The Most Awesome Yard Sale is Coming

13. May 2012 by Ellen Knapp.

Most Awesome Yard Sale

 Saturday May 26 you just may find that treasure you have been searching for.

 Squaw Butte Back Country Horsemen (SBBCH) will be hosting their 5th Annual Most Awesome Yard Sale fundraiser on Saturday May 26 in the Key Bank parking lot, Washington Ave, Emmett.

An awesome variety of gently used items have been procured from around the county and from the SBBCH  members themselves.  Fabulous finds will include furniture, household items, clothing, books, children’s items, outdoor gear, craft items, and horse stuff. There is sure to be that treasure you have been searching for.

 Doors open at 8 AM in the Key Bank parking lot. Find those treasures and we will make them yours.We will gladly accept donated items. To donate call Charles at 208-365-7279. We can even pick up donations.  Proceeds from the fundraiser help pay for tools and supplies used in trail maintenance as well as fund our educational outreach programs.

SBBCH is a non profit organization and a chapter within Back Country Horsemen of Idaho (BCHI). BCHI is a non-profit organization with 15 chapters spread throughout our beautiful state, dedicated to perpetuating the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back country and wilderness. We work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use and assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and management of those resources.

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Into the Wild West

4. May 2012 by Rob Adams.

A suburban family’s thrilling, chilling, life-changing trip through the beyonds of the Sierra Nevada

It wasn’t until we reached the summit of Mono Pass, a spectacular trail carved 12,150 feet up in California’s Sierra Nevada, that my maternal alarm bells went off.

Ahead of me, my husband and three children were about to descend a series of steep, narrow switchback trails littered with loose granite rocks—on horseback.

Suddenly, hazards seemed to be everywhere. The altitude was winding the horses. Bears lurked in the vast forest below. Mountain lions obviously lay in wait. The words of Craig London, the owner of Rock Creek Pack Station who’d sent us on our six-day trip that morning, echoed in my head. “You’re completely dependent on your stock,” he said, looking us in the eye. “If a horse trips and falls, you die.”

Terror was not what I had envisioned when my husband, an intrepid traveler, proposed taking our suburban New Jersey children on an outdoor adventure. Ages 12, 9 and 9, the kids were growing up much more “indoors-y” than out—to them, “the wilderness” might as well have been a sequel to “Angry Birds.” George wanted to give them a memorable experience and teach them some basic survival skills before they became completely alienated from the natural world. He assured me that they would be more than fine without the antibacterial wipes, helmets and location-tracking iPhone apps that we had come to rely on at home. The physical discomforts, he argued, would be worth it

Read the rest of the story

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Just a trail horse

30. April 2012 by Laurie Bryan.

Trail riding does not offer the luxury of a confined arena within a controlled environment. A trial horse is expected to perform under extreme weather conditions from the searing sun to rain, snow and wind to thunder and lightning. What the wind won’t throw at you your horse to scare them to death, a thunderstorm will.
A trail horse is required to safely navigate miles of unforgiving terrain. Trail horses are asked to tread on sharp rock covered trails not much wider than a single hoof. There might be an insurmountable mountain on one side and a 60 foot vertical drop to a raging river on the other. The only thing keeping horse and rider from plummeting over the edge is a lot of trust and a little prayer.
At any given moment, a trail horse might encounter Elk crashing out of a tree-line, bushes coming alive with an explosive flight of birds, uncontained barking dogs and pissed off rattle snakes. What they can’t see can be equally as terrifying for them. A trail horse must be able to handle the scent of bears, cougars and other predators while filtering out a host of unknown and equally spooky sounds lurking in the forest.
A trail horse never knows what might be coming at them or behind them from one turn to the next.  Potential horse eating hikers with colorful backpacks piled high on their shoulders – bikers with reflective spokes flashing with every spin of the tire. Roaring ATV engines and racing dirt bikes. My personal favorite: llamas. You have not truly experienced the fear threshold of a horse unless you have happened upon a pack string of Llama’s coming at you. I don’t blame my horse because frankly, llama’s scare me too.
The trail horse doesn’t get to run down to the end of an arena, do a few impressive spins and go home for the day. A trail horse hits the trail from sunup to sundown and is expected to carry a rider and/or gear ranging from medical supplies and food to chain saws - all the while being asked to navigate obstacles from river crossings to bogs, logs and bridges.
The working trail horse has been asked to drag logs and pack cumbersome loads up and down steep, slippery terrain. He’s willing to be tied, hobbled or high-lined in the most precarious of situations. At the end of a long day of service, she will be content to drink from any available water source and graze upon sometimes scarce mountain grass.

Check out the entire post on my blog: The Sage writer

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Squaw Butte March 9, 1992

20. April 2012 by Ellen Knapp.

The first meeting, that lead to the formation of the Squaw Butte Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho was held on March 9, 1992.

At that meeting a board of directors and officers were elected.  Terry MacDonald became the first President.

Click Here, To learn more about that first few meetings and some early history our chapter.

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Upgrading my truck for more load capacity!

31. March 2012 by Rob Adams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My 1999 F250 is starting to show it age.  With over 210 thousand miles the leaf springs in the back have lost some of their bounce.  Also the trailers I am towing today have a higher  weight then when I started.  Last summer I noticed that handling was getting soggy and I had to be careful not to get the trailer swaying.  I briefly considered replacing it with a newer F350, but as the truck is otherwise in good condition, choose instead to upgrade the load capacity to around what a new F350 would have.

Read how I did it.

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Knots for Horse Riders

6. March 2012 by Rob Adams.

Knowing how to tie useful knots is an important skill for horse riders. Learn how to tie the knots below to make your rides more enjoyable and perhaps even safer.  To lean how  < Click Here>

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Wild Riders

25. February 2012 by Rob Adams.

Wild Riders is a partnership between the Back Country Horsemen of America and The Wilderness Society to “insure that traditional, historical and responsible pack and saddle stock use in wilderness areas is recognized, protected, supported and sustained consistent with the capabilities of the land.” We believe that trails are a critical way to connect Americans to the outdoors and to insure our wild heritage remains cherished and protected.

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Meet Joe Starr - USFS National Volunteer of the Year

22. February 2012 by Rob Adams.

 

In recognition of his efforts, the U.S. Forest Service has named Joe Starr its national individual volunteer of the year - as well as its individual volunteer of the year on Region 6, which covers Oregon and Washington.  Jennifer Velez, a spokesperson with the Willamette National Forest, said that Starr recently was honored for his Region 6 contributions at Willamette’s Sweet Home Ranger Station. Plans still are in the works for his national recognition award ceremony.  Read the rest of the story.

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Texting on horseback will lead to ALOA (A Lot of Acidents)

20. February 2012 by Chris Holt.

Texting while riding can’t be safe, read Bob Goddard “Last Laugh” piece on the growing trend in Horse Link Magazine Jan-Feb Issue.  In the same issue Julie Goodnight has a piece on safely backing your horse out of your trailer.

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Legacy Roads & Trails Remediation

4. February 2012 by Robbin Schindele.

 

Should BCHI continue to support?

Raenette Didier
BCHI Secretary

From: Adam Rissien <arissien@wildlandscpr.org
Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:24:41 -0700
Subject: Legacy Roads & Trails Support Letter

Greetings BCHI Members

I am writing about a key Forest Service program for which we advocate, the Legacy Roads & Trails Remediation program that provides important funding for the maintenance and improvement of roads and trails, as well as helping address watershed impacts from problem roads.

Last year Phil Ryan signed Backcountry Horsemen onto a letter sent to the Idaho Congressional delegation asking for specific appropriations for the Legacy program, (see attached) and I am writing in hopes that you can sign onto this year’s letter, which will be ready in early February.

Also attached is a fact sheet that gives a brief explanation of the program and its accomplishments.

We hope to submit the letter in early March, and I wanted to allow enough time for your consideration.

Please let me know if I can send you the letter, or answer any  questions you may have.

Thank you,

Adam Rissien, Policy Specialist
Wildlands CPR
PO Box 7516
Missoula, MT 59807
(406) 543-9551
www.wildlandscpr.org

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Equine First Aid Manual

29. January 2012 by Ellen Knapp.

Read More

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Linda Pauls “Jessie”

25. January 2012 by Linda Paul.

How many of us began our ridding careers from the back of a shaggy mount much like Jessie?

I asked Linda Paul if she wouldn’t mind writing for our blog from time to time. She graciously agreed to submit a piece of her work that she felt would make a good fit in our “Around the Campfire” category.  

Sit back, grab a box of Kleenex, (and I promise, you will need Kleenex) and enjoy Linda’s “Jessie.”

JESSIE

By: Linda Paul

Jessie was my babysitter. She was my best friend. She was my grandmother. She was my grandfather. She was my sister, my cousin, and my aunt. At times I wished she were my mother.

Jessie, like me, was a mongrel: half Welsh pony, half nondescript horse. She was tall for a pony, around 12 hands high, if I remember correctly. This compares to the Shetland that measures from 7 – 11 hands high. She was a black and white pinto who looked more like a horse than the roly-poly image of the standard kid’s Shetland monster. Jessie was ancient when she came to us—beyond reliable dental aging. She had a wise old look about her too. I, on the other hand was young—five or six years old. We spent many hours together, usually just the two of us. I was safe with her, there was no need for a baby sitter. Even in the company of my mother and sister, her short legs had difficulty keeping up with the horses so we lagged behind—me lost in my daydreams, Jessie patiently watching for gopher holes. I learned most of what I ever knew about horses from Jessie. Click here for the rest of “Jessie” by Linda Paul

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My first novel - JoAnna Lamb

19. January 2012 by Rob Adams.

Former Squaw Butte member JoAnna Lamb is excited to share news of her first novel. After a long struggle with myself and this novel I wrote, I decided to self publish it and move on to the next three novels I have stirring ’round in my head!  Read more!

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2012 Sportsman Show - March 1-4

18. January 2012 by Rob Adams.

Southwester Idaho BCHI chapters Boise, Squaw Butte and Treasure Valley will be manning an booth at the Idaho Sportsman show Thursday March 1st through Sunday March 4th.  Click here to see the sign up sheet.  Rules of Engagement:  Limit of 4 in booth per shift.   

Email what day and times you would like to man the booth to president@sbbchidaho.org

PASSES- 4 passes are provided by the vendor to be used by the booth staff. Additional passes can be bought for $5/pass by the clubs and left at the “Will Call Desk” at the entrance to be used by club members. When done they can be returned to the Will Call desk for others use. A list of booth works MUST be provided to the “Will Call Desk” of those who are eligible to use the available passes.  If not on the list they will not get a pass!  

