Gary Pegg, Sylvia and Chris Dion and my family were all up
at the Bandit Springs ride camp this weekend. Gary has taken 18+ trees out this year and
we’re going to have to call him the Bonsai Butcher as he has a very
distinctive, um, tree trimming style. While not beautiful, it certain
should please the riders. You will be able to tell that Gary does not want to clear out the face
slappers much in the future!
We are finding cow and elk trails to take riders off of
some of the roads again this year. Little by little, we’ll get you
off the road in a manner pleasing to the Forest Service. Speaking of cows
and elk, yes, there are both…and the wild horses, too. Usually, the
early riders will see the horses on the 20 mile loop for sure and some lucky
folks will see a few later in the day on the 20. Most of the elk are on
the 30 mile loop but there were some spotted fairly close to camp this last
weekend. And on the 30 mile loop, on the piece to the out check, there
are signs of another group of wild horses so we might be lucky and see them
there this year.
There’s lots of natural water this year and the wild
flowers are a bit slow in coming. It should be spectacular by ride
time. The irises are just finishing and the Indian Paintbrushes are just popping
up and the mallow should be in full swing by the ride. There are some
spots that are still a little boggy (muddy) but those should be pretty dry in
10 days. The deepest water crossing is about 4-6” and around
8’ wide. We’ll also have water tanks in strategic
spots.
We’ve got a great vet crew with headvet, Cassee
Terry, treatment vet, Joe Roberts, Robert Washington, Kim Maltman and Chris
Cane.
Vendors will include: Healthy as a Horse,
Becky’s Chuckwagon, Sharon Adena and Randy Reinhart (LMTs for human and
the horse you rode in on), Bruce Worman (farrier). I’m working on
the photographer right now and will possibly be adding one or two other
vendors. Keep checking the website as I will update it as I get more
info.
The weed free hay will probably be this year’s
cutting and 65lb bales and very reasonably priced in the $8 range (won’t
know until closer to the ride for sure). There’s a high likelihood
that the Forest Service will come checking. I know they will visit on
Friday or Saturday and will probably be looking or asking.
I am continuing to add info to the website so check back
for updates. I have fixed (I think!!!) the Sunday ride payment problems
so you should be able to use it now. Don’t forget that if you
register before July 1, you get a $10 discount AND you help me by making it
easier to have packets ready for you upon arrival. Pre-payment is
welcomed but not required. After July 1, please do not mail your entries
in. I will not be processing any more entries until the ride after July
1. If you pre-enter, you will get the discounted rates even if you change
or add rides at the ride.
I think that’s about all for now…call, email
or send smoke signals if you have questions or concerns.
