead the clinic, and was doing it as if she had done it for years. Remember, she had been untouchable just weeks before! I was so impressed with this little horse, and wanted this to be fun for her.
This was the trail ride portion for the clinic, so we had to teach, and show others what to do in different situa- tions on the trail. We had to cross water, go up steep hills, and down too. We had to cross busy streets, go through narrow trails, and through rough rocky terrain. Siesta did all of this without ever questioning me. This made us look really good, and she had convinced some she was trained and had done this before. I assured them she had not, and showed videos of what her progress was up to that point.
After the trail ride was over, we gathered back at the trailers for the final questions and answer session. Most of the participants had specific how-to questions. The one that sticks out in my mind, is how did I get Siesta to be so quiet, yet so willing and eager to try anything and everything we had done on the trail. My answer was Page 8
simple. I never used pain or fear to force her to submit. I always asked softly, increasing the pressure or (question) and releasing as a (thank you) when she responded correctly. I never spurred her, or used a bit in her mouth. I kept her in a calm mind set each time we engaged in a training session, and always treated her with respect.
Now that this clinic was over, we were off to the next town for an- other clinic. I had a few days down time, so we went riding in the desert. Siesta loved to explore, and she was most happy out on the trail. I took her to a gravel pit, sand dunes, and a place where the city dumped concrete. She loved playing on the concrete obstacles!
This little horse just kept getting better and better each time we were out together. I was falling in love with her, but knew she was to go to a little girl. As hard as it to realize I could not keep her, I just told myself, show her the best time of her life during the time I do get with her. Being a trainer is fun, but forming a relationship with a horse, like this one, is so gratifying. To think she did not want anything to do with people, and now she wants to be with me, carry me around, and enjoys doing it! This is why I so love being able to be with horses for my career.
Next month I will tell you about our trip back to Colorado, the break down, and the wonderful horse people that helped us. Also, the Equine Comeback Challenge and how Siesta did!
Next month, I will tell you how she did on her fourth saddling session, and third ride, in front of a hundred people in a clinic! Justin Email: [email protected]
Be sure to LIKE Justin on Facebook: Justin Dunn Mustang Horsemanship
Visit Justin’s website to learn more about his trail riding business, clinics in beautiful Guffey, CO and upcoming events for Justin: dunnshighcountry.com Page 9
October 25-27
Leatherwood Mountains
Ferguson, NC
Oct 30 - Nov 3
American Heart Assoc.
Beach Ride
Myrtle Beach, SC
January 12-18
Reunion Cruise Grand Cayman, Jamaica & Haiti
January 24-26
R.O. Ranch
Mayo, FL
April 18-20
“Our Barn”
Ridgeway, SC
May 2-4
East Fork Stables
Jamestown, TN
May 16-18
4th Annual Gathering
Tom’s Farm in Virginia
June 13-15
Old Cow Town
Saguache, CO
June 20-22
Tribute to the Mustang Visit www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com or call 540-829-9555 for more details or to sign up Wyoming
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October 25-27
Leatherwood Mountains
Ferguson, NC
Oct 30 - Nov 3
American Heart Assoc.
Beach Ride
Myrtle Beach, SC
January 12-18
Reunion Cruise Grand Cayman, Jamaica & Haiti
January 24-26
R.O. Ranch
Mayo, FL
April 18-20
“Our Barn”
Ridgeway, SC
May 2-4
East Fork Stables
Jamestown, TN
May 16-18
4th Annual Gathering
Tom’s Farm in Virginia
June 13-15
Old Cow Town
Saguache, CO
June 20-22
Tribute to the Mustang Visit www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com or call 540-829-9555 for more details or to sign up Wyoming
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Do you, your girl friends, mom, sister or daughter want to work cattle with your own horse? Whether you Octoberand your 25 horse-27 have experience or not, this is the perfect event to get-a-way for a “Girls’ Trip”! Leatherwood Mountains Stall for you horse and all meals are included. If you need an electric hook-up, there is no additional charge. Ferguson,There is NCa nice new bathhouse for your use.
OctTake 30 advantage- Nov 3 of the new special pricing that is nearly 35% OFF the original price. Want to learn more Americanabout Heart the Assoc.week? Visit www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/cowgirl-week.
WeBeach can’t Ride wait to share the farm with you! Myrtle Beach, SC
January 12-18
Reunion Cruise Grand Cayman, Jamaica & Haiti
January 24-26
R.O. Ranch
Mayo, FL
April 18-20
“Our Barn”
Ridgeway, SC
May 2-4
East Fork Stables
Jamestown, TN
May 16-18
4th Annual Gathering
Tom’s Farm in Virginia
June 13-15
Old Cow Town
Saguache, CO
June 20-22
Tribute to the Mustang
Wyoming
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FIND YOUR FRONTIER AT THESE CLASSIC DRA DUDE RANCHES
Looking for the perfect riding ranch? While Three Bars Guest Ranch offers a variety of activities; their horseback riding program is in a class of its own. It was developed and is directly overseen by the Beckley family. Nowhere else will you find this combination of such great horses, beautiful riding terrain, and world-class horsemen with generations of experience preceding them.
Three Bars Guest Ranch is home to over 110 head of horses. Our horse-to-guest ratio is over 2-to-1, allowing us to suit horses to each rider's individual ability and experience level. Our horses range from "bomb proof" kids' horses all the way through to young horses suitable for experienced riders. So, whether you're an old hand or someone who needs a helping hand, you can be sure to enjoy your time in the saddle. Your horse will be just that - YOUR horse for the week. He will be ready and waiting for you every morning of your stay, along with the saddle that suits you most.
