BCHW Northwest Region Prize Ride~

Five Chapters Represented!

It was a cool Saturday morning!  We were up early & driving up to Harry O's  - we'd volunteered to help with the set-up, food service & clean-up for the 16th Annual BCHW Northwest Region Prize Ride.  A collaborative effort between CHC, Island County, Skagit, Traildusters & Whatcom  - these rides are always so well attended, but with the rainy weather we really didn't know how many riders to expect.

Setting up for the food!

So many wonderful volunteers helped with this event, set up was completed in no time!  Connie S. & her husband were in charge of food preparation & did an amazing job!  Almost everything done in advance, only a few things to finish on site.  Butch, Linda, Carrie & I served - once the riders started returning from their ride.  I was too busy to get photos of any of the horse/rider teams - but there were some amazing costumes!  The theme was Riding Through the Ages - each club had a poker stop, CHC was the 60's & Traildusters the 70's.

Ready to begin the drawing!

There were tables full of some very nice prizes!  The rain held off too - no one got wet out on the trail!  It was cool enough that some of us had jackets on!

Breast collars, halters, hay bags, buckets~

The new log, hand cut & carved - looked beautiful & made for some nice seating :-)

Colorful group :-)

Did I say colorful?  Within a two-hour period, we served over 150 lunches!  No totals in yet as to how many riders, but the lunch count is pretty accurate!

All around the Shelter~

Once the prizes were handed out - it was time for clean-up & that went really fast with so many helping hands.  We were on the road for home just after 4p.m. - most of the trailers had already pulled out.  Everyone left the area spotless!

Our first time at this popular ride & we really enjoyed meeting riders from the other Chapters!  A Good time was had by all!

CHC - Cinnamon Roll Ride Weekend~

We'd planned to help out at the Cascade Horse Club annual Cinnamon Roll/Breakfast Ride.   Butch made it home Friday afternoon in just over an hour - one of his shortest commutes from Bellevue ever!  We were loaded up & pulled up to the Armstrong tree farm gate, by about 7:30.  With Summer's long days - we had plenty of time to set up our camp.

Farah picking grass out of the Buttercup~

The field by the shelter hadn't been mowed & the grass was very wet from all the rain.  Butch reminded me that years ago, when we had Competitive Trail Rides from here - George used to come in & mow it down.

Just a "reminder" :-)

 That same tall grass - made it a lot more difficult to pick up after the horses too!  All weekend, we were so impressed with our members going above & beyond to keep the area clean!  It was such a beautiful evening, everyone enjoyed the quiet.

Cinnamon Rolls!

Saturday morning, we were up early!  Butch making coffee by the pot full & plenty of Cinnamon Rolls from probably close, to every bakery in the area.  Even the Maltby Cafe was represented.  Several more rigs came pulling in early - ready to enjoy a roll & a ride on a perfect day!  Not too hot, with a nice breeze.

Ready to go enjoy the trails~

Rider's didn't waste any time saddling up - after all - we had all those calories to work off!  Farah got excited - thinking that it must be an Endurance Ride?  It didn't take her long to figure out that it was much more low key :-)  Scott came in with Rico, so the two of us headed out for a ride.  Farah thinks Rico is handsome, the two of them got on well & Rico has such a nice walk!

Farah & Connie, Scott & Rico

 We went out the long way, I told Scott that there was an obstacle that he might want to try :-)

Scott & Rico at Tin Bridge

Rico didn't think he needed to be the first horse, as Farah walked past him & headed across.   We stopped to let the horses graze at Cloverdale.  Returning, Rico lead the way without a pause in his stride.

Our return, Farah sees Butch~

In the afternoon, we all sat around swapping stories, talking horses & snacking.  With a pot-luck dinner planned for the evening - no one was interested in much for lunch.  By mid-afternoon, I was ready to saddle up, along with several other riders.

We watch & get some dirty looks from the mares :-)

 I thought about riding out with these ladies, but all were mounted on mares who are pastured together.  It became obvious in short order that a nice ride would be pretty much impossible if we added Farah to the mix.

Away we go~

At least - leaving from the middle of the tree farm gave us the opportunity to ride some trails that I usually don't when we're making a loop from the Bracken parking.  As we turned north - the sound of gunfire got louder & I decided that I didn't want to risk a stray bullet - by riding any closer to where homes abut the tree farm property.

Reed Canary Grass - yum!

For whatever reason, Farah was higher than a kite.  Of course it was close to her usual dinner time & the gunfire put me on edge, so we stopped for a while for her to graze before heading back.  I was really enjoying the long rays of sun - so late in the afternoon.

On the trail~

By the time we returned, ovens were on & the smell of food filled the air!  

Dinner is served!

 To say that we had plenty to eat would be a terrible understatement!  The camaraderie of this group is really first rate!  Everyone enjoyed meeting new members & getting re-acquainted with others.  We ended the evening sitting around a small portable fire-pit.

