Amazing Performance

  Most of you know who Carrie Underwood is.

You probably are aware that she was an "American Idol" winner.

She made the most of her shot and came out with several hit songs.

She was awarded the CMA Entertainer of the Year, twice.

I wasnt aware that she is the first woman to do so.  Ever.

At the CMA "Girls Night Out" Award Show, she teamed up with

Veteran Performer, Vince Gill, on a well-known hymn.

Lots of people are saying that it is the best performance of the song - ever.

As she started the second chorus,

Carrie Underwood's vocal of

"How Great Thou Art"

brought the audience of seasoned performers 

and country music fans to their feet.

.  

The performance was so strong,

that people were brought to tears as they cheered and applauded.

Since that night, in comments from across the country, 

people are talking of "getting the chills,"

"having goosebumps", and of "hearing a call".

Below, i have listed a link to one of the resources available to see and hear the performance.

Please, click on it; put on your headphones; close your eyes to hear one of the most moving renditions

of this great song.

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/04/girls-night-out-carrie-underwoods-how-great-thou-art-brings-the-house-down.html

-Saddle Mountain Rider

Lookin' For Trouble - Challenge Winners

Wintertime Blues Challenge

Answers for the Trail Challenge

 Pony Cousins were pretty quick to figure out that the 1st instincts of Ole SMR

in meeting challenges on the trail are probably not always in the best interests 

of safety or comfort for the group.

With that said, here are some answers and those Cousins who gave 

corresponding answers got 20 points for the #1 answer; 

10 points for the #2 answer; and 5 points for the #3 answer.

Some Cousins got points for giving a clever answer; 

and some Cousins got points when the Seahawks scored.

 (Perhaps if the team had scored more points, the Cousins would have scored more points.)

Trail Challenge #1

Going up steep hills can be a struggle for the trail pony who hasnt gotten into top shape.

When stopping on a steep trail to let the ponies catch their breath, should you

a) stay in line and face the pony's head up the trail

b) turn the pony's body so as to be perpendicular to the trail

c) drop your reins to take a swig of whiskey; let everyone else worry about where you are.

Answer:  B:  if there is room on the trail, one should face the side of the trail;

Answer A got 10 points because some times there is no room on the side of a drop-off

when an emergency occurs.

Answer C got 5 points because sometimes that is the only chance to get a little swig on the trail.

Trail Challenge #2

Crossing streams can be daunting for inexperienced trail ponies; 

cow ponies dont usually run across streams in the roping arena.  Not usually.

When crossing a stream on a reluctant pony, should you

a) "pony up" to a more experienced trail pony

b) let your pony figure it out on his own

c) take a swig of whiskey and wait for the Divine Ms C and the Desert Rose

to dismount and come lead your pony across.

Answer:  A:  I went with answer A because most ponies benefit from the assurance of a 

more experienced companion;

Answer B got 10 points because in some cases, a pony just needs a little encouragement, patience,

and time to take those 1st steps into the water;

Answer C got 5 points because there is a chance that your pony will think that those 2 Cousins

are ponies also and will follow them anywhere.  (see answer A)

Trail Challenge #3

Sometimes corrections and further training of a trail pony need to occur on the trail.

Some of the other ponies may become nervous or fidgety while the training is going on.

What is one thing that you can do to keep your pony focused on you during the distraction?

a) exercises, such as neck flexion, or one-rein pulls

b) move about in the saddle by leaning right and left, tugging the horn, etc

c) drop your reins, let the pony eat grass, and take a swig of whiskey.

Answer:  A:  This is recommended by trainers such as John Lyons, Clinton Anderson, and the Parellis;

Answer B got 10 points because it is also a good way to see if your cinch is tight enough 

to keep your body from hitting the ground with a thud down the trail;

Answer C got 5 points because sometimes a Cousin needs to steady the nerves - 

especially if the Cousin is riding the pony that is acting up.

Trail Challenge #4

While stopping for a breather, your pony sniffs something that looks like rabbit droppings.

One of the Pony Cousins shouts out that they see some really cute kitty paw prints beside the trail.

Just then, Dusty, the lead pony, lets out a huge snort.