The opportunity to work with the cattle from the cattle side of the operation at Sweet Grass Dude Ranch is what brings many guests back year after year. Since the cattle graze on Sweet Grass Ranch lands for most of the summer, Sweet Grass Ranch guests have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the challenges and joys of caring for a herd of grass-fed, range cattle, monitoring their health and moving them to new grazing grounds as water and grass vitality dictates. You may do some cat- tle work on any given week, and are often checking fences, grass conditions, and put- ting out salt and minerals. On these working rides, guests are always invited to join in whenever they desire a taste of the cowboy life.
For those looking for that working ranch ex- perience of a cattle drive, there are certain weeks they are sure to move cattle. Here’s a chance to drive cattle from one ranch to an- other or over to different grazing lands. These dates may change slightly from year- to-year, so its best to check with us when planning your trip. Page 13
With many of our ranches located on private pris- tine waters Fly Fishing is one of the activities that is sure to make any angler happy. Spotted Horse Ranch in Jackson Wyoming is no exception. With their one acre spring fed pond holding Snake Riv- er Cutthroats, a unique strain of cutthroat and the only native trout to Jackson Hole. A resident since the last ice age, this gem of a fish sports a golden bronze body stippled with black spots, all ac- cented by a scarlet slash under each gill plate. Please be gentle with these fish should you be for- tunate enough to make their acquaintance. Land them quickly and send them on their way un- harmed.
Spotted Horse Ranch has some of the best streams and rivers for spawning and growing trout in the “back yard”. Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brown Trout thrive in the cool wa- ters in their back yard. Vigorous and hungry, they offer virtually every level of flycaster a satisfying experience. A free casting lesson is offered on Monday afternoons. To find your perfect ranch or learn more about what it takes to be a Dude Ranchers’ Association Member, visit their website: www.duderanch.org
Follow Them: The Dude Ranchers’ Association @DudeRanchers The Dude Ranchers’ Association duderanchersassociation The Dude Ranchers’ Association
Look for this logo: Page 14
October 25-27
Leatherwood Mountains
Ferguson, NC
Oct 30 - Nov 3
American Heart Assoc.
Beach Ride
Myrtle Beach, SC
January 12-18
Reunion Cruise Grand Cayman, Jamaica & Haiti
January 24-26
DidR.O. you Ranch know your horse makes around 50 lbs of manure each day? If they spend even a fraction of that time inMayo, the barn, FL you have to clean stalls and put that manure somewhere.
AprilWhat 18 is-20 your manure management plan?
“Our Barn” Millcreek Spreaders Ridgeway, SC www.millcreekspreaders.com May 2-4
East Fork Stables
Jamestown,Saddle Pal TN has exciting news for those of you with a favorite color you like to coordinate with. They have added a new color to their May 16-18 custom line, PURPLE! 4th Annual Gathering
Tom’s Farm in Virginia Custom Colors Original Colors
June 13-15
Old Cow Town NEW! Purple Saguache, CO
June 20-22
Tribute to theTo Mustang order your Saddle Pal: saddlepalbycate.bigcartel.com Wyoming www.saddlepalbycate.com
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October 25-27 Do you remember those knives with the Best of Ameri- Leatherwood Mountains ca by Horseback logo? They Ferguson, NC were an great little knife to always have on you. Oct 30 - Nov 3
American Heart Assoc. Logo-Knife by Cutting Edge allows you to put your logo on theseBeach knives Ride as gifts, promotional items or to sell in your own
Myrtlestore. Beach, SC
JanuaryMaybe 12your-18 trail club would like to sell knives to help raise money, or your business could use it instead of a business card, or you Reunion Cruise have a shop that you want to have your shop infor- Grand Cayman, Jamaica mation on the knife. No matter the need, Logo-Knife & Haiti by Cutting Edge can make it happen.
January 24-26 Logo-Knife.com R.O. Ranch
Mayo, FL www.logo-knife.com April 18-20
“Our Barn” Ridgeway, SC
May 2-4
EastThe Fork Stormy Stables Hill series of horse stories, writ- ten for young adults, tells about Ann Collins Jamestown, TN and her friends, growing up on a Kentucky Mayhorse 16- 18farm, named Stormy Hill, in the 1960’s. Once a great racing stable with many winners, 4th Annual Gathering the Collins family now has fallen on hard Tom’stimes, Farm inbut Virginia Ann sees the birth of a black foal, whom she names Lightning, as the one to put June 13-15 the farm back on its feet. Her quest to fulfill Oldher Cow dreams Town is not without obstacles, however. Before ever reaching the starting gate with Saguache, CO Lightning, she will have many adventures. Ride Junealong 20 -with22 Ann and her friends, Jock and Ted, as they grow to maturity in this fast paced series. There are six books in hardcover print so far (the first three are also available in softcover) with the Tribute to the Mustang seventh and last one coming out in the fall of 2016. ForWyoming more information:http://sbpra.com/NancyClarke or [email protected]
ISSUE 64 / May 2016 Page 16
Put on your own trail ride and earn points! Click the image to the left to learn more about the trail riding club and how to earn Like and Share us on points or put on your Facebook! own ride. www.facebook.com/bestofamericabyhorseback
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*June 23 NEW! WATCH BEST OF AMERICA BY HORSEBACK ON: Mules, Horses & George Washington
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Editor in Chief: Kristen Biscoe