Wyoming Archives - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

June 28, 2019June 29, 2019

The Cody Stampede

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Cody, Wyoming hosts a nightly local rodeo in the months of June, July and August. In the past, I wanted to haul horses out there for the summer just to get them seasoned or at least get them ready to hit the road. As of now I have not made use of this idea. On July 1-4 Cody’s arena hosts The Stampede, a PRCA sanctioned rodeo. While some locals may be entered, the entry fees are higher and the card holding members get first dibs. These contestants are not only running for larger purse payouts, but they are looking to add points for the year end championship title. They are also vying for a spot in the Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas. Before some of the events created their own association the PRCA was the highest level one could compete in rodeo events. Now there are the USTRA (team roping), PBR (bull riding), Barrel racing futurities and NBHA, IBRA and so on.

I have attended The Cody Stampede 3 times and yes, I have only ever been a spectator at this event. I do not really get into watching activities, that I would rather be a competitor in. My niece, (again) was the reason for my attendance. “Aunt Maria, I am so excited to the rodeo with you,” followed by a high little squeal. Yep, I will have fun going if for no other reason than to please this special young lady. My nieces have a way of motivating me to do things I otherwise might not do.

Last year my husband and I had only arrived in the area a few hours before the rodeo was scheduled to start. We were coming off a 2-day road trip, and I received several phone calls that afternoon wondering how close we were.

At last we arrived with the excited little lady to the rodeo grounds. Here is a look at the events we enjoyed.

Saddle Bronc Riding

These riders attempt to NOT hit the ground or touch the horse with their free hand for 8 seconds. Using a special ‘bronc’ saddle and halter. They are judged on how the horse bucks and how they ride it.

Bareback Bronc Riding

In this event the riders use a bareback rigging which is like a suitcase handle strapped to the back of the horse. The horse also wears a bronc halter with a thick rope attached.

A look at the bareback rigging. If I remember correctly this horse was called Maria.

Judges look for a few different details compared to the Saddle Bronc Riding, but the basic idea is similar. Riding the 2 different styles is not the same.

Calf Roping or Tie-down Roping

A horse rider gives a calf the head start, chases after it while swinging a rope. Then (if) when caught, the rider jumps off the horse, runs to the calf, flips it on its side and ties 3 of the legs. During this time the horse has been trained to keep the rope (that is attached to the saddle) tight so the cowboy can work. The tie then has to hold for 6 seconds. The winner is determined by the time the fastest time.

Steer Wrestling

A mounted rider chases a steer that again has a head start, leans off his horse to grab the horns and wrestle the steer to the ground. All this while they are running 30 plus miles per hour.

Halftime Show

The clowns provide entertainment throughout the rodeo in between events. But just before the intermission at this event they put on a special show. This was a new to me clown act.

Barrel Racing

Warm up time for the ladies almost always happens during the intermission. Intermission follows the Half time show and the barrel racing follows that. Three barrels are set up in triangle or also called a cloverleaf pattern. If you look a horses set of tracks after a clean run, it would look similar to the drawing of a cloverleaf. Here it is simple: the fastest time wins with all barrels still standing. Five or ten seconds are added to the time for each barrel knocked over. Also the horse must continue in a forward motion and correctly execute the pattern with the choice of going to either the left or right barrel first.

Team Roping

Two mounted cowboys chase a horned steer (or cow) which is given a head start. One rides slightly ahead for the purpose of roping the horns. The second rider hangs back a little and when the header (first rider) turns the steer, rides in and ropes the heels. The header pivots his horse and the heeler (second rider) slows his horse down. This action pulls the ropes taut. At this point the timer is stopped. The fastest times wins. There are penalties for only catching one hind leg instead of two or not giving the steer its head start (breaking the barrier).

Bull Riding

Almost always the last event in a rodeo and seemingly the most trilling. The announcer builds the excitement saying, “Are you ready for the buuulllll riding?” There have been serious injuries in the other events, but the bull riders have been known to say, “Its not if I get hurt, but when.” A rope tied around the circumference of the bull just behind the shoulders, a bit of rosin to help the hand stick and a flank strap in front of the back legs with a nod of the head, the chute opens. Let’s see who can stay on for 8 seconds. Of course, these cowboys get a score too, also based on how the bull bucks and how the rider rides. Two judges score up to 25 points for the bull and up to 25 points for the rider bringing the total possible points to 100. Highest score wins. There are ways to be disqualified such as touching the body of the bull with a free hand, not marking the bull out, and falling off before 8 seconds are over.

