Backcountry Musings

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.

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

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.

To: “Chris Robbins” <christopher_robbins@blm.gov>

Subject : Urban Legend or Real?

Chris, I have been getting a lot of questions regarding people abandoning their horses to run with BLM horses. Is there any truth to this or is it just a rumor? If there is any basis to it these horses may not survive. The band stallion may take in some mares but surely would not allow a gelding in. They also would not be able to find food/water in the summer months since they would have no experienced herd leader to follow. Not to mention domestic horse don’t have hooves as tough as Mustangs and would stone bruise easily. You know all this already, don’t know why I had to go on about it. Just thinking how stupid that would be to do that. Any truth to it? I’m hoping not. It’s too expensive to gather the ones as is.

Joanna

Robert ‘Bob’ Dale Howard – President, Squaw Butte BCH – 2006
Pictures of Bob

Bob passed away in December 2007 after an illness.  Bob was born in Stites, Idaho in 1928. Bob was an outfitter and guide for several decades and retired from the Idaho Highway Department. He adored his children and the outdoors, his horses and mules, hunting and riding in the wilderness. Bob was a member of Masonic Kooskia Lodge Number 87 and Past Master. Bob was President of the Boise Angus Club and  was on the board for several years. He was also President of Squaw Butte Back Country Horsemen in 2006.

******
I Remember Bob
Ellen Knapp, president, SBBCH 2007, 2008

I remember Bob as a big, burley imposing, deep voiced man;
With a HUGE, gentle, generous and giving heart;
With a warm and welcoming smile;
With a wonderful sense of humor.

I remember Bob with tremendous knowledge regarding horses and packing;
With tremendous experience regarding horses and packing;
With a great willingness to share that knowledge unconditionally;
With a great willingness to share without judgment;
With a great willingness to share with us novices;
Patiently.

I remember Bob with an un flitching seat on his horse;
And great confidence in his horse;
Despite the trail crumbling out from under him.
He continues to gives me confidence in my riding.

I remember Bob as a very fair man
He never spoke ill of anyone.

I remember Bob as a wonderful Dutch oven cook;
He fed us fabulous delights.

I remember Bob teaching me
to back splice our ropes
and critiquing, encouragingly, my novice efforts.

I remember Bob teaching me,
patiently,
to mantee a load with elegance and minimal effort;
many times, each time with equal patience.

I remember Bob,
I will never forget Bob,
Bob lives on in me,
for he imbued in me his knowledge,
and made me a better person for my knowing him.

I remember Bob
And I will miss him greatly.