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2013 Calendar Criteria and Information

16. January 2012 by Laurie Bryan.

It is time to start thinking about getting your photo submissions in for the 2013 calendar.  Jake Lemon will be heading up the photo submissions for this year’s Squaw Butte entries. Please email your submissions to pictures@sbbchidaho.org.

Jake has put together an informative  .PDF guide of basic criteria and tips for your photo submissions. Click here to access more information on the 2013 photo submissions, requirements and criteria.

The overall intent for this year’s submissions is to focus on image quality and content, effectively cutting down on the number of filler photo’s being submitted for review.

Good luck!

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Wrecks and Wild Horses

9. January 2012 by Laurie Bryan.

A typical equestrian ride on a not-so-typical winter day turns into an unexpected adventure for two members of the Squaw Butte chapter. A day that started out rather benign and somewhat boring, quickly turned into something a bit more wild and western. Read on for an account from each rider, in their own perspective of the events to unfold.

The Winter Wreck, by Rob Adams

Many movies get the audience hooked by zooming in on the lead character in some dangerous situation and then flash back to a scene 24 hours earlier.   Here is such a scene, starring Rob Adams.

High on a ridge in the 4 Mile wild horse area lays a young horse on his side in a gully, feet pointing up slope.  Rob’s left leg is trapped under the horse by the saddle and saddle bags.  Flash ahead to two hours ago…

With the total lack of snow below 5500 feet, winter riding ranges have been expanded this year.  I have been riding my colt, Payette, most weekends and Sunday. January 8th looked to be another nice day, so I put out the word to a couple riding buddies that I was thinking about riding 4 Mile Creek.  Two passed, but Laurie Bryan was game. We would meet at 11:00 at the bridge, just before the Y.  After tacking up, we started on the loop route we often ride.  The ground, for the most part, was frozen or dry and the stock had no problem with footing.  There were a few cows still in the area, but we were looking for the mustang bands. We watched for fresh hoof prints, stud piles and other signs that might indicate wild horses in the area. Read the rest of Rob’s tale here

Wrecks and Wild Horses, by Laurie Bryan

As usual, Jack and I followed a good 30 yards behind the last rider on the trail. On this particular cool day in January, the only other rider on the trial besides me was fellow Squaw Butte member, Rob Adams. I don’t mind picking up the rear most of the time. Doing so gives me a pretty good perspective from which to take pictures and keep an eye on things just in case, you know…we are attacked by cougars or serial killers.
Rob chose the Wild Horse Management area, just north of Emmett on 4 mile road, hoping that we would get a glimpse of a band of mustangs that roam this part of the desert. Rob was familiar with the area; however, this was to be my first trip. I was excited to finally have the chance to see Mustangs in the wild.
Rob rode his bay Mustang, Payette. The four year old was doing well for a green broke colt. He plodded along, picking his way through dense lava fields that covered 90% of the area, with familiarity born of a desert horse.  Jack, on the other hand, was not born of the desert. I purchased Jack from a breeder as a young colt.  Until I started him two years ago, he was pasture bred and born.  Jack carefully picked his way through the rocky terrain with ease.  His hard, black hooves held up as well as any horse of the high desert.
The day was unusually warm for the first week of January, topping out at thirty nine degrees. Although there was no snow on the ground, spots of white frost covered areas made slick and hard with nightly freeze.  Overcast sky’s provided little lighting opportunity for an interesting photo of the surrounding area. Once you’ve seen one sage brush…you’ve pretty much seen them all.  Staring at the back of Rob’s reflective lime green jacket, I sighed at the high-probability that we might not get much of anything of interest in the way of photographs. So far, we had not come across any wild horses either. The most eye-catching thing about the day thus far was that blinding, neon-lime-green jacket. Could the day get any more uneventful? I resolved to enjoy the ride regardless. After all, not every ride can be filled with adventure and photo ops. Read the rest of Laurie’s tale here:

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Janine Townsend - 2012 Squaw Butte President

2. January 2012 by Laurie Bryan.

       The Life and Times of a Chapter President

The joyous occasion occurred in Nampa Idaho, one fall evening.  The sire was from good Owyhee County/Silver City stock; the dam was out of a Scottish immigrant that settled near Peck Idaho. Home was to be a 28-acre farm just south of Homedale.  It was a perfect place to raise a herd of young’uns; lots of pastures and fields and outdoor activities to grow ‘em up robust and healthy.

After the wars, Dad came home and got hired on as a Rural Mail Carrier, a job he held for the next thirty-something years.  Mom graduated from the U of I and came down here to teach Home Ec.  She ended up being a stay-at-home mom, which was the norm back then, and besides carrying mail, Dad also farmed, through rain, sleet, snow and dark of night.  He raised hay, corn, wheat, and beef cows.  Twenty eight acres was just big enough to keep the kids in chores and teach them a work ethic, and to have horses.

Horses were my life.  I can’t remember when I fell in love with them, but I got it from my mom, and I  know I was pretty little—about knee-high to a grasshopper, I think.  Every summer when we’d go up to Granddad’s I’d hound my older cousin to take me horseback riding.  She hated me, I’m sure.  Then Granddad gave me his old hunting mare, which was too old to be too dangerous for a little tyke, but I learned a lot from that horse.

The rest of the story

 

2012 President Corner:  January  February  March  April  May   June  July  August  September  October  November  December

    

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Christmas In The Desert - My Christmas Letter

22. December 2011 by Laurie Bryan.

Several ideas drifted through my mind for a Christmas letter this year, but nothing stood out as all that compelling. I considered outlining various events and achievements that have occurred throughout the year, interjected with humor and self-proclaimed wit. I thought about bragging on my kids and grandkids with sufficient sugary sweetness to leave the reader with tooth decay. A few themed ideas popped into my head from time to time, but nothing powerful enough to wrench free the confining grip of writers block; until today.

The department in which I work is putting on a “winter season holiday” party – God forbid they call it what it is – a CHRISTmas party – which, by the way, was one of the themes I considered, “A politically correct celebration of all things non-spiritual and otherwise meaningless.” I will digress a bit here and say that on my DOC provided work schedule, one of the designated paid holidays actually say’s Christmas. Personally, I feel all those who are offended by calling a duck a duck – should have to work on Christmas and be paid straight time like any other ordinary day. I also think they should have to dress up as Ebenezer Scrooge.

As part of the celebration activities, our department manager asked that we each send her an email describing our favorite winter season activity.  I thought about this request (more likely over-thought,  as I am inclined) and sent her mine as follows:

I suppose my unique Christmas tradition has changed since the kids have grown and moved away from home. On those far too many Christmas’s that I am unable to spend with the kids – I load up my dog, Shade, my horse, Jack,  and my mule Annie, and make winter camp at a favorite spot in the Owyhee’s. I ride on Christmas Eve and if I’m lucky – it snows those big fluffy snowflakes that muffle the sounds of the desert. Christmas morning the critters are presented with stockings filled with apple/oat horse treats and an extra-large dog biscuit for Shade. I saddle Jack and head for a high spot where I can usually get cell reception and call the kids. Depending on the weather, I may or may not head home later Christmas evening, all the while secretly hoping I get snowed in until New Years.

After sending this write up to my boss – I wondered what she would think of it. Would it seem sad to her? I hoped not. Sure, I would rather spend Christmas surrounded by family, who wouldn’t? Unfortunately, we cannot always have things via Norman Rockwell. The most we can do is make the best of any situation and hope we live to tell of the adventures.

The small assignment seemed to be the leverage I needed to pry loose the strangling hold of writers block. I decided instead of the typical Christmas letter, I would write a story. A story I could share with my grandkids for many years to come. This story is based in truth. Its inspiration derived from a very special Christmas spent in the desert not so long ago.

Read the story

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Wilderness First Aid

21. December 2011 by Rob Adams.

Handling, riding, and driving horses have a number of risks.

Riding has some inherent risks, as when mounted, the rider’s head may be up to 4 m (13 ft) from the ground, and the horse may travel at a speed of up to 65 km/h (40 mph).

 The injuries observed range from very minor injuries to fatalities. A recent study in Germany reported that the relative risk of injury from riding a horse, compared to riding a bicycle, was 9 times higher for adolescents and 5.6 times higher for younger children, but that riding a horse was less risky than riding a moped.

 

In Victoria, Australia, a search of state records found that equestrian sports had the third highest incidence of serious injury, after motor sports and power boating. In Greece, an analysis of a national registry estimated the incidence of equestrian injury to be 21 per 100,000 person-years for farming and equestrian sports combined. Other findings were that use of spurs may contribute to ankle fractures and dislocations, and helmets likely prevent traumatic brain injuries.

 

In the United States each year an estimated 30 million people ride horses, resulting in 50,000 emergency room visits (1 visit per 600 riders per year). A survey of 679 equestrians in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho estimated that at some time in their equestrian career one in five will be seriously injured, resulting in hospitalization, surgery, or long-term disability.

 

Among survey respondents, novice equestrians had an incidence of any injury that was threefold over intermediates, fivefold over advanced equestrians, and nearly eightfold over professionals. Approximately 100 hours of experience are required to achieve a substantial decline in the risk of injury.

 

Mechanisms of injury

 The most common mechanism of injury is falling from the horse, followed by being kicked, trampled, and bitten. About 3 out of 4 injuries are due to falling, broadly defined. A broad definition of falling often includes being crushed and being thrown from the horse, but when reported separately each of these mechanisms may be more common than being kicked.

 Types and severity of injury

 In Canada, a 10-year study of trauma center patients injured while riding reported that although 48% had suffered head injuries, only 9% of these riders had been wearing helmets at the time of their accident. Other injuries involved the chest (54%), abdomen (22%), and extremities (17%).

 A German study reported that injuries in horse riding are rare compared to other sports, but when they occur they are severe. Specifically, they found that 40% of horses riding injuries were fractures, and only 15% were sprains.

Furthermore the study noted that in Germany, one quarter of all sport related fatalities are caused by horse riding. Most horse related injuries are a result of falling from a horse, which is the cause of 60–80% of all such reported injuries.

Another common cause of injury is being kicked by a horse, which may cause skull fractures or severe trauma to the internal organs.

 

 Some possible injuries resulting from horse riding, with the percent indicating the amounts in relation to all injuries as reported by a New Zealand study, include:

 Arm fracture or dislocation (31%)

Head injury (21%)

Leg fracture or dislocation (15%)

Chest injury (8%)

 Riding in the Back Country

 

With the possibility of being injured very real, and the likely hood of being able to call 911 and have an EMT team arrive quickly very low, it is important that back country riders have training in First aid. 

The typical first aid course available is for urban environments.  All action plans start with “Is the accident scene safe?”, “Call 911″, “check for breathing”, etc. 

When riding in the back country, a different type of training is necessary.  It starts with the premises that help is 6 to 12 hours away and calling 911 is not the first step.

