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

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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April 6, 2018April 10, 2018

Clarks Fork

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Last summer found me enjoying the high desert of Wyoming. I stayed just east of Yellowstone for a couple weeks.

One evening, I invited my Mom to take a drive with me to Clark’s Fork, or perhaps it was her idea we go. We felt the need to get out and explore, even if it was from the comfort of a car.

Whatever the reason, we drove through Badger Basin on our way to Clarks Fork.

Thunder storms rolled across the Bear Tooth Mountains creating a unique horizon for our viewing pleasure.

Our drive took us a short way into the beautiful canyon and the area known as Clark’s Fork.

Are you are enjoying the view? Fill out the form below to learn details of how to visit for yourself. This list includes links to find info on 9 other places to visit in the Cody/ Powell area of Wyoming, as well.

I researched a bit of the history of Clark’s Fork, a tributary of the Yellowstone River. A settlement, Clark, and Clark’s Fork, was named after none other than the Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Further reading revealed the closest Clark came to the Clarks Fork was where the mouth dumps into the Yellowstone near Billings, Montana. If he had known the beauty he was missing, he may have investigated his self given namesake.

We checked out a few side roads.

Beautiful flowers lined one of those roads.

There is more to do than drive on the road and look at beautiful mountains in Clark’s Fork. A parking area provides for further exploration on 4 wheelers and camping experiences. Grizzly bear sightings are not uncommon and rattlesnakes frequent this area as well. Be safely prepared for adventure.

If you enjoyed this visit to Clark’s Fork and would like more info on how to visit here or other places in the Cody and Powell area of Wyoming, be sure to grab your FREE list of 10 places to visit by using the form below.

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October 30, 2017October 31, 2017

Bar U Historical Ranch

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Located just off of Highway 22 south of Longview, Alberta the Bar U Historical Ranch serves to display the history of ranches in the Foot Hills of the Canadian Rockies. It is quite impossible to miss this towering cowboy on the corner where you turn west.

My 2016 Alberta visit found me purchasing two books co-written by Hank Pallister. He was raised in Turner Valley on the Lineham Ranch and spent 42 years in service to the Providence of Alberta duties which I will sum up as a brand inspector. Smoke from the Branding Fire and Bulls, Brands and B.S. are full of stories painting a picture of life in the early ranch life of Western Canada.

Early life at the Bar U ranch is described in Hank Pallister’s book Smoke from the Branding Fire.

The buildings that make up the ranch site display what life used to be like for the Western Canadian Cowboy.

I visited the Bar U when attending the Historical Ranch Rodeo. We entered through a museum complete with a gift shop and concessions. The gravel road leads down into a valley. This bridge ….

takes you over this creek.

The dirt road leads to other barns and the rodeo arena.

A well constructed wooden alley guides stock into a chute.

A closer look at the chute used to doctor cattle, horses or perhaps brand? Any thoughts on this? Please share in the comments if you have insights. I was fascinated with the pulley system.

Another place to add to my bucket list cause I did not get to explore the stud barn or the foaling shed the day of the rodeo.

Guess I am going to have to start making plans to visit Alberta again!!

As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites check out these books on the history of Alberta Ranches available from Amazon

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October 11, 2017February 28, 2020

Bar U Historical Ranch Rodeo – Part 2

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During the intermission I enjoyed the display of talent by local Canadian artists. The air had a bit of a chill in it. No sun to warm us with an overcast sky. The distinct smell of horse and cow manure mixed with dirt floated on the breezes as the arena was worked for the next events. To some that may be distasteful, but to me I took a deep breath soaking it all in!

Hand braided cinches, photography, bosels, hand crafted leather, and stunning one of a kind bits and spurs were some of the wares on display. I met Kim Taylor, of Sliding U Photography. Her mission: Promote and educate others of a dying breed. I am proud to be using her 2018 planner featuring Canadian artists and stunning photographs of Alberta ranch life.

The first half began with group B of Team Sorting. I will be honest. I skipped out to enjoy a wonderful conversation with a local Canadian who was assisting at Kim Taylors table. I enjoyed hearing her story. We share common ground in our love of adventure.

Wild Cow Milking

Do I need to say more? The cows were of the true wild variety!!!

Cows were turned loose.

Teams were again given a specific cow to rope and milk.

Milk went into a bottle and was transported to the west end of the arena to be dumped. ‘Must be enough to dump out’ was the rule.

