The Colorado to Wyoming Mustang Ride, Heading out on the Trail.

This was written about 40 hours ago;     We arrived at our launching point, and on preparing to ride out as I write this post.  Located in beautiful upper Cherokee Park 8500ft,, the 350 acres of the Dear Creek Ranch is a site to behold.   Our gracious hosts, Steve and Sherri Gulley made this adventure possible by providing our starting, or jumping off point.  We will be heading west on our horses and wagon towards 4 Corners.  We will be passing through a Buffalo ranch, so look forward to some Buffalo photos, if Happy (my horse) will get me close enough.  After a Chili Supper, and Campfire stories, it was early to bed with the Sunset.  It will be an early and busy start. 

With Breakfast served it off to work  Today’s preparations include rigging the Wagon, and finishing our horses, ensuring that they will be OK around the Wagon and the equipment we will be carrying on them.   Our departure time is estimated as when we leave. 

As on the trail we will have limited phone service, and what we do get will not be the best, so you may not here from us again … for at least a few days.  I am however yet faithful we will get a signal and get connected and I will be able to upload this post. 
Wish me luck.

Below, a few of the photos from Sheep Creek Ranch.

 

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Mustang Ride Prep Day Two, Trying out the Horses

How and what you ride matters.  Preparation is the key to success.  All of this matters in every aspect of life, but on the trail, it can really matter matter.  From the feet, or hooves, as horses are built from the ground up to the cooking gear one plans on using, every aspect is looked at. 

The day started as usual with feeding, both the horses (first) then us.  Tack a gear, a light tripod, that due to a missing mounting plate had to be “rigged”.  It helps to have tools.  A pair of riding chaps is always nice to keep the pants clean, and bugs off.  Later, a horseback ride to familiarize with my mount and check the tack and gear I will be riding with.  All and all, a productive day.  Early tomorrow will set out. 

We will be riding out from Sheep Creek Ranch, near Livermore, Colorado on the morning after Memorial Day, May 30^th.   If you or anyone you know would like to to join us on the ride or wagon, or want more information, feel free to call Dave at (303) 517-39 one two.

Tomorrow I will have todays video on todays preparations.  I didn’t have time to upload it even though it is done.

If you wish to show your  support, you can here … here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepping the Wagon

Built almost entirely from the ground up, the trailer becomes a wagon, on it way to being a Conestoga.  Being the primary hauler of gear and equipment, and base of operations, engineering reliability into the Wagon is job #1.

As other preparations continue, a few of our participants have had to withdraw from the ride. We will be riding out from Sheep Creek Ranch, near Livermore, Colorado on the morning after Memorial Day, May 30^th.   If you or anyone you know would like to to join us on the ride or wagon, or want more information, feel free to call Dave at (303) 517-39 one two.

In the short video below, we show the final touches to the wagon.  

 

 

 

Planning for a Mustang Ride

When the original Americans first set eyes on a mounted Conquistadore, they originally thought they were seeing a new creature to this Continent.   An animal with the upper body of a human, with the lower body of a Dear, or even and Elk.   Only later in their encounters did they realize these new creatures were in fact actually humans, mounted and riding an animal they had never laid eyes on before, the Horse.

History, both Native and White, record that it wasn’t long for these talented skilled hunters to adapt the animal to their hunting practices, and ensure a more secure food supply for their Peoples. 

Today, in the here and now, as the debate over Public Lands rages, especially with a new administration that is still forming it’s actual position on the subject, the outcome of the debate and the status of the lands the the animals that live on it are in question.  For many of us “Horse People” this is  a big issue, as on those Public Lands live the ancestors of the the horses of Conquistadores and the Native Americans, the Wild Mustang. 

Dave Herring of Colorado is a Master Farrier and Horse Trainer.  I will be accompanying him on a Ride to the Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary in Laramie, WY.  He will be driving two of the Mustangs he recently received and trained.  I will be mounted, with my camera to document, record, and video the ride.  I reckon I may do a bit of wrangling as well.

From his last Facebook posting, “" Deer Wood or Bust wagon trip.  I am Taking Duck and Goose The BLM Mustangs home to Deerwood Ranch also Patches and Louie.  I am going To drive them the last 50 miles home Starting at Sheep Creek Ranch around to Woods Landing Wyoming I am going to take 4 days To travel to Deerwood Ranch. will be leaving Sheep Creek Ranch On Tuesday May 30th and getting to Deerwood Ranch on Friday June 2nd. Will be camping Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday night. There are Two wagons Going For sure more welcome if you'd like to go And there are going to be Several horseback Riders if you would like more information on the trip PM me for more details it should be quite an adventure”.

Quite a time indeed.  I will be posting from the trail, connections allowing. 
Wish us good luck. 

If you wish to show your  support, you can here … here.