04. March 2023 · Comments Off on AllTrails – Succor Creek Natural Area · Categories: Fun Rides

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14. February 2023 · Comments Off on Celebration Park – A good route with a truck & trailer · Categories: Fun Rides

VIDEO of Past Ride

The recommended route from Emmett to the park is to take Highway 16 down to the intersection with Idaho 20-26.  Turn right and drive to Robinson Road.  Take Robinson road south all the way to it’s intersection with CAN-ADA Road.  Turn LEFT (South)

 

Continue down CAN-ADA to Victory Lane, you will see the “Second Sign” pointing to the park, Turn RIGHT and follow it to the trailer Parking area.

16. May 2022 · Comments Off on Succor Creek Powerline Loop Fun Ride · Categories: Fun Rides

Succor Creek – Powerline Loop Pictures


WATCH VIDEO

25. April 2022 · Comments Off on Weiser Dunes – Video by Linda Hughes · Categories: Fun Rides

Watch Video

23. March 2022 · Comments Off on Owyhee Front – Wilson Creek Trail Head · Categories: Fun Rides, Public Lands

Idaho_WilsonCreek-TravelMap_GeoPDF

07. December 2021 · Comments Off on Sunday December 5th – Christmas Cheer Event · Categories: Current Events, Fun Rides

Members of Back Country Horsemen and the public rode in Emmett to four nursing homes to bring Christmas Cheer! Thanks to our incoming President Heather for organizing!

15. May 2021 · Comments Off on 4 Mile Creek HMA · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

To find out about this area CLICK HERE

12. April 2021 · Comments Off on April 11, 2021 Succor Creek Natural Area · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

Succor Creek State Natural Area lies in a deep, rocky canyon and is a remote haven for rock hounds and wildlife watchers. Limited souvenir collecting by rock hounds is permitted in the park. A rough 15 mile dirt road leads from Oregon 201 to the park, which has primitive camping and day-use areas along both side of the creek. No water is available.

The Succor Creek Bridge is open to vehicles for access to the campsites on the east side of the creek (right/south of the bridge). The road to the left/north of the bridge is not safe for vehicular travel. Staff and Staff Volunteers are not stationed at this site. This is a remote recreational experience, please prepare accordingly.

History
The land was obtained between 1966 and 1969 by a grant from the U. S. Government (Bureau of Land Management), and by purchase and litigation with private owners. The name Succor Creek is said to refer to early travelers in the Snake River Basin who, having been saved by the creek’s fresh water, applied the name as a corruption of the Spanish word socorro, meaning help or aid. On a brisk and sunny Sunday Morning, 14 members met at the Homedale High School parking lot and then convoyed to the state park trail head.  Succor Creek road is 15 miles of gravel that was for the most part in excellent shape with a few sections of washboard.

By 10:45 we were all saddled and ready to go, the air had warmed a bit and the wind was still lite.


Tom and Sherry noticed a bridge rock formation that we all rode up a hill to view closer. After a number of pictures were taken we continued up to a bench. The wind was picking up so we rode near the rocked, which acted as a poor windbreak.

16. March 2021 · Comments Off on Wilson Creek Trail Coalition – Different user groups coming together · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Fun Rides

The BLM Wilson Creek Recreation Area on the Owyhee front is currently the “IN” place to be on weekends. Usership is up over 1000% over past years by a number of different groups. Mountain bikers make up the majority currently followed closely by hikers, 4-wheeler & side-by-sides, and then horseman. While it is still possible to ride trails where your are more likely to see hawks and coyotes then people, popular trails through some of the amazing canyons can be crowded. But the biggest issue currently is parking. By 09:00 on Saturday March 13, 2021 the main parking lot was 60% full of cars with a majority of them carrying one or more bikes, by 10:30 that lot had filled and cars were parking outside the designated area.
Members of BCHI who arrived around 09:00 made the choice to use the overflow parking north of the main area as a number of trailers were expected, this area also quickly filled and other riders continued past both areas to other level areas further up Wilson Creek road.  The BLM and a number of mountain bike user groups like SWIMBA and Rolling H Cycle, and the Idaho Horse  Council and BCHI have formed a working committee the “Wilson Creek Trails Coalition” to work together to work to reduce conflicts and parking issues to ensure all users have a positive experience.  BCHI have a number of members on this committee, for Squaw Butte that member is Sharie Fitzpatrick who happens to live near the area and rides it often.

On March 13 our chapter ride at Wilson Creek was very well attended and with quick thinking by Arlyn and Dave we were able to for the most part park together in the overflow lot.

As the weather was almost perfect and it appeared that a majority of the bikers were heading south west out of the main parking lot towards Wilson Creek and Hard Trigger Canyons, the group headed east in the general direction of the China Ditch canyon. While we did see a number of bikers and spoke to a few for the most part they were in the distance and did not present any issues. While we were in the China Ditch canyon itself we didn’t meet any other users until we reached the southern end where you climb out of the canyon heading back west. There we met a dozen bikers and a number of hikers. We stopped and talked to them for a while before continuing our loop.