Realizing that Dusty has just gotten wind of a mountain lion, you should

a) send Desert Rose up ahead to take a shot at it (come on, you know she has a pistol!)

b) quietly reverse your ponies and go find another trail

c) take a swig of whiskey, gather up your reins, and run like hell in the opposite direction;

every Cousin for herself; pray that you are riding the fastest pony; 

you dont have to outrun the mountain lion, you just have to outrun the other Pony Cousins.

Answer:  B:  If the cat isnt chasing you, you do not want to give it any reason to do so.  

Picture a kitty chasing a string - you would be the string;

Answer A got 10 points because if Desert Rose has been drinking enough "trail courage", 

she would take on anything!

Answer C got 5 points because "you dont have to outrun the mountain lion, 

you just have to outrun the other Pony Cousins":

forget the barrel racing - we'll see who has the fastest pony now!

Trail Challenge #5

Your pony has been rubbing his head on the butt of the pony ahead of you and

catches the straps of his bridle on the other pony's gear.

The other pony kicks out and your pony jumps back, breaking its bridle.

The bridle falls off and your pony sees the opportunity for a snack break.

Which of the following Pony Cousins do you think will have the necessary gadgets

to repair the bridle and will have the knowledge to be able to fix it?

a)  Pony Girl

b) Desert Rose

c) Saddle Mtn Rider

Answer:  B:  Believe it or not, Desert Rose has been in this predicament before and has fixed the problem;

Answer A got 10 points because Pony Girl is smart enough to figure out 

whose gear to tear apart to fix the problem;

Answer C got 5 points because, even though SMR should have the repair materials in her saddle bag, 

she probably dumped it out at the trailer in order to fit in more booze; 

and even though she should be able to figure out how to fix the problem, 

she probably has been drinking enough of her booze supply that she cant even see the problem.

Trail Challenge #6

The Cuzettes ride their ponies up to the log house to use the hot tub on a beautiful summer evening.

While tying the ponies to the hitch post, they discover that someone is already in the tub,

cooler in-hand, enjoying the bubbling water.

Which one of the following Cuzettes will approach the interloper with stern words?

a) Full Moon

b) Palomino Girl

c) Pony Girl

Answer:  B:  Okay.  Have you met Palomino Girl?  Enough said.

Answer A got 10 points because Full Moon would probably refer to the visitor by unflattering names, 

if there wasnt more booze to share;

Answer C got 5 points because Pony Girl would be glad to see a certain "FarmBoy" in the hot tub.

Trail Challenge #7

While on a moonlight ride up on the hill, the Cuzettes get disoriented, take the wrong trail,

and cant figure out how to get back to the ranch.

Back at the ranch, the other Cousins realize that the Cuzettes have not returned

and determine that something should be done.

a) Jane and Jeanette saddle up their fast-paced ponies and dash up the trail

b) Eeeeee and Betsy mix another batch of martinis

c) the Farmboy, figures out where they are and drives his truck up the road to lead them down.

Wouldnt happen if the darn Cuzettes wouldnt get drunk in the hot tub

and then want to go trail riding.

Answer:  C: FarmBoy would be the logical choice to find them, 

not just because of his familiarity with the area - 

it has more to do with his familiarity with a certain Pony Girl.

Answer B got 10 points because, if the Pony Cousins are to remain calm in this crisis,

they will require sedatives.  And what better way to take sedatives than with martinis?

Answer A got 5 points because they will have their ponies halfway saddled before 

they hear the shaker mixing their martinis.

 Results from this Trail Challenge

Cowgirljlynn:  65 points

Paint Girl:  130 points

Desert Rose:  140 points

Palomino Girl:  100 points

Bronco Betsy:  125

Queen of Hearts:  105

Wintertime Blues Challenge Results

-Remember-

-All Pony Cousins are Champions-

8th place with a total of 10 points:  Full Moon

7th place with a total of 25 points:  Cousin E

6th place with a total of 105 points:  Cowgirljlynn

5th place with a total of 130 points:  Palomino Girl

4th place with a total of 140 points:  Queen of Hearts

3rd place with a total of 160 points:  Bronco Betsy

2nd place with a total of 165 points:  Paint Girl

1st place with a total of 185 points:  Desert Rose

Thank you, dear Cousins for playing my little game.