 Squaw Butte is fortunate to have as a member Dan Murphy, who has been a professional EMT and emergency responder and teacher.  Dan became certified to teach Wilderness First Aid for the “American Safety & Health Institute” in 2011 and in December lead a course for twelve of our members. 

 

 

 This sixteen hour course covered:

·                    Initial Assessment

·                    Physical Exam

·                    Vital Signs

·                    Shock Management

·                    Control of Bleeding

·                    Burn Care

·                    Assessing and Splinting Fractures

·                    Assessing and Treating Head & Spinal Injuries

·                    Environmental Hazards

·                    Biological hazards

·                    Wilderness first aid kits

 The course combined class room lectures and hands on training, with a heavy emphasis on what to do in typical situations that back country riders are likely to encounter in Idaho. 

While we strive to make our rides and events as safe as possible, it is nice to know that a number of our members have taken the time to be trained so if an injury does occur they know what to do, to help have a positive outcome.

 

 

 

 

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The Fog of Nobility

19. December 2011 by Linda Paul.

A droplet of thin mucous hovers at the tip my nose. I swab it with the cuff of my sleeve—thirty seconds of respite from annoying dampness. Another droplet forms. I flex stiff fingers inside bulky leather gloves, willing the blood to circulate. Flexing does little to waken sluggish veins. I bang my free hand against my thigh till a small tingle teases the knuckles. I move the reins over to that hand and repeat the process with the newly freed hand. It’s hopeless. I jam the free hand under my opposite armpit and clamp my wings shut to stymie the wind.

The horse plods, his feet dragging, providing a measure of support to offset the high-heeled teeter of snow-packed hooves. Our pace is slow, unusual for this fireball of horsehair and arrogance. Looking over his shaggy shoulder, I see frosted whiskers and eyelids. With an occasional horse sneeze, he clears the sticky hairs inside his nostrils.

Read More!

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SQUAW BUTTE Chapter of BCHI 2011 HEROS

9. December 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

Marybeth Conger  - President  
Shannon Schantz, MD  - Vice-President  
Ellen Knapp - Co- Secretary  
Chris Holt - Co- Secretary   
Kay Ryan -  Treasurer   
Nancy Schindele - Alt State Director  
Robbin Schindele - State Director   
Phil Ryan - State Director    
Charles Chick  - Education Team  
Lorraine Chick -  Education Team  
Bill Holt - Foundation Director  
Rob Adams - Alt Foundation Dir.  
Robbin Schindele - Public Lands Team  
Bill and Chris Holt - Public Lands Team  
Laurie Bryan - 2012 Public Lands Team   
Phil Ryan - Public Lands Team
Rob Adams - Activity/Events
Dan Murphy -  First Aide/ Wilderness First Responder Instructor 
Rob Adams - Website 
Charles Lox - Website Advertisement  
Ellen Knapp - Life Flight   
Janine Townsend - 2011 Volunteer Hours   
Bill Conger  - Calling Committee  
Charles Lox -  Calling Committee  
Tess McKenzie  - Calling Committee  
Phil Ryan  - Roving Reporter
Ellen Knapp  - Chapter Agent of record 
Terry & Gail McDonald - 2011 Yard Sale    
Charles Lox - 2011 Yard Sale   
Ellen Knapp -  2011 Yard Sale   
Linda Hays - Newsletter Editor   
Jake Lemon - 2011 Calendar Photos  
Shannon Schantz, MD - Calendar sales    
Robbin Schindele - Trail Classification   
Phil Ryan  - 2011 Sportsman Show  
Shannon Schantz, MD - 2011 Horse Expo Show   
Linda Hayes  - SBBCH Shutterbug  
Gail McDonald  - 2011 Christmas/Holiday/ End of Year Party
Nancy Schindele - 2011 Christmas/Holiday/ End of Year Party
Chris Holt - 2011 Christmas/Holiday/ End of Year Party   
Marybeth Conger - Membership Growth & Development   
Shannon Schantz, MD - Membership Growth & Development   
Marybeth Conger - Inventory   
Shannon Schantz, MD - Inventory    
Janine Townsend - 2011 AQHA/ BCH Ride   
Robbin Schindele - 2011 AQHA/ BCH Ride   
Margaret Berggren - 2011 AQHA/ BCH Ride   
Shannon Schantz, MD - 2011 AQHA BCH Ride   
Linda Hays - Face book Page SBBCH  
Terry McDonald - Nomination Committee   
Lou Ann Gaskell  - Nomination Committee   
Bill Brasfield - Nomination Committee    
Heather Holloway - Ballot Counting   
Jake Lemon - Ballot Counting   
Charles Lox - Highway Cleanup  
Rob Adams - 2011 Wilderness Pack Clinic  
Janine Townsend - Audit Committee 
Shannon Schantz, MD - Audit Committee   
Lou Ann Gaskell - Audit Committee 
 

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Commentary by outgoing President, Marybeth Conger

9. December 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

It Official Folks…. The SQUAW BUTTE CHAPTER of Back Country Horseman of Idaho had another FUN and SUCCESSFUL year in 2011 by increasing Membership Participation and Development. 

How did the chapter increase Membership Participation and Growth? First, the Monthly Meetings were dramatically shortened with a call for agenda items for all members, including committee heads. This resulted in speakers organizing their thoughts beforehand, rather than “droning on” which saved time and showed respect to the rest of us.  Tickets were given to all members and guests for some Fabulous and Fun Door Prizes. Items came from our annual Yard sale but by the end of the year, members were bringing in donations; everything from Duck eggs, Slippers from a Princess Cruise, to gently used Tack.  Educational Fun topics were scheduled after the Monthly Meeting was adjourned, so members could choose to leave or attend. The net result, we had an average Attendance increase of 25% at our Monthly meetings.

Second, check out the attached SBBCH Committee list which documents a 45% Membership Participation rate. How cool is that. Bottom line these folks are the 2011 Hero’s for the Squaw Butte Chapter.   All Chapter Committees were put in place by mid-February, rather than waiting to ask for volunteers at the monthly meetings. Committee members were chosen for both their skills set and a willingness to volunteer.  Mentoring was accomplished by paring a new member with a more seasoned one.   Plus, members weren’t afraid to attend the Monthly Meeting for fear of being “roped” into another project.All new members in 2011 received a hand written Thank you for joining Card with a Backcountry Packing photo that was separate from the highly important and voluminous membership packet.  Several seasoned members reached out to these new folks and invited them to one of our events. New members were welcomed and introduced at the meetings and they never sat alone or in the back corner. Our calling committee communicated with them to determine interests and the best contact method. Seasoned Members reached out at meetings and sat with them vs. staying in their in the pre-established sitting areas.  

Come on you know what I am talking about. We also had a $50.00 Gas card drawing at our Grand Jean July event to encourage participation. Consequently 70% of new members attended meetings and/or activities during the year.  This number would be even higher as 3 new members live in California or North Dakota which would be quite the commute. Fostering new member involvement is important as they bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the Chapter.  

A Continuing Goal of the SBBCH chapter is having many Diverse Activities throughout the year, so members can choose to participate in what interests them.  Keep in mind members are not expected to attend all events but those that they can. Horse carpooling is encouraged too. Activities focused on Education, Public Outreach, Trail Projects, Fun Rides, Packing Adventures, and as always Great Food.   SBBCH believes it is important to work with neighboring chapters vs. being competitive which helps BCHI to grow.   Check out our website sbbchidaho.org which is getting a lot of attention.

Some of the 2011 activities include:

·        Four Arena nights focused on Safety and Defensive Horsemanship

·        Six Fun Rides  to get Ourselves and Stock in shape while sharing good trail times

·        Manning the BCHI Information Booth with neighboring BCHI chapters at the Horse Expo and Idaho Sportsman show

·        Co- Sponsored a AQHA and BCHI Ride to Promote our Organization while having Fun & good Food

·        USFS Sawyer ( A & B) Certification Class to promote partnerships while doing Trail projects

·        CPR & First Aid Classes along with First Responder Training Classes to be Prepared

·        Four Trail Projects putting our mighty muscles to work clearing trails

·        USFS Large Saw Training for trail work in wilderness areas

·        Two pack in/out Trail crews in the Frank Church Wilderness promoting a partnership with the Selway Bitterroot Foundation

 ·        A record breaking Yard sale that will help fund chapter expenditures

·        Highway cleanup  and an 

End of year Christmas/Holiday party that raised several hundred dollars for the local  Idaho food back demonstrating our sense of communityNow if we can just remember to report all of our Volunteer hours for these and other activities that qualify. I suspect reporting hours will be a 2012 emphasis area for the Chapter along with celebrating our 20^th Birthday. 2011 was a solid year for SBBCH and 2012 will be even better. See you on the trail and please feel free to stop by and see me as I start a new job opportunity in Emmett. Look for the Cherry Red Mustang on Washington Street, starting January 2^nd.  

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Summer Pack Trips

8. December 2011 by Rob Adams.

While as a general rule,  Squaw Butte doesn’t schedule chapter pack trip as part of their yearly schedule,  members do get together and plan “private” trip into the various national forest and wilderness area throughout Idaho and nearby states.  The 2011 summer was no exception.  A number of trips were planned and taken.  Some of the members shared their adventures with the group while other kept their experiences as private memories. Two trips that were shared were a six day saunter into the south eastern portion of the Sawtooth Wilderness.  This trip started at the Grandjean trail head and followed the South Fork of the Payette river to it’s headwaters.  The group camped at two excellent horse camps located by Elk and Ardeth lakes.   A slide show video of this trip was posted on the  chapter page on Youtube.

A number of the female members of the chapter banded together in September for a long weekend trip into the Frank Church Wilderness.  Their experience, ranged from first timers to old hands.  They choose the Elk Meadows area just north of Bear Valley.  This area is known for its lush meadows, easy access to camp sites and a very pretty mountain lake.  Their adventures are shared in “Equines & Estrogen” and “Girls Gone Wilderness” and in a Youtube video slide show.

Next labor day the chapter is hosting a long weekend mini-pack trip in to the Big Basin area south east of Sun Valley.  More information about this upcoming trip will be posted in this blog in the future.

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November 2011- Come join us

9. November 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

Can you believe it is November already? This is my way of saying Thanks for your hard work, making this chapter something to be very proud of.  Fred and I enjoyed getting into the back country with you and having fun while working our Chapter activities. Let’s keep all of our positive momentum going and not forget to document our activities’ by turning in our Volunteer hours for 2011. Virtually everything counts, from Trail projects, Public Meeting attendance, Rides, other Chapter events, Calendar Sales, Administration/Planning to name a few. You can use the Calendar feature or the Old Volunteer Form on our website to report your hours. The drop down box gives more input on what is reportable.  So, please take a few minutes and do this, before the holidays get too close.  Janine will be happy to help too.