By 14:00 we were back at the trailers, and while many cars had left, still more were arriving. Let’s hope that the various user group that love this area working together can find ways for us to continue enjoying this treasure with out loving it to death.  If you are interested in working with this committee contact Ann Potcher  ampotcher@gmail.com

01. March 2021 · Comments Off on February Birds of Prey Ride · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

On a brisk and clear February 28th 18 members and guest from two chapters of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho met up in the trailer parking area of Celebration Park along the Snake River.  As the morning warmed up riders tacked up and the first of the gnats started to show-up.  By 10:45 we were in the saddle and starting for the Birds of Prey area.  New members Nikita Ward and Jeremy Matthews has parked their rig in the lower parking lot and some of the riders stopped while they got their stock ready, while other riders continued on.  As it often the case in group fun rides like this one, the group quickly divides in to a number of smaller group and in this case chose different trails.


A group of mule riders from the Treasure Valley chapter chose a faint trail that headed up through some pretty large boulders along the cliff side of the park.
While others chose the more traveled trails meeting a number of hikers.
At the eastern end of the loop the group stopped at the old corrals for a stretch and a snake. A number of marmots were sunning on the rocks.

As the day progressed the sky became cloudy and a breeze picked up, which helped with the bugs. By 15:00 everyone was back to the trailers, stock was un-tacked and good bye said. All indicated that they enjoyed themselves and were looking forward to the next ride in March.


On December 31, 1863, Owyhee County became the first county organized by the Idaho Territorial Legislature. While Boise, Idaho, Nez Perce and Shoshone counties were organized under the laws of Washington Territory, they were not recognized by the Idaho Territory until February 1864. The original county seat at Ruby City was moved to nearby Silver City in 1867.

The name, Owyhee, comes from early fur trappers. In 1819, three natives from Hawaii, part of Donald McKenzie’s fur-trapping expedition, were sent to trap a large stream that emptied into the Snake River. When they did not return, McKenzie investigated and found one man murdered in camp and no sign of the others. The stream was named in their honor. “Owyhee” is an early spelling for the word Hawaii. The Oregon Trail, the earliest road in the area, was used by emigrants for over 30 years on their long trip to the Oregon country. The part of the Trail in Owyhee County was known as the South Alternate Route or “dry route”. The Owyhee road was shorter but much harder than the main trail. Gold was discovered in rich placer deposits in the Owyhee Mountains in May, 1863. A search for the source of the gold led to quartz ledges on War Eagle Mountain. Before the fall of 1863 several hard rock mines were being developed. Three towns grew to supply the miner’s needs. Booneville, Ruby City and Silver City were the first three settlements in the county. Only Silver City still stands, its well-preserved buildings a silent testimonial to the lively mining days. The beautiful ruby silver ore and the wealth of gold taken from the mountains made the mining district world famous. While Ruby City was named the first county seat, its population and businesses soon moved to a better location two miles upstream on February 1, 1867. Silver City was closer to most of the mining operations and had a better winter location. In 1934, after the decline of mining, the county government was moved to Murphy, more central to the livestock and agricultural sections of the country.   READ MORE                    MORE History

On Sunday October 11, 2020 12 members and guest of the Squaw Butte Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho meet at the Diamond Basin parking lot and corrals, south of Murphy, ID.

This area is popular with a number of outdoor groups and users. During the day we meet a Jeep club, dirt bike riders, mountain bikers, 4-wheelers and of course horse back riders. All were courteous and no conflicts arose. This country is cross-crossed with dirt roads and single track trails and most of it is BLM managed land with a number of private in-holdings.

At a lunch break at a small cabin with water for horses, we met up with a jeep club. They were working on one of the Jeeps which had ingested some water at the creek crossing. We followed them as they left watching them do their best to roll over on some sections of the road they were following.  The  group  rode  a bit  over  10  miles  and  were  back  at  the  trailers  by  16:00  Great  day  had  by  all!

22. May 2020 · Comments Off on Squaw Butte Trail Ratings · Categories: Fun Rides, Work Parties and Projects

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20. May 2020 · Comments Off on Succor Creek Recreation Area – Power Line Loop · Categories: Fun Rides

On May 17, 2020 a gray and rainy morning didn’t discourage eleven members of the Squaw Butte Chapter to meet in the Succor Creek recreation area at 10:00. Little pools of blue sky could be seen off to the west, but the weather was coming from the south west and that was gray. It didn’t matter, the group formed two teams, one would ride the complete loop in a clock-wise direction the other team of five including Linda Hughes were opting for a shorter ride and would ride the loop counter-clock-wise starting at the canyon end. We met up in the middle of the canyon in which Succor creek flows. During the whole ride the we only got wet from the water the horses kicked up at the seven creek crossing. Some crossing were boot deep and great practice for the horses before we start riding in the mountains in June/July. The picture below were taken by Rob Adams team, Linda Hughes team also took pictures which are available on the chapter website picture page. The complete loop according to my GPS tracker info was 7.9 miles.