I hope that you enjoyed playing along, because i sure did enjoy reading your answers!  

I know that you are all wondering about the prize -

Well, it's just a little something for office or tack room

to display for others to see...your

Pony-lovin' heart!

Desert Rose will be receiving her prize real soon. 

(D.R.: please email me your desert address!)

Now, Cousin Eeeeee and i are planning a real special Round Up,

the details of which we will announce soon.

So we need to hear from each and every one of you as to a date

when you will most likely be able to attend.

(April, May, June?)

We all understand that to single out a weekend where we all are available

is next to impossible.

But let's give it a shot.

Lookin' For Trouble - Final Round

Wintertime Blues Challenge

Round 3

Trail Challenge

Some situations on the trail require quick thinking by the Pony Cousins.

Some situations require quick actions.

Some situations require a quick application of "snake bite medicine".

Whatever the situation, Pony Cousins must be prepared.

This Challenge is for the Pony Cousins to show "trail preparedness" 

by (1) reading the situation and (2) determining a proper course of action.

Choose your answers from the choices given, or,
take a swig of whiskey and make up your own. 
There are a lot of points involved here, so, Cousins, get yer spurs on!

Trail Challenge #1
Going up steep hills can be a struggle for the trail pony who hasnt gotten into top shape.
When stopping on a steep trail to let the ponies catch their breath, should you
a) stay in line and face the pony's head up the trail
b) turn the pony's body so as to be perpendicular to the trail
c) drop your reins to take a swig of whiskey; let everyone else worry about where you are.

Trail Challenge #2
Crossing streams can be daunting for inexperienced trail ponies; 
cow ponies dont usually run across streams in the roping arena.  Not usually.
When crossing a stream on a reluctant pony, should you
a) "pony up" to a more experienced trail pony
b) let your pony figure it out on his own
c) take a swig of whiskey and wait for the Divine Ms C and the Desert Rose
to dismount and come lead your pony across.

Trail Challenge #3
Sometimes corrections and further training of a trail pony need to occur on the trail.
Some of the other ponies may become nervous or fidgety while the training is going on.
What is one thing that you can do to keep your pony focused on you during the distraction?
a) exercises, such as neck flexion, or one-rein pulls
b) move about in the saddle by leaning right and left, tugging the horn, etc
c) drop your reins, let the pony eat grass, and take a swig of whiskey.

Trail Challenge #4
While stopping for a breather, your pony sniffs something that looks like rabbit droppings.
One of the Pony Cousins shouts out that they see some really cute kitty paw prints beside the trail.
Just then, Dusty, the lead pony, lets out a huge snort.
Realizing that Dusty has just gotten wind of a mountain lion, you should
a) send Desert Rose up ahead to take a shot at it (come on, you know she has a pistol!)
b) quietly reverse your ponies and go find another trail
c) take a swig of whiskey, gather up your reins, and run like hell in the opposite direction;
every Cousin for herself; pray that you are riding the fastest pony; 
you dont have to outrun the mountain lion, you just have to outrun the other Pony Cousins.

Trail Challenge #5
Your pony has been rubbing his head on the butt of the pony ahead of you and
catches the straps of his bridle on the other pony's gear.
The other pony kicks out and your pony jumps back, breaking its bridle.
The bridle falls off and your pony sees the opportunity for a snack break.
Which of the following Pony Cousins do you think will have the necessary gadgets
to repair the bridle and will have the knowledge to be able to fix it?
a)  Pony Girl
b) Desert Rose
c) Saddle Mtn Rider

Trail Challenge #6
The Cuzettes ride their ponies up to the log house to use the hot tub on a beautiful summer evening.
While tying the ponies to the hitch post, they discover that someone is already in the tub,
cooler in-hand, enjoying the bubbling water.
Which one of the following Cuzettes will approach the interloper with stern words?
a) Full Moon
b) Palomino Girl
c) Pony Girl

Trail Challenge #7
While on a moonlight ride up on the hill, the Cuzettes get disoriented, take the wrong trail,
and cant figure out how to get back to the ranch.
Back at the ranch, the other Cousins realize that the Cuzettes have not returned
and determine that something should be done.
a) Jane and Jeanette saddle up their fast-paced ponies and dash up the trail
b) Eeeeee and Betsy mix another batch of martinis
c) the Farmboy, figures out where they are and drives his truck up the road to lead them down.
Wouldnt happen if the darn Cuzettes wouldnt get drunk in the hot tub
and then want to go trail riding.