Yes, this was an exciting rodeo to watch. Certainly not your average rodeo compared to the ones I have competed in. Instead of the same old jokes, the clowns had new material to entertain or new to me. Want to see the Cody Stampede Rodeo? Visit their website.

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June 3, 2019June 3, 2019

Down Home Discount

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Past blog posts have taken a look at different farmer’s markets I have attended. In this post I am excited to share a story about a little different place to find farmer market items. When I am in the Cody and Powell, Wyoming area, I always stop by to shop for great deals on foods and other items from Down Home Discount.

Down Home Discount in Powell, Wyoming offers a unique service to both local farmers and area consumers. Staying within the local and state laws they provide a venue for goods to be available from producers in the surrounding area. Keep reading to learn exactly what locally produced food you will find.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 410 South Clarke Street
       Powell, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
      Saturday 8 am – 4:30 pm

This store opened in August of 2017 as a place to purchase name brand products at a reduced price. While some products are out dated or dented, most of their merchandise is with in a use by date and with no damage at all. Use this link to read about purchasing items that are damaged or past the date. Since their purchase price is a fraction of what other stores in the area pay, they are able to pass these savings on to their customers. Owned by a local family with 4 children, they understand the struggles of making ends meet and are excited to offer a lower priced option to the public. A fun part of shopping here is the excitement of discovering what great deals are available each week. Along with groceries DHD also offers a variety of household wares, clothing, and personal hygiene items at a fraction of prices at other locations.

I enjoyed sharing in the opening of Down Home Discount located at 410 South Clark St. This store owned by the Ruckerts was about 3 to 4 years in the making. After many conversations, meetings and plans it felt like a dream come true to finally have their store open. As with most new business ventures, there were and are details to be figured out.

Meet the Owners

Both Brad and April grew up in the Midwest on a dirt road, but not the same one. Brad on a dairy and crop farm and April in a 5-acre woods that included many different animals including horses and goats. Now longtime residents of the Cody/Powell area, they have settled here to raise their own family of 4. Often, on the trips back home they found enjoyment and value in the many discounted stores thriving in their hometown and surrounding area. It was here the dream began to bring this shopping option to their neck of the woods in Wyoming. I admire the fact that it was at least 4 years in the making. The many steps and meetings as the researched this dream. Tenacity is a character trait they both carry, although they may or may not realize its presence.

I was scheduled to be on hand for the grand opening. However, a death in the family, left me with a decision to make and I choose to stay home for the funeral. I enjoyed helping in the store when I did arrive in the first few weeks it opened

Local Farmer’s Contributions

The Ruckert’s understand the importance of supporting local business and the health value of local produce and other foods. Happily, Down Home Discount has made space in the store for local vendors to display their wares. Along with finding great deals on groceries and other products you will find some of the same buying options as if you were attending a local farmer’s market. Keep in mind these items are going to support local families and may not be discounted, but their value comes in the form of health and homemade/produced goods.

Local Baked goods

Local Dairy Products

Farm Fresh ice cream is one of the items available at the Powell store.

Mexican Cuisine

Local crafted Tamale after being purchased and then cooked at home.

Eggs are available. Look for other locally produced foods to be available when you visit Down Home Discount.

A New Location

New in 2019, Down Home Discount and it’s owners opened a new location in Cody, Wyoming about a 30 minute drive from Powell. This location is also a little less than an hour from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park making it a great place to stock up on supplies for your trip into the park.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 2621 Big Horn Avenue
       Cody, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm 
      Saturday 9 am – 5 pm

This new location offers a different buying option. A percentage of merchandise can be purchased in bulk at an additional discount, on top of already low prices. For example, 12 cans of baked beans for the price of 11 when prices are already lower. Get together with your friends when shopping Down Home Discount in Cody and save even more. This new location brings a larger selection in clothing, shoes, health and beauty, and

Facts to remember:

Both stores do not always carry the same merchandise from week to week. It can be like opening a present and you find your self surprised with new items on a regular basis when shopping at Down Home Discount. Stay informed of the weekly deals and new products on Facebook: Down Home Discount on FB.