2011 is finally winding down, but still there is Energy and Enthusiasm within our Chapter.  For Example Dan is facilitating some Wilderness First Responder Training in December, Ellen is planning a fun Ride in November, and of the course there is the end of year Holiday celebration that Gail and crew are organizing.  Plus this week, I received three separate calls from future members who want to come join us, to Ride and Pack in the Back country and learn how to be Safer Horseman.  So, the word is out there that our Chapter continues to take it to the next level, by offering diverse activities such as Education clinics, Rides, Trail Clearing Projects, Pack ins, Fund raising events, High way clean up,  Fun and Friendship always,  and of course, great Eating.  Our Quality website is making a big difference and getting the attention of the public.  KUDOs to ALL of YOU!

As we wind down for the year, let’s build on the Learning’s, and make 2012 even better, and an outstanding year. Oh yeah, did you know The SBBCH chapter will celebrate a milestone anniversary in 2012? More details to follow on this, and who knows could be a Theme for us.  Elections are before us and all positions are open, except one. This is a great way to get involved, get to know folks and keep our chapter growing with all your Positive Input and Ideas.  Terry and crew would love to hear from you.

Marybeth Conger

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August - President’s Corner

31. July 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

Our 2011 Grand jean weekend was outstanding, and well worth our time from many perspectives. First off, it was downright Fun as everyone came with a smile on their face and left with one too. All humans and critters were safe, but a few sore muscles have been reported.

Second, there was fireside Cross cut Saw training put on by Sawtooth trail ranger Deb Peters on Friday.  This was some great Education for us and demonstrates our continuing partnership with the Sawtooth Ranger District.

Third, a small group of “willing volunteers” got some practical experience on the North Barron Creek trail, using the Chapter’s Saw purchased last year. At the same time on Saturday, other members rode different trails removing down fall when encountered. Even our newest member, Laurie Bryant (AKA the Wanderer) was having Fun brushing out trails and got to experience that BCH is more than just a riding club.

On Sunday some riders headed out and Bill & I finally got to the top & enjoyed Trail Lakes. The scenery was breath taking and I believe Linda Hays went thru 29 rolls of film that day.
The Meals were delicious and showed the culinary talents and creativity of our membership. So, while you are reflecting on the great time had by all, please get on the website and log your hours. I know the navigation is a bit different, but let’s try to enter the information. If you get stuck and are ready the throw the computer out the window, Rob is always willing to help.

Please check out our activities and participate when you can. Packers Play Day is right around the corner and that is always Fun, plus it promotes our organization to the Emmett community.  Calendars are coming too.

Hope to see you on the Trail, Marybeth Conger

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July President’s corner- Come Join Us

4. July 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

While at the Co-Op buying a plant, my phone rang. It was a local TV reporter who, after checking out our Website, viewing the photos, & reading the May/June Newsletter was hoping to film some recreational riding activities with SBBCH.  He is reviewing his schedule and plans to get back with me, but how cool is this that he called? Everything we do, such as Meeting attendance, Public outreach clinics, Photo submission, Education endeavors, Articles from us for our Newsletter, Volunteer hours, Rides and Trail activities, updates by our Webmaster, etc. is making a difference and getting our message out there. People are noticing.

In July we have some outstanding fun projects, so please come to what you can. There is the Crooked Creek Trail Project July 2, 3, 4 in Idaho City that has some beautiful scenery. Next is the July 23 and 24 Grand Jean North Baron Creek trail Project.  There are only so many heart beats on the trail project but the rest of the group could enjoy a fun ride in another area.  This is a great area for our members to recreate in, so please consider this one.

Now, I would like to acknowledge the new members that have joined SBBCH this year, so please welcome them to our Chapter when you see them:  Mildred Bryant, Heather Holloway along with Ron and Diane Woods - Jan 2011, Tia Davis- March 2011, Sharon Prindel, Jim Reid, along with Bob and Pam VanHooser- April 2011, and lastly Bill and Lois Murphy June 2011. Let’s always make them feel welcome. So….. how about making a quick phone call to a new member that might be close to you and invite them to an event.

Next, I would like to give kudos to Dan Murphy who joined the Chapter in 2008 with his wife Connie. You will recall that Dan put together the Radio package (x four) which helps us to communicate on the trail and stay safe.  He also volunteered his time and taught First Aide/CPR to us and is willing to teach a more advanced course to members.  YEAH!  Your BOD approved the $200 course cost with more details to follow.  He is also working on the Chapter First Aid kit with Doc Shannon and Ellen, offering his practical insight. I am sure they will be upgrading the kit and training all of us on what’s in there in the near future.

The July photo is a picture of Phil Ryan, setting up a high line for my Horse Fred at Grandjean, as he (Phil) is always the gentleman. It is nice to have friends and members that are willing to trailer share.

See you on the trail, MB Conger

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President’s Corner June - Come Join us

2. June 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

Bill & I just got back from a great conditioning ride in the BLM hills around our house with the mule string and Lilly & Sam; who decided they should bring their human too.  I will only speak for myself, but it seems each year it takes a bit longer to get in shape.

At the May meeting, our Treasurer Kay, confirmed the Yard sale was record breaking! Chaps off to Terry, Gail, Charles, and Ellen for organizing this event and all the members that came that day.  This Yard sale is one of four fundraising activities, which enables the chapter to purchase equipment items like the large saw, radios and contribute other costs for Trail activities and Education endeavors.

The First Aide and CPR Class was held May 31st and June 1st  at Charles and Ellen’s place and yes the Chapter provided the dinner. Our own Dan Murphy volunteered and taught this class and did an outstanding job, as usual.  In fact, I received an email from him that he is looking into what it would take to get this Training to the next level for perhaps next year. Not exact, but may be something similar to First Responder training, perhaps something for next year. More details to come in the future and Dan no rush on this. Enjoy your vacation time with family.

I am fortunate to have such a great working relationship with VP Doc Shannon. She has agreed to take on a new project and will be reviewing current trail information and pulling it together in an effort to provide trail information to members. Why? To try and get more members involved. I am sure we will be hearing more from her on this project.

Another idea for increasing membership involvement is to provide some fun incentives such as cash and/or gas cards to come join us on activities.  We are also looking into a Spring Membership Appreciation ride and there is even talk of a Thank you for joining us BBQ this fall.

Hope to see you on the trail!  Please check out the activities as there is something for just about everyone.   Don’t think you have to go on everything as we all have life, but come join us when you can.  We offer a variety of activities to appeal to more members, vs.  just having 3 or 4 things in a year.  Rob Adams does an outstanding job planning things ahead for us.

I just had to include this photo, but my only question to you three , is how many women does it take to saddle a mule or is their more going on here?

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AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION & SQUAW BUTTE RIDE

8. May 2011 by Janine Townsend.

Saturday May 7th turned out to be an awesome day for our possible-First Annual AQHA/SBBCH Joint Ride at Wilson Creek in Owyhee County.  Temperature was perfect– in the high 50s or low 60s—overcast, but nary a drop of rain.  Sandwiched in between a down pour Friday night and Saturday night, and high winds on Sunday, we couldn’t have asked for better weather.

We had eleven riders participating, and five or so cooks and organizers holding down camp, making sure all was ready for the riders upon our return.  Two AQHA members attended, Margaret Berggren and Robbin Schindele, and two guests, Rebecca McClellan and Lynda Clark.

We took two groups on the ride, so riders could pick between a longer, more technical trek through Hard Trigger Canyon, or a shorter, more gentle ride along Wilson Creek.  Both rides offered plenty of creek (pronounced ‘crik’ in Owyhee County) crossings, and by the time we were done with the ride I think most horses were well versed in water crossings.  The scenery on the Hard Trigger ride was pure Owyhee County splendor; grassy lowlands along the creek bottoms, steep climbs up rocky side hills, high mesas with snowy mountains in the distance, and the chance of seeing wild horses roaming free (we had to settle for black cows and red cows, and their little calves peering at us from their hillside perches.  My horse wondered where are the black and white cows he was used to seeing??).  Hard Trigger Canyon was amazing.  It’s a short canyon whittled out of lava rock by a rushing creek just big enough that the horses don’t know whether to wade it or jump it.  The more athletic (translated flighty) horses insisted on jumping at every opportunity.  The canyon walls offer an array of sights and oddities to behold,  such as spires and interesting rock formations, as well as ‘caves’ that are actually lava bubbles formed however many  thousands of years ago.

Then we were out of the canyon and began our ascent back up to the plateaus and were lunchward bound.  Cheeseburgers and Brats were starting to sound pretty darned good, and I wished we would hurry up a bit so we wouldn’t be late for lunch!  But we were not a hurrying group, and we ambled along in the general direction I thought we should be going.  Everybody I talk to says “There’s so many trails out there, you can’t get lost!”  Well, I was.  If it hadn’t been for our illustrious ride leaders, I’d still be roaming around out there looking for burgers and brats!

Lunch was a splendid affair!  Barbequed burgers, chicken burgers, brats hot off the grill,  with all the fixings; salads, chips, cookies, muffins, whatever you wanted to drink, and a nice lady in a bikini (translated Wranglers, Carharts and a big floppy cowboy hat) to serve the cookies.  Definitely worth getting almost lost for! And of course stories to tell of our ride, tall tales from the other group about their ride, new people to meet and acquaintances to renew.

It was a great ride, a great day, and a great way to kick off the long summer riding season stretching out before us.  If you missed it, you missed a good time, but we hope to see you next time!

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The Hard Trigger Ride

7. May 2011 by Linda Paul.

What’s that all about? Hard Trigger? I saw a sign for Wilson Creek. I don’t get the Hard Trigger business. But then, the problem is that I only show up to skim the cream off the top of the jar. My friend Janine supplies the horses, the tack, the trailer, the gas, the feed, and the 24/365 care. I show up to sit on the horse for a while. Pretty cool gig, eh?

Janine, recently retired yet full of youthful exuberance, is a model member of Squaw Butte Back Country Horsemen. Not only did she sign herself up and take on some administrative duties, but she got me—an anti-social, non-joiner—to sign up. So, I still don’t go to meetings and I don’t participate in anything but the fun stuff; i.e., the RIDES. But I’m a dues-paying member and I got some calendars sold. Apparently that gets my boot in the door without being stomped on.

So there I was, early the Saturday morning before Mother’s Day, at Janine’s place just in time to slam the trailer door shut behind the caballo’s arses. Off we went for the Owyhee foothills. The journey thus far was uneventful. But in short order a mini-hell broke loose behind our parked trailer where my head-in-the-clouds mount stood impatiently awaiting the ride. While I was gagging over fistfuls of winter fur that blew off the curry comb, a rider from the trailer beside us mounted up and raced his steed up the hill igniting One Shot’s excitable nature. He pranced and he danced while I struggled to aim the saddle at the appropriate spot on his moving backside.