Okay, Pony Cousins, you have until Friday nite to get your answers in!
Good luck and Happy Trails!

Lookin' For Trouble - Round 3

Wintertime Blues Challenge

Round 3

Wow!  Round 2 was well done, Cousins!

Here are the results:

Round 2

"What's in your saddlebag?"

1.  Your task in this 2nd round was to identify the Pony Cousin who would have the listed items in their saddlebag.

Saddlebag # 1

1.  A beach towel and noseplugs.

2.  A lighter or matches.

3.  Jammies with long underdrawers.

Bronco Betsy

1.  She blogged about her experience of swimming with ponies.

2.  Her overnight trail riding experience taught her to carry something with which to start a fire;

or, at least, not to give up on checking all of her pockets for a lighter.

3.  Again, the overnight experience on the PCT, taught her that one never knows when one will need to spend the night.

Saddlebag #2

1.  A pamphlet on dealing with psychotics

2.  Hockey ticket stubs

3.  Blue ribbons and a crown

Paint Girl

1.  How many times have we seen her refer to her beautiful mare, Brandy, as 

"that Crazy Arab"?  And now she works with a whole barn full of Arabs?

2.  Paint Girl blogs about being a huge hockey fan.

3.  At our 1st Stampede, she and her "Crazy Arab" kicked our butts in the rodeo

and she became our 1st Rodeo Queen.

Saddlebag #3

1.  A pregnancy test kit

2.  Something purple

3.  A Starbucks gift card

Palomino Girl

1.  Okay, i didnt want to make this one too easy, so i slipped this one in.  

Jac's dad gave her a test kit for Xmas and told her that he wanted a grandson.

2.  Palomino Girl is going thru a purple phase; she loves to wear it, paint it, flaunt it!

Dont be surprised to see The Yellow decked out in a lot of it this summer!

3.  Well, her addiction to the Seattle coffee-maker is a well-known fact.

I did not allude to the cell phone, because that would be attached to her ear.

Saddlebag #4

1.  A bag full of surprises.

2. A guide for backpacking.

3. Keys to a new home.

1.  A bag of surprises?  Is there any one of us who hasnt been delighted when
caught off guard with her quick sense of humor?
2.  She and hubby have some fabulous pix of their backpacking adventures.
3.  We were thrilled for them when we learned that they were moving into their very own home last fall.

Saddlebag #5

1.  A fabulous clay mask.

2.  Receipts from Vegas, Baby!

3.  A bota half-full of wine.

Cousin Eeeeee

1.  Yeah, i was not going to mention the obvious adulation of Clint;

but chose to highlight her work as a visiting 

"artist in the schools", where she introduces students to working with clay.

2.  E travels once a year with Aunt Jean and Cousin Danny to enjoy a few days in fabulous Las Vegas.

We should not worry about her gambling away all of her money, however,

Cousin E cherishes the time she gets to spend with her dear Aunt, whom we should worry about

gambling away all of her money.

3.  A half full bota?  Yes, she would be drinking out of it as she was preparing her gear for the ride.

Saddlebag #6

1.  Something black.

2.  Something shiny.

3.  Something sexy.

The Divine Ms C

1.  We know that she always wears some kind of black, somewhere on her body.

It's not hard to imagine that she would carry something with her.

2.  This Cousin has always had a love of shiny things; and let's face it:

she looks fabulous in black and silver!

