Sept. 2010 what a year !

The 2010 season has been good to all of us although we've had a few hurdles cross our paths this year. We have been so fortunate to share some quality time in the saddle with folks from US and around the globe. We have met a lot of wonderful new guests this season and so many dear friends have return to the ranch as well. It has been a supper good year just for that reason alone and we thank you so much for that!

A little unfortunate news for this summer. This spring the Dead Man camp cabin and bunk house burned down to the ground while we were driving cattle into the spring range from Crooked Creek. Soon we will be rebuilding the Dead Man cabin again this fall. During late May Mr. Ryan "Poncho" had a horse buck and run off with him when he was roping in the herd. He almost got the horse under control during the whole ordeal when his horse hit some wire and took off once again. Poncho eventually came off and in turn broke his wrist and had to have pins put in and wear a splint to stabilize his injury. He was unable to ride for about six weeks. Late June he began riding once again. Around mid June Miss Dez had a horse accident too her horse ran off with her and fell at the end. When her horse went down she hit the saddle horn with her shoulder which made it pop out of the shoulder joint. When she actually hit the ground though it popped it back into the joint however at the same time she broke her shoulder ball joint. Dez is just now riding once again during our fall cattle drives. Healing from a dislocated shoulder is a very lengthy process if you what to avoid it happening again. Then on the last day of June Hip came off his horse because a bull was on the fight because it had been bitten by a rattle snake which caused it to have a fever in turn causing him to feel flighty, this can be common when livestock have a fever so look out maybe humans too!!! Hip was looking out for everyone and keeping the bull away from his riders. He as with Poncho and Dez were astride young inexperience horses that only we ride until they are completely finished broke experienced saddle horses which a person can hop on and go at anytime. We do not use these horses for guests. Anyway when Hip had everyone out of the way riding off he was still with the bull and tried to then kicked his horse and get the heck out of Dodge. His horse didn't take off and bulked instead. Hip was watching the bull when the bull then hit his horse. The horse spooked immediately spun and took off in a fast run. Hip came off and fell hard on his back. He got up and told the riders to carry on with the cattle to Dead Man and let someone know to come pick him up. Dez and I were at Dead Man when we found out and drove toward the canyon to pick him up. He had already walked two thirds of the way thinking it would help him. We got him to camp and he laid down thinking he didn't have any broken bones and that time would surly help get him down the road to recovery. I didn't want to go home of course but Hip made me because of the daily work at the home place. Three days later Hip drove himself home and I took him to the Billings E.R. He broke and compressed his back vertebra and the wings were broken off three vertebra above his break. He rested for a month and then back in the saddle the first of August. A bit soon alright "I tried" but he's Hip and I guess with that being enough of that. We all helped out as much as we could to keep things running as smooth as possible. Sara, our irregator went into camp to help ride and a local cowboy Justin came in to help us as well. Sheena our daughter took over the irrigation and I babysat her babies Payton and Harley. It was fun trying to tackle my job with a seven month old baby and a two year old. Wow I forgot how good I really have it just packing myself around I'll never complain again! It's now September and everyone is almost healed and doing well and glad to be back in the saddle or back to norm. We can't believe our guest season is almost over because we're already beginning to drive our first herd of cattle cow/calf pairs home to Crooked Creek once again, where did the season go???

We can't complain one bit our health is good and our guests have been good to us this year too. Our guests have given us all a lot of great wonderful rides and fond memories this season. We're gearing up getting ready for our 2011 season as we speak. Things are moving along quickly our first spring drive is fully booked already so we're excited and very much looking forward to the 2011 season!

Here's wishing you a great season & happy trails!