Meanwhile, Janine was busily engaged with mule-tack lessons. Proud new owner of two mules, she’s eager to glean wise bits of advice from other mule owners. I was about to attempt the bridling process with Mr. One Shot when a beautiful, saddled but unbridled, buckskin quarter horse darted past the back of our trailer, hotly pursued by a phalanx of mounted and non-mounted cowboys. This put Mr. One Shot beside himself. The runaway bronc was not one of Squaw Butte’s horses, nor, by the way, was the thoughtless rider from the trailer beside us. But it was a busy day there in the parking lot with two independent horse groups assembled for excitement.

Unsure of just how wild Mr. One Shot’s behavior might become, I began walking him about, hoping to settle his nerves and avoid a breakaway experience like that of the buckskin bronc. In short order, I decided I’d have a better chance of survival from atop this kegged dynamite. That was premature, as my saddle was still loose. Rob Adams came to my rescue, gentleman that he is. At last we were off.

SBBCH split into two groups of five riders. I have no idea where group A went. But they sure looked good as they rode off into the sagebrush. Ours was a lovely ride through BLM land where wild horses are often seen, but on this day we saw only doe-eyed beef. We scaled the side of a steep hill under ominous, but fortunately unproductive clouds. Cresting the top of a broad plateau we ambled about long enough for me to get slightly disoriented. When we reached Wilson Creek we passed through a gate and headed back toward the parking lot through a short but fascinating canyon of lava hoodoos. Caves dotted the rock formations where eons ago, large air bubbles had sponged the hardening rock.

I’m just returning to the horse world after nearly a 40-year hiatus, so there’s much for me to learn.  Of course, as we left the trail head, my hot-headed mount was prancing and dancing like a three-year old. Aside from the fact that I must constantly check him with the reins to keep his nose out of the rear of the horse in front, my girlhood romanticism revels in his high-stepping enthusiasm. But when Phil Ryan grumbled that he needed to rid his cowpony of its steady-all-day-jog, I listened and thought about what he said. It’s true. A mincing, prancing horse is nothing but trouble on a trail ride, where careful hoof placement reigns supreme.

Then there were the innumerable stream crossings as we rode through the canyon. Again, the schoolgirl in me thrilled to the unexpected leaps, dashes, and gyrations that took One Shot over each water crossing. But this, too, is detrimental behavior on the trail. If I needed proof, there is the black and blue mark above my groin where I lost a stirrup when One Shot lost his footing during one of his airborne leaps. I was utterly embarrassed to have lost my seat so easily. But the point holds. A trail horse needs some common sense. So does a trail rider. These trail rides are an awesome opportunity to glean wisdom from knowledgeable horsemen in the group.

And then, back at the trail head, there’s hot food, and wild stories to share. Even an old recluse like me enjoys the camaraderie.

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From the President’s Corner- Marybeth Conger

3. May 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

May 2011- Come Join Us

Hot off the presses, the March BCHI calendar winner is Heather Dobbs from Emmett.  I will present the $500.00 check to this young lady at the upcoming May meeting. Our Roving reporter Phil plans to capture this Kodak moment.

Spring has sprung, so Fred & I are hitting the trail to get in shape and have some fun riding.  The good looking mules are Babe and Sis who have been taking care of me on backcountry trips for years.

The annual Potluck Ride at the Butte hosted by Charles and Ellen was outstanding. The weather was awesome, the views unbelievable and the food was delicious, as usual.  I do need to report a disappearance of some home baked cookies that left the food table and ended up in someone’s horse trailer.  Please let Terry and Gail know if you have any information.  Also a new budding romance is developing between Lilly and a sorrel Quarter horse.  Stay tuned for more details. It was great seeing Linda Adams and Kay Ryan too.

The AQHA/BCHI ride is coming up Saturday May 7th at the Wilson Creek Trail Head, near Murphy and Janine Townsend and Margaret Bergeron are off and galloping with this project. It is great having their fresh ideas on this project. Way to go you two!

Also let’s not forget about Spring Highway cleanup Wednesday the 11th starting at 6:00 pm. Charles Lox is coordinating and is anxious to find another interesting item during this cleanup. Could it be time for Bear II?  Actually, this important project shows our commitment to the Emmett community; enables us to keep the Sign on the Highway, which promotes our organization. Kudos to Charles for taking it on again in 2011.

The Yard sale is right around the corner too on the 28th and Terry, Gail, and Ellen are coordinating that for us. Bring your treasures and have fun helping the SBBCH chapter with one of its fund raising activities. How about another large Saw or perhaps some other Education items to keep us safe out there?

Check out the Chapter’s activity page as there are some outstanding Education clinics and Trail projects too. Hope you can make some of the fun activities in May and of course the rest of the summer.  The SBBCH goal is to offer a variety of fun events, rides, clinics, trail projects, good food throughout the year, so our members will have some options to choose from. Please come join us when you can.

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From the President’s Corner- Marybeth Conger

2. April 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

Spring is here, finally!  Fred and I enjoyed sharing the trail with a few brave souls this past Saturday doing trail clean up past the Gem Cycle Park. No one found anything as interesting as Charles did at last year’s Road cleanup, but I did see a certain mule named Lilly with several cow skulls tied to her butt. Aren’t mules great?  This counts as trail work, so please remember to log your hours.

It is time to start getting ourselves and our critters in shape for upcoming activities. We have some great Rides coming up, Trail fun projects, Education events, and Horse expo to name a few. Please check out our event calendar and come join us. We should be hearing some updates on the joint AQHA/BCH Ride too.

Also, our annual Yard sale is right around the corner, so remember to put those items aside while doing spring cleanup.  Keep in mind this fund raiser enables the chapter to purchase some big ticket items such as that rather large Saw that is at Phil’s house and the 4 Radios that will soon be at Rob’s place.

It is great seeing involvement of new members in our chapters’ activities.  Charles and Lorraine Chick continue to provide some fun education opportunities for us. Jake Lemon took on the State calendar photo project with gusto and has finalized that. Then there is Janine who continues to handle Volunteer Hours reporting with some fun things planned for us.

Our Chapter Newsletter is a great way to communicate and spotlight all of the great things we do during the year. Linda is always looking for articles, photos so let’s make 2011 the best year ever by continuing to send her items during the year.  Also thanks to Linda for getting SBBCH set up on Facebook which is but another way to reach out to the public and members.

Look for future kudos….. See you on the trail, MBC

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Calendar Photo Dispatch

6. February 2011 by Jake Lemon.

Hello Horse & Mule People,

I gave a little presentation at the February meeting about ’12 Calendar photo entries. I’ll fill in some blanks & give some reminders here;

* Updated Calendar photo web page: http://picasaweb.google.com/sbbch2011/    Once there, clk on 2012 Calendar.

* Memory card for camera, recommended capacity: 512 MB

* Model of memory card: probably SD, call retailer & give type of camera.

* Good brand: Kingston

* On-line retailers: 

TigerDirect.com

Newegg.com

* Phil reminded, need pix of all 4 seasons.

* Send entries to: shadowpacker@gmail.com

 

 

Photo selection criteria for the calendar is as follows: 

* A 12 x 12 photo for each chapter, with photos in ID take precedence over out of state. 

* Photos must have a horse/mule in the shot, unless it’s of a work project. 

* Heads and faces preferred over tails and backs. 

* Photos are placed by seasons ‐ winter, spring, summer and fall.

* Include all winter, kids, trail riding, packing, and work project photos. 

* Nature photos will be used only as needed. 

* Please do not resubmit photos that have been used in previous calendars. 

* Print all information legible. 

* List the file name for each photo and any awards it may have won.

 

The question of discussing photographic composition keeps crossing my mind; I’ll keep it short. Application of “elegance” is the concept that repeatedly comes to mind. One definition of elegance might be, the union of beauty & simplicity, like what a blanket of snow does to the view out your back door, or:

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February 2011

1. February 2011 by Bill & Marybeth.

Come join us on the trail, because it is going to be a fantastic 2011, with lots of rides, trail projects in the beautiful back country, packing  & riding adventures, educational opportunities, great food, a yard sale, and numerous Kodak moments to name but a few activities for Squaw Butte Back Country Horseman. Check out the activities listed on our website.

 

Also in January, Squaw Butte leadership voted to create a scholarship to pay for one SBBCH member to attend the 2011 Wilderness packing clinic.  All SBBCH members’ names will be put in a hat and the lucky recipient will be drawn at the May 2011 SBBCH chapter meeting. This is but another reason to come join us in 2011. If you would like more information on the Wilderness packing clinic, look for the link on our website.

 

Hope to see you on the trail and at the Squaw Butte chapter meetings. We are trying a shortened meeting version in 2011, so there would be time for Educational topics after words.

 

So come to the Feb 3 meeting, pay your dues, and enjoy the fun after the meeting where the Chick’s will be presenting a Knot Tying demonstration. 

 

 Marybeth Conger, President

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Former SBBCH member Ed Mixon passed away

10. December 2010 by Ellen Knapp.

Reverend Charles Edward Mixon, 74, of Emmett, Idaho, lost his struggle with Alzheimer’s and joined the Lord, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. Ed passed away at home, attended by his wife, Diana, his main “companion”/caregiver, Angie and her family.

Ed was born in Griffin, Ga., to Rebecca P. and William s. Mixon. He was the youngest of five children. He obtained he theology degree from Emory University and was granted full clergy privileges to the North Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church in 1961. In 1963, Ed transferred to the Rock River Conference of Illinois as Director of Camps and conferences. In 1966, Ed was appointed to Arlington Hts. First Methodist Church as an Associate pastor. For the next 30 years, he faithfully served eight congregations of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church.
In 1956, Ed married Elizabeth A. Benedict. They later divorced, but had three sons during their marriage, Mike, Alan and Kevin. Ed enjoyed being with his sons and shared special activities with each of them. Mike and Kevin loved camping, fishing and hunting. Alan loved skiing. All of them enjoyed riding their motorbikes.