3.  Okay, i dont even need to qualify this one.

Okay, Pony Cousins, there are your answers.
Here is the score for this Round:
Cuz E:  5/6          Queen of Hearts:  5/6
Cowgirljlynn:  6/6          Paint Girl:  6/6
Desert Rose:  6/6          Palomino Girl:  6/6
Bronco Betsy:  5/6
Score 5 points for each correct answer and here are the totals for the first 2 Rounds:
Bronco Betsy 35          Paint Girl  35
Cowgirljlynn 40          Desert Rose 45
Moonie  10          Queen of Hearts 35
Cousin Eeeeee 35          Palomino Girl 30

Okay, dear Cousins, i have worked hard to produce this blog of results,
with Gracie assisting me.  Not as easy as one would think; trust me.
With help like that, most of you are thinking that this Round 3 setup would be a breeze.
Well, you would be wrong as lipstick on a dog.
I must now turn my attention to Gracie who is right now, wearing her brand new purple tutu,
sitting at the desk beside me, using a sky blue colored pencil in her Poppy's checkbook.
Please allow me to leave you now with promises to delineate the Round 3 directions tomorrow,
available for your perusal sometime after 6:pm.
You will have until Friday evening to get your answers in.

Good job, dear Cousins!
Happy Trails!

Pony Cousins Lookin For Trouble - Round 2

Wintertime Blues Challenge

Just as i had guessed, the Pony Cousins are great guessers!

Almost everyone correctly guessed the first profile to be:

Cowgirljlynn

Profile One:

1. Flashy, classy, with a good eye for boots.

2.  The oldest of a group, but younger than me.

3.  the Divine Ms C used to teach her things.

 The 1st clue would fit most of the Pony Cousins;

The 2nd clue is that she is the oldest of a set of twins and a younger sister.

The 3rd is that, in her formative years, a certain cousin taught her a thing or two about life.

But then that Cousin taught a lot of us some things!

And, again, almost everyone correctly guessed the second profile to be:

Jesse Pollin

Profile Two:

1.  Lots of trail experience.

2.  Highly valued, but was once thrown away.

3.  A favorite among the Pony Cousins.

The 1st clue relates to the fact that this pony has spent his whole life on the trail.

The 2nd clue refers to the fact that Desert Rose rescued the young pony 

from people who didnt appreciate his value.

The 3rd clue refers to the number of Cousins who have had the privilege 

of getting to ride this "tried and true" (that's a phrase my Dad used) trail pony.

The last 2 entries (Jamie & Tena) correctly guessed the 3rd profile to be:

Cousin Missi

 

Profile Three:

1.  At the first Stampede, should have been renamed "Rawhide".

2.  Can be fun and funny, even without cocktails.

3.  Heads up her own posse.

The 1st clue refers to the sunburn that Missi got at the first Stampede.

It is still painful to look at!

The 2nd clue refers to a gal who has a great sense of humor and can liven up even the liveliest occasions.

The 3rd clue refers to her adorable family, usually referred to as, the desperadoes!

She does a great job of keeping all of them in line and enjoys every bit of it.

The 4th profile stumped everyone but Desert Rose:

Moonlight (She Who Rides in Full Moon)

Profile Four:

1.  Pretty and practical.

2.  Full of Heart; also full of mischief.

3.  Tries to wrangle a wild bunch: 2 of single digits and 1 who turns 27 soon.

 The 1st clue, again, could refer to any Pony Cousin.

The 2nd clue refers to her kind heart toward all of her Cousins; 

her nickname and her pranks explain the mischief part.

The 3rd clue references her children and the nearly 27 year old?

Well, Moonlight keeps tabs on Palomino Girl and i appreciate that!

 In Round One, Pony Cousins get 5 points for each correct answer.

Leading the competition is Desert Rose with 15 points!

Tied for 2nd place with 10 points each are 

Bronco Betsy, Cowgirljlynn, Moonie, & Queen of hearts.

In 6th place is Paint Girl with 5 points.

Round 2

"What's in your saddlebag?"

Now, it's a well-known fact what Saddle Mountain Rider carries in her saddlebag.

But, can you figure out what the other Pony Cousins carry in their bags?

1.  Your task in this 2nd round is to identify the Pony Cousin who would have the listed items in their saddlebag.

2.  Three clues are given and, in the comment section, you should list your guesses as to whom the saddlebag would belong.

3.  The answers will be the name of a Pony Cousin, listed below, in no particular order.

Bronco Betsy...Cousin Eeeeee...the Desert Rose...the Divine Ms C...

Dusty's Cowgirl...Cowgirljlynn...Saddle Mtn Rider (that's me!)

Missi...Malea...Angie...