Attentions local farmers and producers:

Are you a local farmer and produce local food in the Cody, Wyoming or Powell area? Be sure to contact Down Home Discount to speak with them about offering your local produce in their store.

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May 20, 2019May 26, 2019

A Guided Trail Ride

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My lovely niece expressed her strong desire to me in a phone call one day, “Aunt Maria, I want you to go with me on a trail ride when you are out here,” something to that effect, but if that was really going to happen or not was uncertain. That was the year her parents opened a discount grocery store. The excitement of my visit later that year was largely focused on helping as a cashier during the second week after opening. Her Mom, my sister, did managed to make time the day before I was scheduled to return to Indiana. In a previous blog post I shared about my experience enjoying the Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch for a few hours.

At last, the anticipated event was to take place. We walked a short distance to area out of sight from the front porch of the Lodge. Here there was a small cabin like structure with steps leading to the door and a small porch. A 2-hour trail ride was getting underway as well as our 1 hour guided ride. I was looking forward to enjoying a ride on a trained horse. I have rode green horses almost as much as finished horse, barrel raced often and a bit of team roping. Until that day I had never been riding in the mountains of Wyoming. For various reasons, this was to be one of only 2 times I sat the back of the horse in 2017. Consequently, the other time involved a different niece in a different county, but only the week prior. I wrote about that ride in a blog post titled Seasons. I felt a bit nervous, knowing my riding skills had suffered since experiencing a TBI. There are few others besides one of my nieces that would have even motivated me to ride that summer.

I did honestly feel unsure riding in unknown terrain, given my belief that my riding skills were lacking compared to past horseback ventures. For this reason, I decided to refrain from sharing that I knew anything of what I was doing. It felt quite odd to have a horse lead to me saddled, held while I mounted from the afore mentioned porch and led to stand behind the horse my niece sat on. I decided to simple enjoy the experience. In the past, if someone lead a horse, I was sitting on it was because the horse was misbehaving. Perhaps I should clarify misbehaving: a gelding that was refusing to enter an arena who reared and escaped the grip of the person leading him, proceeding into the area at a run with no response to attempted guidance of the reins. I strongly believed the horse I sat that day was in need of ground support. I was informed this horse liked to be lazy. Sounded good to me, better than one trying to dump me or run off.

I was not about to miss the opportunity to take pictures while I was riding. I snapped a couple while we waited for our guide, Aaron. I later had the pleasure of meeting his wife, who was working in the reception area of Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch. They own Hartley Welding back in their home state of Arkansas. Turns out, our guide has many talents as he also works as a farrier, a line of work operating anywhere a horse does.

At first, we rode on fairly flat ground (for being in the mountains) along a creek bed. While the trail was not steep, at times the bank down to the creek was. The smell of pine floated across the fresh mountain breezes. The peace I felt and beauty that surrounded us, simply can not be shared in these pictures.

We started up a steeper slope. As we rode, I listened to the voice of my niece chatting away. She was riding an old, as in 20 +, horse that was worth its weight in gold when it came to toting young children around.

Aaron, our guide, shared that at one point in the summer, a bear had been sighted right there near the trail we currently were on. My response? I ask if he was carrying a gun. As he turned to answer I seen a gun on his hip. I felt satisfied that there was protection provided and continued to enjoy the ride, while keeping my eye out for bears. The fact created a sense of adventure beyond riding in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Check out this video of pictures taken along the trail.

We had climbed higher than I realized. We came to a path wide enough for motor vehicles. It either went up or down.

I was a bit disappointed we were headed down. I would have been excited to continue riding higher, and knew the ride would soon be over.

Do you see the buildings nestled below? That is the general area we started the trail ride at and where we were returning to.

Arriving back at the Lodge, my niece gave me a big hug and said, ‘Thank you, Aunt Maria’. The ride was amazing, but her little hugs trumped it all.

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April 29, 2019May 22, 2019

Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch

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There are days my mind wonders to past days. As winter fades and the beauty of spring appears, amidst rainy days, I find myself craving a road trip. I might even be planning one depending on the year. Either way, along with my desire to travel my mind drifts to past trips and memories. I have been to a few areas enough that they are beginning to feel like my second home.