Russell Beatty Clinic~

Last week we met Scott & Karen - newest members of our Back Country Horseman, Cascade Horse Club Chapter.  They mentioned that they were hosting a clinic with Russell Beatty.  Russell was one of the trainers that participated in the Colt Starting Challenge at ButlerHill Equestrian in Burlington.  With our little incident last week - where I unhappily hit the dirt - I thought the timing was right for a refresher course.

Clinic Flyer

The first day I audited, impressed with what I saw.  Russell was so quiet & low key in his manner - I felt totally at ease.  He takes the time that each horse may need to work through whatever issues crop up.  The facility itself was first rate & I felt very welcome.

Farah with Russell

 Tuesday, Farah came with me!  In the morning - everyone worked in-hand.  I turned Farah over to Russell & it wasn't long before our weak spots were revealed.  Farah was very reactive.  I didn't take video of the morning session, but by afternoon - she was much better!

The zig-zag obstacle was Great!  We're going to set one of these up at home.  What a super tool for teaching a horse to move the parts of their body.  Farah has done this type of thing before over the years, but it was obvious that we don't do enough.

Zig-Zag

 Russel rode her in the afternoon, she had so much difficulty moving her rear, but once she understood what was expected - her attitude changed.  By the time the other horses had their turns, Russell again took her through backing up.  She did a beautiful job & was so relaxed it was a pleasure to watch her as she thought her way through.  As they finished the obstacle, everyone applauded & Farah looked so pleased :-)

Farah & Russell

We were told more than once, that when working with our horses, to take all the time that they need, to never try to rush & keep low key, relaxed & reasonable.

Calm

By the end of the day, rather than the usual;  I'm done & I want out-of-here!  Farah has exhibited at past clinics, she was totally relaxed, calm & really seemed to have enjoyed the day.  I know I did!

Gettin' It Done!

Tools of the Trade~

National Trails Day!  A super sunshine morning to meet up at the Pilchuck Glass School parking for our work party!  A combination of Trailduster's & Cascade Horse Club members, along with neighbors & a couple representatives from a local bike club.

Where do we go from here?

As Linda has mentioned often, the hardest part of the job is organizing all the volunteers & sending then out to the various trails!  We ended up with a good group - probably close to 20 people & several that knew the trails well enough to head out & attack the trail of their choice!

Discussing the sign-in sheets~

We had to sign hold-harmless releases for the tree farm, then sign in to our respective BCH Chapters.  Paperwork out of the way - it wasn't long before we'd dispersed!  Butch & I had planned to work on one of the trails that leaves the Monument.  Heavily overgrown & tree branches in your face when you're riding.

Butch on the trail~

 With Butch using the weed-whacker ahead, I took my pruners & started in on the trees.  What a job!  I cut each & every one way back to the truck of the tree!  I'd get one done, turn back to look - & see everything I'd missed!  With the branches removed - it gives the blackberry vines one less thing to climb.  Where I could I walked back in & cut the blackberry at it's base - which might slow it down for a week or two :-)

Looking back at my work~

I don't know how far I got - not far enough - not out of the trees, but to where I stopped - this trail will not have to have limbs cut for a long while!  We headed back to the parking area after noon. 

There were a few horse trailers in the parking lot, several riders I knew rode back in.  I know all too many people who ride here frequently - who have never - to my knowledge attended a work party...  I personally would have a hard time justifying my use of this private land - without volunteering at least one day a year to maintain the trails - but that's just me.

On the door of the BCH Trailer~

Lunch was set out & boy did it look good!  Another big thank you - to the ladies who provided the wonderful food.  Homemade potato salad, baked beans, hot dogs, chips, mellons etc.  The ice cream treats - really hit the spot!

I loved the bandana on the inside of the door to the BCH Tool Trailer :-)  Really a Super day's work for a super crew of people, none too busy to volunteer their time to keep our trails open!

CHC Dessert Auction~

This was our first year attending the Cascade Horse Club's Dessert Auction!  Held at the Lake Stevens Community Center - with proceeds going toward the building & maintenance of multi-use trails!

Flyer~

With flyers posted all over the area, we filled the room with bidders hungry to bid on a counter filled with a plethora of sweet treats!  Cascade members, Traildusters, local visitors & families.  The desserts?  Well - it was simply a matter of picking-your-poison!

Two of Linda's famous pies were auctioned off!

Linda's pies went for over $60. each!  Then, there was Barbara's homemade Irish Cream Liquor - in a beautiful cowboy boot decanter with two shot glasses going for $75. & worth every penny I'm sure :-)  There was such a variety of items from cake pops, to key lime pie, sweet breads, cakes, brownies, cookies & of course pies!

Steve was our auctioneer!

So many volunteers worked hard & baked up a storm - to make this event a success!  Tammy's boys did a super job of assisting the auctioneer - walking through the crowd & exhibiting each item to the bidders.   The close-up look & smell drove the bidding up!  They also passed around samples of many of the tasty items!