Pony Girl...Paint Girl...Palomino Girl...

Moonlight...Queen of Hearts

Let's commence the guessin'!

Saddlebag # 1

1.  A beach towel and noseplugs.

2.  A lighter or matches.

3.  Jammies with long underdrawers.

Saddlebag #2

1.  A pamphlet on dealing with psychotics

2.  Hockey ticket stubs

3.  Blue ribbons and a crown

Saddlebag #3

1.  A pregnancy test kit

2.  Something purple

3.  A Starbucks gift card

Saddlebag #4

1.  A bag full of surprises.

2. A guide for backpacking.

3. Keys to a new home.

Saddlebag #5

1.  A fabulous clay mask.

2.  Receipts from Vegas, Baby!

3.  A bota half-full of wine.

Saddlebag #6

1.  Something black.

2.  Something shiny.

3.  Something sexy.

Okay, Pony Cousins, there are your saddlebags...

You need to have your your guesses in by Monday at 6:pm.

Good luck!

Pony Cousins are Lookin for Trouble

Wintertime Blues

The Pony Cousins have been far too quiet lately.

Especially for a group that is so full of hi-jinx

This has to be a case of "Group suffering from blues - wintertime type."

Thankfully, there is a cure.

This cure may or may not involve the use of cocktails, however,

that is not the salient point.

What the Pony Cousins need is a game to liven things up.  

Pony Cousins are good at games,

and, if there is a prize involved, the situation could get cutthroat.

With that in mind, we will review the details of the 

Pony Cousin Wintertime Blues Challenge.

Guidelines

1. The game includes 3 Rounds.
2. Each round has a competition where points will be awarded.
3. The final winner will be determined by the number of points earned in each round.
4. Any reader of the blogged game may compete, however, the prize will go to a Pony Cousin.
5. Competitors will find the next round of the game posted on this blog sometime after 6:pm on the given day.

Round One

1.  Your task in this first round is to identify the described Pony Cousin or Equicousin.

2.  Three clues are given and, in the comment section, you should list your guesses as to who it is being described.

3.  The answers will be the name of a Pony Cousin or an Equicousin, listed below, in no particular order.

Pony Cousins

Bronco Betsy...Cousin Eeeeee...the Desert Rose...the Divine Ms C...

Dusty's Cowgirl...Cowgirljlynn...Saddle Mtn Rider (that's me!)

Missi...Malea...Angie...

Pony Girl...Paint Girl...Palomino Girl...

Moonlight...Queen of Hearts

Equicousins

Jesse...Lil Lady...Dusty...

King...Okie...My Boy...

Brandy...Skyler

Profile One:

1. Flashy, classy, with a good eye for boots.

2.  The oldest of a group, but younger than me.

3.  the Divine Ms C used to teach her things.

Profile Two:

1.  Lots of trail experience.

2.  Highly valued, but was once thrown away.

3.  A favorite among the Pony Cousins.

Profile Three:

1.  At the first Stampede, should have been renamed "Rawhide".

2.  Can be fun and funny, even without cocktails.

3.  Heads up her own posse.

Profile Four:

1.  Pretty and practical.

2.  Full of Heart; also full of mischief.

3.  Tries to wrangle a wild bunch: 2 of single digits and 1 who turns 27 soon.

So, there are the profiles; see if you can guess who each one is!

You have 2 days to get in your answers because the next round will post after 6:pm on Saturday.

The judge is standing by...

Gracie's First Conrad Campout

This is the story of Gracie's first campout at Conrad Meadows.

It was a beautiful weekend in August when Gracie and Nana pulled the camp trailer
into the White Pass horse camp known as Conrad Meadows.
Cousin Cherie would arrive later that day
and Jaclyn would drive in the next morning with our 2 ponies.

Gracie's Nana has been coming to Conrad since she was just a little bit older than Gracie is now.

My Dad started bringing our family there before there was a road to the Meadows.
The road stopped at Grey Creek back then and that is where we unloaded the ponies for the ride that led us to the foot of the hill leading to Surprise Lake.
Sometimes we camped there and then rode to Surprise Lake to do some fishing.

My brothers and i were ages 5 - 9 when we first rode those trails.
We each rode our own pony with our sleeping bags tied behind our saddles.