Nestled back on a mountainside only 3 miles from the east entrance of the Yellowstone National Park, Shoshone Guest Lodge welcomes anyone wanting to feel close to the rugged terraine and wildlife. One of my nieces who at the time did not own a horse, informed over the phone that when I came to visit we were going to go on a trail ride at this lodge. This was how I came to visit the lodge one Sunday afternoon in August of 2017.

The main building provided meals to guests and anyone else who made reservations. My favorite part was the porch. Several chairs gave a beautiful view of neighboring mountains and if you sat in the right spot you did not even see the road, only the campfire pit across the way and cabins that can be rented.

Always one to explore I soon went found my self inside checking out the interior. The dinning area and reception desk sat a level lower than the entertainment room.

Speaking of entertainment, my eye caught sight of a guitar and what was that? A fiddle! I had not been playing mine much for reasons I do not recall. I wonder if I would be allowed to play it? I was terribly rusty, but how fun would it be to play a fiddle on the porch of this log lodge in the mountains of Wyoming? Turns out my sister knew the lodge owners and the fiddle belonged to her.

After shooting a few pictures on the porch, we were informed it was time to ride. Read all about the ride we took in the blog post dedicated to that experience titled: A Guided Trail Ride.

Returning from the grand adventure, my niece had fulfilled her dream, I carried the beauty of my first mountain ride, and even my Dad seemed happy with the experience. On a mission now to meet the wife of our trail guide, I found her at the reception desk. I learned we shared a common like for music, specifically fiddle playing, and writing, specifically blogging. Instantly we found conversation abounded. My sister shared the beauty of mother hood with our new acquaintance as their daughters enjoyed playing together.

We had a grand time getting to know Lydia and learned that her and her husband had a couple businesses back home in their home state of Arkansas. I recall the joy I felt learning this lovely young lady enjoyed blogging. At the time I had just started this website and it was fun to encounter another blogger. Her blog is titled: Letters and Lyrics

The longing to play that fiddle was still flirtling around in the back of my mind. I had to ask. Yes, I was assured I was welcome to play the fiddle. A bit of tuning, and many minutes practicing, still rusty, I managed to play a tune rooted in my family history. “I see the Moon” The lyrics are posted to go with the video of my playing on the porch of Shoshone Guest Lodge.

I see the moon,  The moon sees me,
Down through the boughs of the old oak tree,
Please let the moon that shines on me,
Shine on the one I love.

Over the mountain, Over the sea,
That’s where my heart is longing to be
Please let the moon that shines on me,
Shine on the one I love.

We needed to leave before the camp fire that night for the next morning I was headed back to Indiana after being gone for over 4 weeks. I may return one day to embark on a longer adventure such as the pack trip that encompasses at least one night of sleeping under the stars.

Hanging out sharing the peace and beauty

Be sure to check out the Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch located near the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Find them on Facebook: Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch

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December 8, 2018December 8, 2018

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

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Amid the hustle and bustle of December, the fun of sharing special times with friends and family, and the rush of preparing and attending events, I am going to take a moment in this week’s blog post to reflect back. Back to last July when we paid a visit to Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, and specifically the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Another moment to examine the importance of this season, and finally memories of a friend, in my opinion, gone too soon.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

We did not find this awe-inspiring spot in the park, (One of many, right?), until late afternoon. We choose to spend one day exploring Yellowstone National Park. After stopping at Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, exploring the Old Faith Inn, the Gibbon River and Falls, and oh yes, on our way into the park I had fun climbing up a rocky mountain top along side a dirty, large snow drift which lingered into the month of July. You may read about this and other adventures from that day in various blog posts I have yet to write. Consider subscribing to the newsletter for updates from the farm, new blog post notifications and for offers I believe may be of interest to you.

We turned off of the the park road following signs to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. A sign read 3/8th mile hike to the bottom of the canyon. Sounded like something I wanted to challenge myself with. After all, its only 3/8 of a mile.

Looking down from the top of the 3/8th mile trail to the Yellowstone River.

