Dear Friends and Partners About midway across the span of Little Hat Ranch, along the north banks of the bubbling creek, steep and broken desert hills cascade down to the impenetrable willow thickened swamps inhabited by beaver. These abrupt foothills are cloaked with mountain big sage and …
Feeling the Trail with Goldy and Goudie
Dear Friends and Partners My coal-black mare, Bobbi, tripped on her feet for the last time with me on her back. She had a good excuse, to be sure: it was quite dark. I quietly pulled her up, and swung my leg over to dismount on her uphill side. The steepness of the hill made getting off as easy …
Continue Reading about Feeling the Trail with Goldy and Goudie
A Stud Pile Story
The Brumbies are back. These wild horses of the open range first stole into camp back in Bear Basin two weeks ago and tried to make off with our own cavvy of horseflesh. Some of you probably read about it on Instagram. If you haven't, here's a take on that tumultuous night from crew boss Linnaea's …
Nighthawk Country
Dear friends and partners: "Stop!" yelled Caryl from the passenger seat as we bumped down our driveway in the gathering dark. I slammed on the brakes, and as I did a shape fluttered in my headlights and flew into the darkness. "I thought it was a rock!" I said. I had forgotten. The …
Theft on the Range
As I trotted horseback with purpose, cutting through the sweltering still air, I had no idea that treachery had been afoot in the Hat Creek Country. It was hot for the 15th of May, particularly in this deep cleft in the rocks that we call Pig Creek. I nudged my stalwart mare, Missy, up the elk …
The Range of Life
The Coleman lantern above my head is swinging from the ridge pole. Colton just hit his head on it, again. I can relate; I've hit it countess times despite the fact that we all know it's there. It is hung judiciously right above the camp stove and folding tables and you are bound to hit it more than …