In 1985, Ed married a long-time friend, Diana King Damko. In 1996, Ed retired from the ministry and they moved to Emmett. They liked to garden, cook and enjoyed several outdoor activities together. Ed really found pleasure in exploring backwoods areas on horseback, hunting and fishing. Ed was just as content to sit quietly and enjoy watching a spike yearling walk down the road or five pheasant cocks sparring in the front pasture. In the last four years, he enjoyed the simple things in his life and being at home.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diana; his three sons, Mike, Alan and Kevin; his brother, Bill; his two sisters, Bettie and Guinn; and four grandchildren. The family would like to thank X-L Hospice for the care and compassion they offered Ed and his caregivers.
A memorial service will be held at the Emmett United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Locust St., at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association

Story about Ed  (Terry MacDonald)

Eds favorite motto was any story worth telling is worth embellishing. The first time I met Ed he was helping with a back pack trip from Red Fish to Grand Jean with the Methodist Youth group from Sweet.  Kirk Darnell and I packed food to Barron Lake and met them there, after several days of dehydrated food they were glad to See us, steak, potatoes, bacon and real eggs.  Since we were to camp with two ministers and be on our best behavior we left all adult beverage at the trail head.  After several days tending a bunch of teenagers the first thing out of their mouths was wheres the whiskey.
I don’t remember how long He was with the SBBCH only a couple of years,  He got busted up pretty good one year and I don’t remember Him riding with us after that. He had one horse that gave him a hard time.

Ed ended up buying a couple of mexican ponies that someone was bringing in to the country at that time, they were good broke horses just don’t go near them when they were eating.

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The Naked Man is still out there on the Trail

1. December 2010 by Bill & Marybeth.

By Marybeth Conger, President

It seems the unknown naked man really enjoys that trail.  A small group went back to “investigate further” and sure enough he was still out there. Now the question that comes to mind, what should that trail sign say? Now that I have your attention, let’s think about 2010.

 

This year was another successful year for the SBBCH chapter thanks to all of you. Our membership continues to be strong and we grew the number of family memberships. Our calendar was full of Rides, Trail projects, Broom Polo events, Back Country Skills Clinic, Packers Play Day, Trail Safety Sessions, Sawyer class, First Aide/CPR, overnight Horse camping adventures to name just a few. There is something on our Activities list to appeal to most everyone.

 

Even in this economy, our finances grew thanks to the annual Yard Sale, your continuing membership fees, Donations from our website advertisers, and the % the chapter gets from the BCHI Calendar sales. We even spent some of this money in 2010. The two Radios purchased will help keep us safe on upcoming Trail projects and chapter events. We can use that rather large Saw to clear trails in Wilderness areas.

 

There was a tremendous amount of public meeting attendance by SBBCH members traveling at times all over the state to promote the goals and objectives of our organization. The chapter was well represented at the Sportsman’s Show and Horse Expo too. So how ever you contributed to SBBCH chapter be it trails projects, rides, education, public outreach, meeting attendance please take a moment to log your hours on our website.

 

 I had a tremendous amount of fun sharing the trail with you in 2010 and hope to do it again in 2011, once the snow melts a bit.

 

 

 

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Kennelly Creek Trails - Payette NF

16. August 2010 by Rob Adams.

Kennally Creek Campground

Travel 10 miles south of McCall on Hwy 55 then 19 miles east on Paddy Flat Road (#388). There are eleven units/nine trailer units with drinking water from one centrally located hand pump, tables, fire pits, charcoal grills, handicapped accessible toilet, hitching rails and unloading ramp, pack in/pack out. Good trail access with no trailhead fee. There is a host at Paddy Flat Guard Station. Contact the McCall Ranger District at (208) 634-0400 for the most current information. There is a designated horse camping area, and a great overflow (no fee) area about 300 yards up the road from the campground.  Three trails are available from this trailhead.  Kennally Creek trail is a mostly level ride through big trees with a number of creek crossing that takes you to some small lakes if your willing to ride nine miles one way.  The needles trail is a pretty steady climb with some loose rocky sections but is rewarded with some great views at the summit.  The Black Mare trail starts with a short climb, followed by a very nice ride through big trees to Bill’s Lake.  From the lake the trail climbs quickly up the end of the canyon to a saddle.  The trail head is at 5600 feet, the saddle is at 7,900 feet and the last 1,500 is in less than a mile.  The view when you get to the top is of the South Fork of the salmon river canyon, and it is spectacular. This is an end of the road trail head and camp ground, with very little traffic and very nice facilities.  Loop pack trips are possible from this trail head, with a number of lakes and creeks to camp by.  We saw very little sign of game, it had rained a couple of days before we started riding and the only tracks we saw on the trails were our horses.

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Possible Future Project on the Middle Fork of the Salmon Trail

27. June 2010 by Jake Lemon.

I am unexpectedly home for a few days to regroup. I had 8 days of bad luck in getting to the Mid Fork. Will be launching another try very soon. The Frank Wilderness rangers told me that, the under-high-water trail that I wanted to use along the upper MF, is traditionally not only under water in spring, but also becomes washed out & impassable each year. They said with frustration in their voices, the trail crew tries to fix it each year, but their work never sticks. Rangers said, this is the only annual washout site along the entire MF trail system. It is also a major access for back packers.

I would like to propose to SBBCH, that we file a proposal with the FS to do a permanent fix to the wash-out site. It would require hauling in some bags of mortar, post mix cement & rebar. Of course, there is plenty of rock available at the site to do the envisioned rock work.

To get to the site, drive past Banner Summit a few miles, turn left at sign for Seafoam Area. Go 1.5 miles to Marsh Creek TH. Go down Marsh Cr. trail about 6 miles to confluence with MF & establish camp. Go another 1/2 mile down the MF to work site. The work would take about 4 guys about 1 day to complete. I have all the tools & experience required. I would volunteer to be project leader. I would need the help of some guys with reasonably healthy backs. I see this happening early summer of 2011.

Jake

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June Musings From Marybeth Conger

16. June 2010 by Bill & Marybeth.

Commentary from the lady who actually lives in the “White House” with black shutters of course, by Marybeth Conger, President

Can you believe its June already? I just returned from a nice ride with the entire string. We have a pack trip into the Frank Church Wilderness end of July, so its time to start getting in shape.

Looking at our 2nd quarter Chapter activities list, it’s been a busy year with many different opportunities for SBBCH members to learn and have fun. The SBBCH chapter continues to do an outstanding job offering a variety of activities such as Rides, Public Outreach programs, Educational clinics, Highway cleanup, Trail Projects, Back County 4-H demonstration, and yes, even a Yard sale to help with fund raising. We are educating not only ourselves on the importance of safety, but the public about the BCH organization and our historical right to use stock on public lands.

In April there was Wilderness First Responder training and the BCHI Horse Expo. In May there was even more such as Forrest Service Sawyer Safety, Talk to the Experts, Defensive Horsemanship, and Hands on Packing. In June, July and August there are many Trail Projects scheduled where we can ride together and discover some beautiful country in Idaho. Please check out our activity page and participate. We like to have fun on these projects and of course eat well.

Big thanks to the SBBCH members, for all your time and positive energy spent to make this chapter something to be proud of. Please continue to log your volunteer hours, including mileage and if you can’t remember if you did, check out the summary screen.  I can’t wait to see you on the trail for some fun times this summer, especially our new members. If the SBBCH website doesn’t answer your questions, or you would like to speak with a live body, you can always call me direct.

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Attention BCHI Members and Friends of SW Idaho

26. May 2010 by Ellen Knapp.

After all these years, as well as this year, it never dawned on me to provide a price list for items we talk about at the Back Country Skills Clinic and that Spirit Horse Enterprises sells. Here is a list of some of the items we talk about and OUR Spirit Horse Enterprises prices. Our goal is to provide these items at a very reasonable cost.

From the Outfitters Supply Catalog – we are distributors for Outfitters Supply.<http://www.outfitterssupply.com>

The following are OUR prices:

·         TrailMax In-line Swivel. WPH109 $10.95

·         2-leg Neoprene Hobbles WPH122 $24.50

·         TrailMax Packer’s Scale 20-100 pounds WPA212 $30.95

·         TrailMax Packer’s Scale 0-55 pounds WPA213 $27.95

·         TrailMax H-Style Top Pack WPA150 $78.95

·         Double Pack Cinch WPA216 $52.95

·         Canvas Mantee, 7’x8’ hemmed, 15 oz WPA207  $32.95

·         Canvas Mantee, 7’x8’ hemmed, 18 oz WPA107 $39.95

·         Packer’s Field  Manual by Bob Hoverson WBKPFM $17.50

·         Lash Cinch WPA102 $31.95

·         3 Gallon Collapsible Water Bucket WPH161 $16.50

·         Canvas Pack Pad WSP108 $47.95

And lots more top quality equipment and apparel, Visit our website or Call  208-398-7279

Spirithorse Enterprises - Ranch Wear and Supplies
www.SpiritHorseEnterprises.com // info@ccsutlery.com>  

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Wilderness Skills and Packing Clinic - August 2011

9. May 2010 by Rob Adams.

 At the November State Board meeting of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, the idea of a week long Wilderness Skills and Packing clinic sponsored by the State organization and open to Forest service and members of Back Country Horsemen of America was presented.  All fifteen chapters approved the proposal with the Squaw Butte Chapter, Emmett Idaho taking the lead.  The proposed clinic will have a student population of around twenty five and we anticipate a staff of fifteen, for a total of forty people.  The clinic is planned to have students arrive on a Sunday, with classes starting Monday through the following Saturday.  We will be following a curriculum developed by Back Country Horsemen of Idaho which has been presented a number of times to Forest Service personnel in Idaho and a joining state.  The instructors are retired forest service employees and BCHI members,  who have many years of back country and packing experience.  We believe that the unimproved area of the Grandjean campground Sawtooth Ranger District would make a perfect venue for this course.  The nearby trails, generally easy access for people attending and the scenic nature of the area are likely to increase interest in this clinic.

Proposal

 The Squaw Butte Chapter of Backcountry Horseman of Idaho presents the following proposal to the state board of directors.
 
WHEREAS:  One of the prime mandates of Backcountry Horseman is providing educational opportunities for our members.
 
WHEREAS:  Opportunities for attending comprehensive multiday packing skills clinics are limited and can be expensive.
 
WHEREAS:  Backcountry Horseman of Idaho has a number of members with extensive packing experience and a developed curriculum for such a clinic.
 
BE IT PROPOSED:  That Backcountry Horseman of Idaho sponsor and hold a five day Wilderness Packing Clinic open to members of Backcountry Horseman of America. The first Wilderness Packing clinic will be held adjacent to the Sawtooth Wilderness at the Grandjean trail head and campground in August 2011.
 
Submitted to BCHI, Board of Directors
By the Squaw Butte Chapter, BCHI
Details of the Proposal:  Backcountry Horseman of Idaho Wilderness Packing Clinic BCHI host a five day wilderness packing clinic open to members of Backcountry Horseman of America. Attendees will at the end of the clinic be able to safely and confidently pack and transport a variety of loads from a trail head to a destination.  They will be able to travel and camp in the backcountry with minimum impact using LNT techniques, produce hearty meals and maintain healthy stock.
 