My Mom rode her trusty pony, Dekker, in the lead.
Dad bought Dekker as a 3 year old to train for my Mom, who was a novice rider.
Dekker was by a fairly well-known stud named Mickey Dexter and out of a grade mare.
Dekker was a sweetheart; we kids could catch him anywhere, anytime;
anyone who could sit up, could ride him;
and the three of us climbed all over him and under him,
and hung from his neck and tail.

Scott was usually next in line on the trail, riding a half Arab mare named Gypsy.
She may have been half Quarterhorse as well, because she was not a "typy" Arab,
but stockier. She was grey in color and gentle to handle.

I came next on my pride and joy: a short, stocky buckskin named Bucky.
Some people thought we called him Bucky because of his color.
But the fact is that Bucky was once a bucking horse who was "on the wagon to be destroyed",
because sometimes he would buck and sometimes he wouldn't.
Dad bought him as a pony for Scott and a couple years later i was old enough for him
and that's when Scott got Gypsy.
I thought Bucky was the most beautiful pony in the world.

Next in line was 5 year old Kirk on Sunny, a dun gelding who had raised the 3 of us kids.
Sunny was a retired State Champion in pole-bending,
who was given to Dad with the condition that no one would ever compete on him.
He must have been 15 or 18 years old when we got him.
We had him until he was 25.

Dad brought up the rear leading the packhorse.
At that time, Dad rode a big, black gelding named Pete.
Pete was a powerful looking horse, who must have stood 16 hands.
He was not a pony to put a kid on and turn him loose,
but Scott and i taken turns riding him on the trail to Conrad a few times.

The packhorse was a gentle black that my Dad got from a sheepherder on a trade.
The black loved to wander loose around camp
looking for left-over pancakes and potato peelings.
When i rode the black around our neighborhood,
I imagined that i was riding the "Black Stallion" that i had read about in books.

Our family rode other mountain trails besides Conrad,
but the Meadows were always my favorite.

I spent a lot of time at Conrad Meadows throughout my youth and into my adulthood.
When i was in my 20s and Dad had retired, we brought our young ponies and mules
to the Meadows to train them for trail riding and packing.

But as my husband and i started our family, we didnt get to Conrad for some time to come.

But now, this August, my daughter and i decided it was time for us to get our 2 ponies
some trail riding experience there and
it was time for Gracie to go to the Meadows.

Gracie filled her bota bag with apple juice for her first trail ride.

Gracie helped with the care of her ponies,
making sure that they had plenty to eat.

The call to "Boots and Saddles" was made and the ponies were curried and prepped.


It was a treat to have Cousin Cherie with us at Conrad and it was her job
to work with the "Golden Boy," Skyler, to get him "trail savvy."

After a hearty breakfast, Jaclyn and Cherie start out on the first rail ride.

When they got back, Gracie welcomed them with a special dance.


The next day, it was Gracie's turn to ride Skyler.
Gracie decided that, first, she needed to give Skyler kisses.


Then Mommy wanted to show Gracie how to sit on Skyler.


We asked Gracie if it was okay for Mommy to ride with her on Skyler
and Gracie said, "Yah."
So away they went.



After that, it was time for Cousin Cherie and Cousin Karen
to ride up the hill and across the creeks to the big meadow.
The ponies were tired after their 2 long trail rides,
so we didnt ride far.

Cherie rode the Oklahoma horse.

And i rode Skyler.
The meadows were as fabulous as i remembered them
and we had a wonderful short ride.

Cousin Cherie commented that, after having ridden her black Arab for these last couple years,
it was good to wrap her legs around the big solid body of these quarterhorses.
She was very impressed with both of the boys, but Skyler was her favorite.
Knowing all about the horse stealing nature of our family, we will keep an eye
on Cousin Cherie, to see that she doesnt get too attached to our "Golden Boy."
(After all, i did steal a dandy QH mare from Cherie's Dad years ago.)

Cherie and i shared a lot of childhood memories at Conrad.
It was a celebration of returning for both of us.

She and i have made plans to return next summer for a longer stay.

We are pretty sure that Gracie and her Mommy will want to be there also.
And we wouldnt have it any other way.


Happy Trails!