Mike and Outlaw in a patch of Sego lilies, which have been very abundant this year; it's rare to see such a huge field of blooms in one place like this.
The summer has been absolutely beautiful, much cooler and wetter than we've had in many, many years in Wyoming. Word is that our 8-year drought is finally broken, which is welcome news for everyone, in spite of the challenges that the rains and winds brought to everyone who works outdoors for a living here. Hay is being baled all around the Green River valley now and our suppliers have another beautiful crop of native grass bales for our horses. It seems that we feed hay most of the year, starting with the winter feeding about mid-December through mid-April and then at camp from mid-June through September. There are always a few horses out on pasture on "r&r" during the summer and there is good grass at the home ranch year 'round that they can get to, but we spend a lot of time and money on "packaged product!" At any rate, the horses look wonderful, slick, shiny, fit and hardened by the good work they are doing for our guests every week. Mike keeps their feet in shape with natural balance "wild horse" hoof trimming and a few get shoes; a little honey to treat the horse bites and little wounds, days off for mental and physical rest, quality feed and good horsemanship practices keep the cavvy in top condition.
So far we have conducted five week-long rides and one weekend trip since starting with guests on June 22. There are four scheduled rides left and a few openings available on all. I hope we can get a couple more folks to join Mike's horsemanship clinic week August 26-September 1, as it is a unique opportunity for people who want to be better students of the horse to get actual hands-on experience with our good horses under Mike's tutelage. It's better than sitting in the audience at an arena and watching the clinician have all the fun!
Our long time friends and guests Leonard and Alyce Peterson of California joined us again in July for their sixth trip. Leonard is usually behind the camera, but I was able to get this great shot of him on Buckwheat as we rode near the Sweetwater Gap area.We continue with rides starting again on Sunday, August 16, with seven ladies who all sound ready to ride and see some country. The saddle horses are fit, the cook is practiced and we are rested up for another active week. More later from the Little Sandy River, Sublette County, Wyoming!