The BCHI mentors will guide the attendees through a curriculum that is both fun and comprehensive.  Some of the items covered will be:
 
            • The function and fitting of the pack saddle and its’ uses
            • How to make up loads that will ride
            • How and why to tie different hitches
            • How to safely lead a string of mules or horses
            • How to deal with hard to handle pack stock
            • “Leave no trace” methods of livestock camping
            • Basic back country first aid for livestock and humans
            • Backcountry meal planning and preparation
            • Traditions and history of packing in the in backcountry
 
Location:  This inaugural clinic will be held at the western gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness at the Grandjean trail head and camp ground. This facility located in Boise National forest next to the head waters of the South Fork of the Payette River provides outstanding stock camping facilities, and is a perfect venue to learn the skills needed to pack into the Sawtooth Wilderness.
 
Time:  The clinic is planned for August of 2011
 
Costs:  There will be small fee for active members of Backcountry Horseman of America to attend this clinic required at registration, and certified weed free hay will be available for purchase.
 
What will be provided by BCHI: Training material, mentors, a variety of loads to train with and a rich history of packing experience to draw from: Community Meals will be provided. A very limited number of training pack stock will be available.
 
What Attendees need to provide: Camping gear for both trail head and a back country over night. Riding stock, pack stock if they have it and all required tack and stock containment for use at the trail head, and a high line for the over night.
—–

Squaw Butte has been working with the Stanley and Lowman Rangers on getting permits and permissions to hold this event.   We have been working with Liese Dean (Sawtooth) and David Erwin (Lowman) , and they has been guiding us through the process.  We also discussed the best time to hold this event, taking into account weather and visitor loading in the area.

Dates for Clinic (proposed)

Staff Arrival & Departure             Saturday Aug 13, 2011 (Arrival) - Sunday Aug 21, 2011 (Departure)

Students Arrival & Departure      Sunday Aug 14, 2011 (Arrival) - Saturday Aug 20, 2011 (Departure)

Primary Clinic Location -  Grandjean Campground and Trail Head, Overflow area  (Sawtooth Wilderness)

Secondary Location (fire or what ever)  Bear Valley, Elk Meadows, Trail Head (Frank Church)

Both of these locations are in the Stanley area, and are about 40 miles apart.

We are starting to work on the logistical planning, and will have details at the next State Board Meeting.

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Welcome to SBBCH and lets have fun in 2010

10. April 2010 by Bill & Marybeth.

Well the 1/4 of 2010 is behind us and Spring seems to coming, so lets find some time to ride, have fun, and meet new friends. Please check out your chapter’s calendar at www.sbbchidaho.org and participant as you can. We have several Educational clinics coming up and nine Trail projects scheduled over the summer months. Also some fun Rides, outstanding Eating Adventures, Road clean up, Horse Expo and yes even a Yard sale, which is one of our four fund raisers to name a few events. 2010 is going to be a great year and Shannon and I look forward to sharing a trail with you.

The two day Backcountry Skills clinic on May 22 and 23 at the Circle G River Ranch is an opportunity to learn to be a safer and more confident horseman. Saturday’s clinic is Talk to the Experts while Sunday has both Defensive Horsemanship and Packing Skills, a totally hands-on day with several sessions so you can participate in both. What a plum to have retired USFS Dale Schrempp coming all the way from Northern Idaho to instruct  us on Defensive Horsemanship.

Also, check out the photos for the 2011 BCHI Calendar by visiting www.sbbchidaho.org Click on the Photo tab to the left. Look for the 56 Calendar photos and vote for your favorites. Please email your 20 selections to President@sbbchidaho by the stop date of April 20th. For you new members, you can get a good sense of what your chapter is all about- Riding in some beautiful places, keeping trails open for all, having fun with our animals, and eating. Looks like fun, huh?

If you have any questions or comments for me I am only an email or phone call away, unless I’m out riding Fred, toting Babe and Sis. Hope to see you on the trail.

MB Conger

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Final Prez’s Ponderings

6. January 2010 by Ellen Knapp.

Ponderings from The Prez’s Saddle 

Well, 2009 is closed and in the process of being archived. 

As I reflect back on the year I wonder - Where to begin? We had so many successes this year.  

We presented yet another well attended Back Country Skills clinic in the spring and hosted another fabulous Fun Day in October. We could not have provided either event if not for the dedicated work of the committees and excellent support by the volunteers. 

While June was essentially rained out, we had a very busy July and August. We had excellent turnout for the projects. I’d like to think it was due to the commitment to the BCH mission, but I know it was, in fact, due to the fabulous FOOD – the potlucks and breakfasts, some with fresh huckleberries. As Rob says, “We are an eating chapter that just happens to ride.” 

Once again the 2010 BCHI calendar sale had great participation from SBBCH. SBBCH committed to 300 of the 2000 total calendars printed. SBBCH was one of the few chapters committing to such a high number. And very few, if any, of those 300 remain unsold. Most were sold by the November BCHI meeting. Great job everyone! 

Our second year of the Memorial Weekend Saturday yard sale simply continued the success of its first year. We had many more items since we were more prepared. We plan to continue this sale in 2010. So as you put away the decorations and winter articles and bring out the summer wear, make sure to put the donations aside for this year’s yard sale. 

SBBCH would not be so very successful and energetic if it weren’t for the continued efforts, commitment, and support of the membership. It is you, the members, that make SBBCH a great chapter. You bring the energy, the ideas, the humor, the experience, and the commitment to the chapter. I heartily Thank You for all that you bring to and do for SBBCH. 

I thank the 2009 Leadership Team for their work in making SBBCH ‘hum’ like the well oiled machine it is in 2009. Without the fantastic leadership team, our chapter would not function in the superior manner in which it does. The President does not make the chapter work; it is the leadership team and the membership that makes the chapter the premier chapter that it is. 

Thank you Vice President Tami Buthman. I greatly appreciate all your work organizing the outreach events and graciously handling everything else I delegated to you. You were my rock and right hand gal. 

Thank you Treasurer Kay Ryan. You enabled me to focus on other things knowing our SBBCH bills and monies were in your very capable hands with your easy to read Treasurer’s report format. I greatly appreciate your knowledge and your fabulous attention to detail. 

Thank you Secretary Team Linda Hays and Linda Phillips. Without you, SBBCH could not function. I relied greatly upon both of you for the innumerable aspects of the running of the Chapter. You both proved that a team can not only share the vast Secretarial duties but that a team can enhance the capability and efficiency of the Secretary Position responsibilities. The Secretary position is a wide ranging position involving many diverse aspects. In many cases, things fall to the “Secretary’ by default. You gave SBBCH the ‘going forward’ model for the Secretarial team.  

Thank you to Project Coordinators Rob Adams and Tony Buthman. You have established critical relationships with the USFS folks. Your knowledge of our capabilities as well as your knowledge of the area needs’ resulted in an unprecedented tactical plan for the year. Our SBBCH volunteer hours in equivalent monies success is due, in big part, to the wonderful, long term relationships that you have built with the managing agencies.  

Thank you to the chapter’s various committees: the Education and Foundation committee representatives Bill Conger and Bill Holt; the Public Liaison committee members Tony Buthman, Bill Holt, Chris Holt, and Robbin Schindele; our State Directors Rob Adams, Mary Beth Conger, and Phil Ryan; the Calling Committee; the 2009 audit committee; the Chapter Display committee who created the winning display; the 2009 nominating committee; and last, but certainly not least, our Christmas Party Committee co-chairs Nancy Harper and Chris  Holt. Our annual party, once again, was a wonderful feast full of great fun. We would not have had such a party without your dedicated effort. 

The end of 2009 also brings the end of my term as President. I have been President for the last three years – the maximum term per our Constitution. Term limits are great because they force a change in leadership. This enables fresh vision and new ideas to be infused within the chapter. 

Welcome to the 2010 SBBCH Leadership Team. Thank to those folks that ran for the positions. All were unopposed and all were unanimously elected. Welcome to our new President Mary Beth Conger. She brings years of BCH knowledge and BCHI leadership experience to the office. Welcome to our new VP Shannon Schantz.

Shannon has been a member of SBBCH since nearly its inception. Welcome to our returning Treasurer Kay Ryan. Welcome to our Secretary team: returning member Linda Hays and new member Chris Holt. Welcome to our new State Director Robbin Schindele. Thank you all for joining the 2010 SBBCH Leadership Team. I will continue to serve this year as the Past President. 

2009 was yet another fabulous year in the SBBCH history. 2010 will only be better! 

See ya in the saddle in 2010 –  Ellen

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Idaho Wild Horse Program

7. October 2009 by Joanna Stroeder.

From: Michael_Truden@blm.gov
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009

Hey Y’all,

Well the last of the horses from the Challis herd are gone. They were shipped off yesterday for Utah. They are going to be part of Utah’s prison program. It is a great program and I wish the prisoners luck (especially  on one big gelding.)

Speaking of the Challis horses, Boise did real well on our adoptions. We started off with 68 horses and we adopted 35. Thank you for those of you who got one (or two or three.) We had a lot of people show up at the corrals for the National Adoption Day last weekend, but no horses went home.

So the corrals are empty. But only for a short time. Most of you may know that we are planning to gather the Four Mile and Sands Basin Herds. It’s all starting next week! There should be a lot of horses and a lot of color in these herd. I’m excited!

We are planning to have two adoptions for these horses. The first one will be December 4, 5, & 6. Just like always, the 4th will be a viewing day, the 5th we will start the adoptions, and Sunday the 6th we will be open for  adoptions on a first come first served basis. This will give you time to get them gentled by Christmas. (I don’t suggest you put them under the tree though.) No date is set for the second one yet; we’re hoping for early spring. (but hey, if y’all adopt the horses in December then there won’t be a need to have a second adoption, right?)

Anyway , that’s the latest news. Please feel free to forward this message on. If you know of anybody who wants to be added to my e-mails, have them give me a holler.

Until later,

Michael Truden
Assistant Field Manager
Four Rivers Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
3948 Development Ave
Boise, Idaho 83705
208-384-3450

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Huckleberries

7. September 2009 by Linda Hays.

Went back up to Telephone Hill yesterday with my daughter, Shannon and son-in-law, Ted and his father Big Ted along with the Quads and 1 Kubota and went Huckleberry picking, the plants were full and the berries where much larger and still coming on, in no time we had picked a few containers and headed on up the hill to see the top.  One rough spot with a big rock in the trail we girls could not navigate, however Ted, SIL, got all of us over except the Kubota.  The top was beautiful and then we headed back leaving many more Huckleberries behind, So sad.