Broke Horse Race

Members from 4 different ranch teams entered the arena riding or leading horses that were saddled and bridled. One rider from each team removed the saddle and bridle from their horse and handed it off to be led to the opposite end of the arena. Here a team member held the horse loosely with no halter or bridle.

Back with the saddle and bridle on the ground, the jockey(s) stand waiting. Here another mounted member waits for the horse to be released. This riders job is to rope the horse and return it to the jockey to be saddled and bridled.

Horses are turned loose on the opposite end of the arena from the ‘jockey’.

The horse is roped by another member of the team and delivered to the ‘jockey’.

The rider bridles….

and saddles the horse before racing it back to the other end of the arena.

One’s definition of broke often varies…Some of these horses found themselves as excited as the humans…

Expressed by bucking en route to the finish line….

These are broke horses! What could possible go wrong?

?????? Broke Horse Race ??????

That, readers, completes the competition section of the Bar U Historical Ranch Rodeo.

Steel’s Scouts

Next was a reenactment display of Steel’s Scouts (late 1880’s).

This army troup sometimes called the Buckskin Calvary, Ranch Calvary, Cowboy Calvary and Steel Calvary formed to fight against Indians in the Northwest Canada. They were a tough lot made up of ranchers and cowboys.

While researching online, I came across a great book on Steel’s Scouts telling the story of how they shaped a part of Canadian History.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  Your Amazon purchase after clicking on the posted link helps fund this blog and farm. Thank you.

Have you enjoyed the rodeo? Comment with your favorite event. I have enjoyed it twice and then some. Once in person and multiple times as I have created this post. I am going to leave you with a personal favorite picture of mine from the rodeo. Puts a smile on my face every time. Might be cause these little feet belong to my niece.

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October 9, 2017October 15, 2017

Bar U Historical Ranch Rodeo – Part 1

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Bar U Historical Ranch, located near Longview, Alberta (Canada), put on an old time ranch rodeo August 20, 2017. Ranch Rodeos differ from other rodeos as points are awarded to teams representing specific ranches instead of individuals. While the events vary, the common thread provides representation of action that would take place on a working cattle ranch. When my sister explained the event, months earlier, I realized I was not completely new to this type of rodeo. We are blessed in my hometown to have a ranch rodeo put on by a local family. Here teams, made up of friends give a rare glimpse into a competition most commonly found in the western states of the USA.

Arriving, we were given the option for a horse drawn wagon ride to the rodeo arena which sat down in a little valley. I was excited for the opportunity to attend and see the action Canadian style. Five classes or events allowed teams to accumulate points for the winning title. Other awards went to the one voted top hand of the day and top horse.

Note: Be sure to click the pictures for an enlarged view

It was not stop action and the comradery between teams was evident. They sat on horseback and cheered, laughed and hung out around the arena. Much the same as one would find at any rodeo, a sport all its own.

Team Branding

A group of numbered cattle were turned into the area. As the team of 4 representing a Canadian ranch entered the arena, they were given a number specifying which was theirs to ‘brand’. One roped the head, another the heels and one dismounted to ‘brand’.

In this case it was mark on the hip instead of an actual branding iron. They had the option to carry more than one rope and any one of their team could attempt to rope.

Team Sorting

Teams were given a number determining the first cow to sort from the ‘herd’. Once that cow was across the predetermined line it needed to stay there as the team members worked to sort the next highest number cow. The cow or steer, of course, desired to rejoin the group of cattle on the other end of the arena.

The challenge was to sort as many cows as possible in the correct numbered order, while keeping the sorted cattle across the line within the allotted time frame. These four membered teams stayed busy and we all enjoyed the action.

Team Doctoring

This event represents how cowboys might go about caring for sick or injured cattle out on pasture when no head gate, corral or barn are available to restrain for treatment.

Rules: 1. Rope the cow’s head and heel(s) if need be 2. Mark the forehead with the marking stick 3) turn the cow loose. Fastest time wins.

As I stood along the arena fence I was privileged to enjoy some cowboy humor.

Announcer:  "Teams remember to mark the forehead for the doctoring mark."

Cowboy competitor:  "Is that where we usually administer the drugs?"  (back over his shoulder)

(For the record:It is not.)

Have you enjoyed the first half of the rodeo? (Common question from the announcer) We are going to break for an intermission. Come back by clicking here for the second half including my favorite events: the wild cow milking and the broke horse race.

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