Looking almost straight down, I could see a river raging and a paved trail with serious switchbacks. Oh, I was excited to begin the descent. I did note the views as I went down. I admit, I gave thought to the best ones where I intended to shoot some pictures on the way up. A good excuse to rest along my ascent for I knew going down, the upwards journey would indeed push my current physical limits.

Arriving at the bottom, I felt a bit small. Wyoming, in general, does that to me. Here, I felt it acutely. The river was rapid to say the least and the way the water fell down the falls left me a bit intimidated. Take a look in this video what it looked like to stand out over the falls and look down the canyon.

Beautiful colors, in the rock andwater captured my eye, but sheer magnitude exhibited by power of the water reminded me of the Creator and His might.

I did indeed feel exhilarated as I began the ‘only 3/8th mile’ climb back to the car. Do you hear a bit of sarcasm in my voice? The first and second switch back I challenged myself to get off the paved path by scrambling straight up, using rocks, and roots for foot and hand holds. The combination of high altitude and myself being less fit than in my past, I found after 2 I needed to resort to staying on the trail and slow down. Yes, I made use of those pretty views I mentioned earlier to rest, allow my heartbeat to slow a little and catch my breath. Did you know that when resting adrenal glands, it is important to not increase one’s heart beat too high? I was trying to be mindful of that, while the spunky spirit in me wanted to push myself. “Humm, now just what can I do?,” Summed up my thoughts “How far could I go without stopping?” Some part of me longed to go straight up the side as I had on the first 2 switchbacks at the bottom. As I was nearing the top I again stopped to soak in the beauty, the essence of the place and time, a unique to that moment feeling came over me. In my awareness of how my body was feeling, I found myself thinking of God, heaven, and a life after death on earth. I have heard others speak of a feeling close to heaven, but never experienced it. In that moment on the final stretch of the last switch back looking over the top of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone I felt as close to heaven as I have ever. Perhaps there is a better way to put words to what I was feeling, but for the present that is the best way I can describe it. I felt peace and a nearness to God, and His Son, the powerful, sovereign creator of the universe.

There is a one-way road that runs along the canyon. We left and found yet another trail to descend for an entirely different look at the lower falls. Instead of looking over, we could face it from downstream. The color contrast of the water and thecanyon walls, along with the depth and height, I attempted to capture to share with you. Here is another video to view looking straight down and across the canyon.

A high look out point provided a place to chat with other visitors to the park.

Another trail led down to a place to get a different look at the lower falls.

I badly wanted to make that hike too, but the daylight was fading fast. I was in need of nourishment from the last hike that had dropped my sugar levels like a rock.

I contented myself with a partial hike on this trail enjoying a mountain stream as I went. A rest stop on a cute little bridge provided an impromptu photo shoot by my husband.

Stacey Alexander

I believe it was the next morning that I received a phone call my friend Stacy had passed away sometime before our stop at the canyon. It may have been earlier that morning. No matter really, as I remembered the feeling I had experienced as I gazed across the top of the canyon. I marveled at the mystery that is the work of our Creator in us. I cried, hearing her daughters voice on the other end of the phone, knowing it only meant one thing.

I was reminded of the day I met Stacy. It was a cold snowy, day with high winds causing serious white outs and drive offs on the road that we lived on at the time. Stacy was returning from moving one of her sons and driving a high-profile moving van. She decided to park in our drive way until better weather or a plan to get home could be decided on. As I finished up my barn duties, I invited her and her little girl in for a hot drink to wait for the help she needed. A conversation and a couple hours later I had made a new acquaintance. I had also learned she worked as realtor. Fast forward about 6 months, my husband and I had decided we were going be purchasing a house. As I prayed about what realtor we should use, Stacy came to mind. I had not spoken with her since the day she needed a place to get out of the storm. To be honest, as life often gets busy, I had forgotten about her. That day as I prayed, she came to mind and I knew I had found a realtor to work with. We looked at properties for 6 months before closing on one. Stacy worked hard not only to help us find what we wanted, but also when we did, to make sure the process moved forward in a way we would not regret.

Stacy became a friend who I kept up with from time to time. On this day, her daughter was no longer a little girl, but still, seemed unfairly young to be calling me to tell me of her mother’s passing.

The Birth of Jesus – Fulfillment

Enjoy your family and friends this December as we gather to celebrate. Remember the ones who may be missing loved ones.