I'm not keen on being in the kitchen - but did bake up five-dozen of my somewhat famous Oatmeal Spice, Chocolate Chip cookies.  I put them in five containers - one dozen per, with pretty western cards on top.  They sold for $15. a dozen!  I hope everyone enjoys them!

Great evening, really fun event!  If you didn't go this year, be sure to watch for next time!

New Hitching Rails at Bracken!

 Cascade Horse Club Chapter of Back Country Horsemen held their yearly trail clearing event at the Bracken Road Tree Farm today.  The main purpose though - was to get three new hitching rails installed at the shelter area.  The old log rails were rotted & badly in need of replacement.  

Matt, Butch & Scott - Picking them up!

 The new steel rails - designed & welded by Scott, then delivered to the site by Scott & Steve, were heavy & unwieldy.

Butch sprays with cold galvanizing paint~

Painted & ready to be set~

Augering the holes~

While this was going on - the rest of us were out clearing trail.  Not glamorous work, but satisfying in more ways than one.  To be contributing to the volunteer hours that help BCH obtain the grant funding that helps to keep our trails open nation wide.

Kathryn loading up the old rails~

 Trail clearing work is also a requirement of our agreement with the tree farm management - a reciprocal arrangement whereas CHC is allowed to host our Cinnamon Roll/Breakfast Ride - May 13-15th & the CHC Prize Ride - September 17th.  Both rides always well attended.

Finishing up~

By the time we came in off the trails, the work was just finishing up on the hitching rails!  Barbara V. appeared at noon with sandwiches & snacks for everyone!  Many thanks to Barbara!

Our crew~

    A really great group of hardworking volunteers that included; Jan & Dave, Chris & Matt, Linda, Leigh, Tina, Monique, (Who doesn't even own a horse!), Kathryn & Steve, Richard & Louise, Scott & Barbara of course.

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, the people - none finer!  As we agreed - the hitching rails will outlast us all! 

CHC Annual Chili Ride

Parking filling up!

Why not we thought?  We belong to both the Cascade Horse Club & Traildusters Chapters of Back Country Horsemen - but had never gone on an organized ride.  Mel was guiding a ride up Blanchard Mountain to the Samish overlook.  I've ridden there a few times over the years, the last time was with Best of America - in 2013.  We left in a few small groups, I was with Linda, Toni & Carrie.  No one was real familiar with the trails, but most everyone thought they could find the way :-)

On our way :-)

 It was just another of a string of exceptional days - sunshine & forecast to maybe break a record for warmth.  The trails were dry & we were having a great time.  We went past Lizard Lake - & were looking for the correct trail when we came to several men & boys working on the signage.  We asked for directions to Oyster Dome - thinking that was where we were going - NOT - rather than the Samish Overlook!   So, the men pointed us forward!

Tree's over the trail~

Finding these trees over the trail at rider height - probably should have been our first clue - but we just dismounted & continued on...  The trail got steeper, more technical - technical to the point that we were wondering just how much climbing over rock & tree roots we'd have to do?  The horses dug in & we Climbed!  Then - we Stopped!  We literally - had - Nowhere to Go!  Suddenly we were surrounded by hikers - at least 40 - more than I'd ever seen before!  All totally Astounded to see four horses where we were.  No space, just a very steep hillside, with a lot of trees & no more trail!

Farah waits - thinking I'm sure;  "What next?"

All these people were taking our pictures, almost surrounding us!  I asked them to please not surround the horses - it was almost intimidating to me!  Let alone four horses in tight quarters.  I could see that there was one heck of a view out there - so tied Farah off & went to see.

View from Oyster Dome~

At 2,075 ft. it was quite a view - with a straight down drop-off.  Just so beautiful it took your breath away.

Looking out at the islands~

While I was snapping photos, the rest of my group were asking about how we were to get down?  Yes...  The way we'd come up...  Thankfully - all the hikers were so courteous - they squeezed out of our way, giving the horses full use what trail there was.  Good horses all!

At the Samish Overlook~

By now, we were behind the rest of our group - but caught up to them at the Overlook!  We let the horses graze & took a few photos before starting back.

Farah & I talk with a hiker~

On a day like this - everyone feels so wonderful - that it's almost like one big family - warm & so friendly!  Linda & I decided to start back on our own & both Count & Farah let us know that THEY knew the way back! 

Of course there's logging...

It was so sad to see a once beautiful trail reduced to clear-cut.  But - I'm sure there are many reasons that this popular place has to be logged too...  Nothing in this state is sacred when it comes to logging...

The Spread!

We all arrived safe & sound back at the parking lot to find this incredible spread of food - all prepared by Jan!  Chili, corn bread muffins, hot dogs, brownies, I could go on - but I was too busy eating!

Map of the trails~

What an incredible day, wonderful people, great food & the camaraderie of fellow horsemen!  This ride will now be on our yearly list :-)