At the Yellow Jacket trailhead we meet some Boise riders with Tennessee Walkers Riding Club, they had come in from the other direction.  All were tired and chatted a while, said they had ridden with BBCH or TVBCH group before, they enjoyed the trail.

We had a great time and it was very awesome to be able to share where I go on weekends with my family, who don’t ride horses.  Without SBBCH to show me these sites I would not be able to share them.  Riding a quad on that trail for me was a bit of a challenge, found new places to be sore, A couple times I yellowed for my trusty steed Lily, not to mention when steering a Quad you have to pay attention.

Linda Hays, Dream Weaver Mules

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Grandjean, Idaho

6. September 2009 by Rob Adams.

Description: 5400-foot elevation. 31 campsites near the border of the Sawtooth Wilderness. The Idaho Centennial Trail heads south along the Payette River, ultimately reaching a lush alpine paradise filled with lakes. Once in the lake area, you can complete the loop back to Grandjean. Fishing in the South Fork of the Payette. Sawtooth Lodge and swimming pool is one mile away. Natural hot springs 1.5 mile away. Horse trips out of the Sawtooth Lodge. Ten sites for horse campers. Campground is located in an old growth ponderosa pine forest.

Amenities: It’s a typical Forest Service campground, with an outhouse, drinking water, fire pits and picnic tables.

Season: late May – September

Reservations: NO

Fee: day use $5; camping $10 (Large no-fee area along the river perfect for horse camping)

Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Stanley Ranger Stanley
HC 64, Box 9900
Stanley, ID  83278

208-774-3000

Location: From Stanley, go 35 miles northwest and south on ID 21, then 7 miles east on Forest Road 524. Turn left on Forest Road 824 at the Sawtooth Lodge.

To travel to Grandjean is to journey into Idaho’s rugged heart and the epicenter of the state’s rich history of public land and forest management.

Grandjean is in the northwest corner of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area where ponderosa pines tower and the Sawtooth Mountains scrape the sky. In Grandjean, named for one of the state’s earliest foresters, time itself seems to slow.

Though less popular than Sawtooth Valley trailheads, it is a key access to the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. It is a place to hike, camp and ride horseback. It is a place to soak in the nearby Sacagawea Hot Springs. It is a place to fish the green, pristine waters of the South Fork of the Payette River as it tumbles northwest out of the towering Sawtooths.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area Special Uses Administrator Dave Fluetsch said the area is increasingly used as a wilderness access.

“One of the things that’s growing in popularity is that it’s an access to the wilderness area. I was there (recently), and the trailhead parking was completely full,” Fluetsch said. “You’ll see a lot of through hikers. Some people will meet in the middle (of the wilderness area) and trade car keys.”

Grandjean has a storied history that has been the subject of newspaper and magazine articles for 100 years. It is where one of the West’s most educated early forest rangers hung his hat for a spell. And that is where this story really begins. Before a colorful woman by the name of Babe Hansen opened a hunting lodge in Grandjean, the U.S. Forest Service occupied the area as a short-lived ranger station. Emile Grandjean, for whom the valley, a nearby mountain and a nearby creek are named, was one of the earliest supervisors of the Boise National Forest. He lived for a spell in a cabin he built

Grandjean, 74 at the time of his death in Caldwell, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. He moved to Nebraska at the age of 17 and later moved to Idaho, first to the Wood River Valley and then to the Grandjean area in the late 1880s. Although he was a Dane, his name belies the country of his birth. His family was among the many Huguenots who fled France in the religious wars of the 17th century.

As a third-generation student of forestry in his native country, Grandjean was years ahead of the first Americans to receive formal academic training in the subject. When the Sawtooth National Forest was created in 1905, he finally had the opportunity to apply for the work for which he was educated. So rare were trained foresters in the West at the time that Grandjean was promoted to supervisor of the Sawtooth and Payette national forests after only a year of service.

In 1908, the 5.5 million-acre national forest was divided into the Sawtooth, Boise and Payette national forests. From it also emerged parts of the modern-day Lemhi and Challis national forests. Grandjean was named supervisor of the Boise National Forest, with headquarters in Boise.

Then and now, the Boise National Forest included the upper South Fork of the Payette River valley, where the hamlet of Grandjean is still nestled among tree-enshrouded ridges and the inspiring backdrop of the Sawtooths.

Although the Grandjean area has remained in public ownership, the way it is governed changed in 1972, when Congress established the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which includes three national forests, five Idaho counties and the headwaters of 10 Idaho rivers.  “The enabling legislation of the SNRA then provided direction of the management of the lands,” Fluetsch said.

According to Congress, the SNRA is to be managed so that “the conservation and development of scenic, natural, historic, pastoral, wildlife, and other values” are preserved. The enabling legislation continues to state that the use and disposal of natural resources like timber, grazing and mining “will not substantially impair the purposes for which the recreation area is established.”

And that, it appears, is what the managers of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area have done in the Grandjean area. It’s a place where history and recreation meld together like the ancient granite of the Sawtooth Batholith, which created the towering crags of the Sawtooth Mountains and Grandjean Peak.

Pictures of trips out of Grandjean:  http://picasaweb.google.com/sbbchidaho2006/SawtoothPackTrips#

 

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Summer Projects & Events

3. May 2009 by Ellen Knapp.

I welcome all our new SBBCH members and say welcome back to all of our returning SBBCH members. We have a full schedule of events, activities and work weekends lined up for 2009.

We need all of our members to participate so we can achieve all of our commitments. While we do have fun rides, the core purpose of our organization is service. We work to maintain access to trails and trail heads. But we are a volunteer organization; we don’t kill ourselves in pursuit of this work. And we have lots of fun and fabulous food while performing the work.

Food is a core value of our chapter and figures prominently in our work weekends. We make work a social event. Work weekends are a great way to get to know the various SBBCH folks. Our monthly meetings are filled with lots of information, but are not a great way to get to know SBBCH and its members.

So just what are the work weekends like and what are they NOT like?

Work weekends are NOT marathon work events. We hit the saddle Saturday after a very filling communal breakfast. We stop for lunch. We try to be back in camp about 4:30 in the afternoon. Sunday is usually a fun ride in the same general area.

Everyone is NOT required to have pack stock. We usually have a few tools, a couple of chainsaws, and fuel to pack along and only need a few animals to tote it. Everyone does NOT need to run the chainsaws. There is plenty to do lopping out the overgrowth, removing cut logs, and holding horses. If you have a bad back, bad hips, bad knees, or bad whatever, stay in the saddle. But do come and ride with us.

The trails are NOT for ONLY experienced horses and riders. Most trails are suitable for novice horses and riders and riding the trails with the SBBCH folks will increase you and you mount’s experience and confidence.

SBBCH folks observe trail etiquette guidelines. We ensure every one is in the saddle before moving off, we wait to make sure everyone has crossed the bridge or water, we keep tabs on the slower riders and wait for them to catch up.

SBBCH DOES try to make it easy for our members to attend the work weekends. SBBCH provides the certified hay. Trail head directions are available on our web site. Trailer sharing and trailer caravanning is available. SBBCH members are willing to help others learn to camp with their horses and often have excess equipment, like a highline, to lend. SBBCH sets up a communal kitchen, Saturday and Sunday breakfast is communal and Saturday dinner is pot luck.

I look forward to seeing familiar faces and new faces this year at our rides, events and work weekends. I look forward to getting to know each of you better.

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What is an ownership and transportation certificate, also known as a lifetime certificate? “Horse Passport”

17. April 2009 by Rob Adams.

The “Lifetime” certificate may only be issued on horses, mules and asses. It has no restrictions, and may be used to travel nationwide (including Montana). It may also be used for slaughter, sale or trade.  Ownership and transportation certificates, also known as lifetime certificates for any horse, mule or ass shall be valid so long as the animal remains within the ownership of the person to whom the certificate was issued. The ownership and transportation or “lifetime” certificate is not transferable.   Call your district brand inspector. If you do not know who the local inspector is, call the State Brand Inspector’s Office in Meridian. In state toll free: 1-800-772-8442 or local number 884-7070.

Talked to Joel  Miesbach,  208-278-5462,  regarding the brand inspection.  He wanted me to emphasis that ”if the horse is registered”, he will require that the papers have the transfer of ownership indicated on the papers in order to permit the lifetime inspection.

The Inspector needs payment by cash or check at the time of the transaction.
Credit cards are not acceptable.

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Christmas Party

8. December 2008 by Tony & Tami Buthman.

If you missed the Christmas party, you missed out on a wonderful evening. Charles and Ellen graciously hosted the party at their home again this year. The chapter owes them a huge thank you for their hospitality.

As usual there was delicious food, warm conversation, and good natured competition for the most coveted white elephant gift. It is a pleasure to belong to such a fun group of people. Everyone worked together to set up and clean up, making the task easy.

The party was an excellent end for a very productive and fun year. Merry Christmas to everyone and we look forward to seeing you all on the trail in the spring.

Tony and Tami

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Hitt Mountain

24. August 2008 by Tony & Tami Buthman.

We had a great turn out for the Hitt Mountain Tool Cache project. Ten members and one guest worked on two trails. Eleven head of riding stock and eight head of pack stock were brought to support the project. The riders on the 268 trail reported it was an enjoyable ride, with great views, ending close to the Sturgill Peak Lookout.

The 270 trail was difficult at first to find due to numerous cow paths and healed over tree blazes, but was successfully found after some scouting around. There were quite a few down trees, and a lot of brushing done. Approximately 2.5 miles of the trail was cleaned.

As usual, we had delicious group meals and lots of good conversation. We have some fantastic camp cooks in our group.

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Sally Schindele (remembering a friend)

22. May 2008 by Rob Adams.

Pictures of Sally 

I meet Sally and Robbin Schindele on a 4th of July pack trip that Squaw Butte was hosting in Elk Meadows of the Frank Church Wilderness. I noticed the man on the big paint horse and a woman with a big smile on a flashy mule while packing the members in. I didn’t get a chance to talk to them during the day but around the campfire found out they were from the mid-west, into sailboats and had lately moved to Idaho to start a new adventure. A history very similar to Linda’s and mine. Since that first meeting we have shared a lot of camp fires and trails together. In the years I have known Sally; we have ridden a lot of great trails, eaten some excellent meals, and skied many runs. I never heard her complain, to not step forward when something needed to be done, or not have a smile or a welcoming word. After a long hard day on the trail, she was the first to step forward wanting to help get dinner ready, or to get the cool drinks and snacks out. While Sally was not a strong rider, she was a very game one, willing to follow someone she trusted on trails that contained some real “Kodak Moments”. During Sally membership in Squaw Butte, she held a number of positions of responsibility, both elected and on committees, if she said she would do a job, it was done, and done well. I will miss my friend, her smile, her wit and her enthusiasm for the mountains and the back country.

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