I have been going through a workbook titled God is Enough. This book takes an in depth look at the book of Colossians. This is one of many books ofthe New Testament that speaks of the mystery God revealed through his Son. As we hustle and bustle our way through the month of December I invite you to remember the birth of the One who completes God’s plan.

I found myself singing this song once again this week and realized how it sums up what I have been studying in Colossians. Take a listen to Justified singing Down from His Glory.

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May 28, 2018June 1, 2018

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ Part 2

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In 2015 I found myself living out a dream that had only birthed the previous week as I traveled along the edge of McCullough Peaks. Realizing I was close to where there were wild horse herds, I recalled parts of the PBS Series on Cloud, a mustang stallion. His young life had been documented with pictures and videos and the series continued as he aged. ‘How cool would it be to hang out with a herd of wild mustangs’, I thought to myself. My life felt disrupted in many ways and the thought filled me with a peaceful feeling. The first part of my desire can been seen and read here. What follows is the second part:

I did not think I could top the exhilaration of standing my ground in the path of a wild mustang stallion. I did in a way that I could not fully appreciate in the present moment. While at some level I understood the uniqueness of the that space in time, I feel the specialness more now.

A few more pictures of me on this special trip taken by Denise. They had plans for the evening and we had a 2 – 3-hour return drive. I did not mind our time on the mountain was considerably shorter than the time spent driving. The experience made it worth every bumpy mile!

A short distance back to the first watering hole we noticed more vehicles parked along the way. Certain this indicated more horses at this location we stopped.
This was what we found.

Cloud, the wild stallion, made famous by the PBS 3-part mini-series hanging out with another bachelor stallion. These videos share part of the story of his life from the time he was foaled.

Cloud had recently (in the last year) lost his band of mares.

He was around 20 years old here when these pictures were taken in July of 2015.

As I knew my companions were needing to continue home, I satisfied my heart knowing that I had seen and photographed Cloud. This trip gave me considerably more than I had expected. I ran up the hill from the watering hole. Surprised at how easily I accomplished that feat even in the high altitude, I simply felt an exhilaration and peace for my time spent ‘hanging’ with the wild mustangs. This seemed to trump the physical struggles I had been having. The mind is a powerful tool!

The last anyone seen of him was in the fall of 2015. I might find myself tearing up a little when I realize I seen him in later part of his life. Yes! A special moment realized at a deeper level after the fact.

I would love to explore that mountain top and other parts of the Pryor Mountain Mustang range. Perhaps one day I will camp up there. I think I would enjoy that!!!

Here a few websites to learn more about Pryor wild mustangs and other mustang herds in the United States. The mustangs on the Pryor range are closely monitored by volunteers who name and document the bands, stallions, mares and foals. They keep track when a one stallion steals another’s mare(s). I find this fascinating? Do you?

http://www.pryormustangs.org/

https://www.thecloudfoundation.org/

Facebook page for Pryor Mountain Mustang Center

Facebook page for the Cloud Foundation

Denise and her husband kindly transported and shared this adventure. Denise takes beautiful pictures and owns a better camera. Generously, She allowed me to use photos of me shot the day we experienced this story. Credit for her photos are noted under applicable pictures. Every year she offers calendars for sale featuring Wyoming wildlife. To order your own beautiful calendar, email her at:

dconnelly1970@gmail.com

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May 1, 2018June 7, 2018

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ Part 1

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I ended the blog post titled Yellowtail Swimming Hole sharing my belief that the Lord had an encounter with the wild mustangs that was just for me. That a special moment would happen and I would know without a doubt it was intended for me. That is all I had was belief that had well up in me. Truthfully this doesn’t happen often to me. I had no conscious idea of how it would happen or when it would happen. Simply a belief that it would. This happened on a Sunday. Fast forward to Wednesday when a friend of my sister offered to take me to the Prior Horse Range. This time we were driving to the top of the range and the top of the Pryor Mountains. The Yellowtail, where we had been swimming a few days before was visible from our location on the mountain.

The Yellowtail, where we went swimming a few days before is pictured in the distant body of water. Photo credit: Denise Connelly

But first we spent about 2 – 3 hours driving. The first half of that time we were on paved roads, but the last half was a rutted, bumpy, dirt track. The closer we came to the top, the worse the ruts, it seemed. I was naushas going up and down the mountain. Oh, no worries, I would do it all over again. The experience at the top was worth it all. Life is like that too, isn’t it?

We finally reached this sign, but no mustangs in sight.

A short while later we pulled to the side of the two track drive. My new found friends believed this area to be one of two watering holes in this area of the mustang range. Here was a sign with a few need to know facts and important behaviors to maintain around the wild horses. As a horse owner for over 30 years who had earned a reputation (I have been told) for being a bit crazy, I honestly did not give much thought to the ‘rules’. I felt super excited to be on the mustang range…now to see some wild mustangs!!! I am not sure if I realized at this time that this range was home to Cloud. Cloud, made famous by the 3 part PBS series to increase awareness for wild mustangs, lived out his life of 20 years under the watchful, but non-intrusive, presence of humans with cameras rolling.

Wild horse habitat had my attention. The dry forage, trails and this beautiful watering hole, but so far no mustangs.

There was one more watering hole to check out farther on ahead. Oh when I think of physical peace on earth, it was the time spent on this mountain top! A similar feeling to what I often had when foaling out mares. The view that appeared before me became eye candy to my soul.

I bask in the breezes and deeply smelled the fresh mountain air as I found myself walking across the mountain top.

I told my compainions, “Don’t mind me, I am gonna go be with the horses.” I took a deep breath as I walked away down the hill. To translate my meaning..“I am gonna go be one with the horses.” After all, I knew the Lord had a special moment for me, as promised a few days earlier.

A cremello colt caught my eye and I ambled that direction.

Camera in hand, I took pictures of 3 adults and 2 foals walking along.

I did not see a stallion with this group, odd I thought. I took a few more steps toward 4 horses to my right. I seen a stallion, obvious to me, root his nose in the air, toward the other 3 horses directing them to run towards me.

My thoughts were racing. ‘Nothing around to hide behind‘ as my first instinct was to run and hide. Next idea: An embankment, ‘perhaps if I could reach the other side it would offer some protection’. I took two steps to my right only to realize the timing did not work for that plan. If continued on that path those 3 horses would plow me over. On the path ahead of me the stallion charged toward me, ears pinned back.

Now I have been rushed by a stallion before, but NOT a wild one! At which time while somewhat fearful, I side stepped at the last minute to avoid being trampled. This was different. I felt scared, picturing a rearing, stomping, wild stallion. I am not sure scared truly defines the emotions I felt. Terrified might be more accqurate, as my mind logically realized potential death by trampling. I planted my feet. As he barreled toward me, I waited briefly until he was almost a stride and a half from me. I extended my arms out in front of me, placing one hand over the other and clasping my fingers together. Intuitively, I waited for the perfect time, feet still planted, I decisively pushed my hands up and down in short motions. These movements communicate to a horse that I am creating a boundry or in human terms personal space. Amazingly he shifted his direction and ran by me, kicking out as he went by. Perhaps he was being playful or defiant, but at least he was respectful of my communication to him. I immediately dropped my hands, shoulders, and head to indicate I presented no threat. I might have snuck a peak over my shoulder to see his response, an ear was cocked my way. Guess I had his attention.

As I walked up back up towards the others, I felt alive, more alive than I had in some time. Exhilerated might describe it, but I don’t know that I have felt quite the way I was feeling before or since. “I don’t want to do it ever again, but that was AWESOME!!!!” , was my statement. Denise told me, “I was sure we were going to need to have you life-flighted off the mountain.”

Another look at the stallion I later learned had a name. His ear was still cocked my direction. I snapped a quick picture.

How special to have a moment of communication with a wild stallion, I thought. I will be honest, I had a desire to continue interacting with him, but my common sense and logic won. A reminder from my fellow man regarding the rule to stay 100 feet from the horses chided my wish. “Perhaps another day, in another place and time the opportunity will present itself,” I consoled my desire with that thought. I decided to be happy with the moments I had been given.

In awe, I strolled, at safe distance from the other bands, and took pictures.

Remember the first watering hole we stopped at? One more treat awaited me back there…to be continued.

dconnelly1970@gmail.com

Read other posts about the Pryor Mountain horse range:

Yellowtail Swimming Hole

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ part 2

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