19. April 2020 · Comments Off on 4 Mile Creek HMA – Emmett, ID · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides, Public Lands

About 15 miles north of Emmett is 25,806 acres of rolling hills, prominent buttes and ridgelines that make up the Bureau of Land Management’s Four-Mile Wild Horse Management Area (HMA). Elevations vary from 2,500 to about 5,400 feet.

The Four-Mile population census taken in February 2018 was 128 horses according to Boise District BLM Wild Horse and Burro Specialist Raul Trevino.

History of Gem’s wild horses

The Four-Mile horses originated from domestic stock owned by those living in the Big Willow Creek and Four-Mile Creek areas. Pinto horses were raised by Jack Macomb in the 1930s in the Four Mile Canyon. Others raised horses in the area including Nelson McCullough on Willow Creek, Tom Wilburn on South Crane Creek and Walter Knox on the Indian Jake Ranch. These horses were not considered wild according to the BLM until people came and tried to catch them or chase them. Being difficult to corral, they were considered wild. Sixty-five privately owned horses were rounded up and removed in 1965.

At the passage of the Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act in 1971, two HMAs were identified and BLM was given authority to manage wild horses and burros on public lands. There were 75 horses in the 4-Mile HMA and West Crane HMA. Decisions removed the horses permanently from West Crane and reduced the Four-Mile to the appropriate management level of 20 head for rangeland health.

An aerial survey in 1972 counted a total of 13 adult and two foals. Of those, one was a mule, one wore a halter and another horse wore hobbles.

During a 1986 wildfire in the Four-Mile HMA, 14,000 acres burned. The horses were removed January 1987 due to a lack of forage on their home range and to allow vegetation recovery. The area was aerially seeded with grasses and forbs. Then in the fall of 1991, nine horses from the Owyhee Resource Area were introduced back into the Four-Mile HMA. Three years later there were 12 head on 18,018 acres.

Currently there are 128 horses in the HMA. The Low Allowable Management level is 37 head for the area, so the BLM is in the process of gathering and removing horses to meet the allowable number. BLM manages a total of six wild horse herd management areas in Idaho on approximately 418,000 acres of private, public and state lands.

As of March 1, 2018, the wild horse and burro population on public lands was estimated at 82,000 animals, which is more than triple the number of animals the land can support in conjunction with other legally mandated land uses. Four-Mile HMA is also overpopulated.

On April 16, 2020 Phil Ryan and Rob Adams rode the south west corner of the HMA. We saw more then 75 wild horses at least 12 of them were this year’s foals. There were also a number that look to be yearlings. WATCH VIDEO

17. March 2020 · Comments Off on Back Country Horsemen of Arizona – Superstition Wilderness · Categories: BCHI /BCHA, Fun Rides

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25. February 2020 · Comments Off on Celebration Park Fun Ride – February 23, 2020 · Categories: Fun Rides

Situated along the Snake River, Celebration Park was established as Idaho’s only archaeological park in 1989. A walk through the huge basalt melon gravels deposited by the Bonneville flood reveals petroglyphs 100 to 10,000 years old. Visitors learn about the Paleolithic and Archaic lifeways and enjoy throwing a dart with an atlatl. Experience a walking tour of historic Guffey Railroad Bridge and be captivated by southwest Idaho’s early mining and railroad history. Archaeological sites are protected by state and federal law. Please be respectful of Celebration Park’s unique archaeology and cultural heritage. Celebration Park is on the western border of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. For NCA visitor information, visit their website. The Snake River Islands near Celebration Park are part of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge’s Snake River Islands Unit. Visit their website for information on rules and regulations, and habitat management practices on the islands. Video On a gray and breezy Sunday morning, members & friends of Back Country Horsemen of Idaho Squaw Butte Chapter meet at the trailer parking area of Celebration Park along the Snake River.  The weatherman had promised a nice day for a ride, but at 10:00 people were skeptical.  The  group  numbering  over 25, broke into two teams and when they were ready rode a 10 mile loop following the cliffs while heading east and the river back west to the trailers As the day progressed the weather improved the sky turned blue and when we were all back at the trailers was darn right nice. After taking care of the stock, finger snakes were broken out and everyone enjoy both the fare and the conversation.

11. November 2019 · Comments Off on First Idaho Trail Ride · Categories: Fun Rides


Heather Donesky
Sunday, November 10, 2019

Rob, thanks so much for being the fearless leader on our ride in the Wilson Creek area of the Owyhee’s and for bringing a horse for Elena. She had a great time and she looked pretty comfortable most of the time. Her experience out on trails is very limited. I’ve really lucked out with Natasja. She is bold, curious and unafraid of work, so she pitches in and helps me, making these adventures easier. Plus she rides very well.
Again, thanks.
Heather

Natasja (Denmark) and Elena (Spain) are high school exchange students spending a year in the Emmett area. Both are amazing young woman.

14. October 2019 · Comments Off on Tripod Peak – Fall Ride [TR-131] south · Categories: Fun Rides

Sunday morning October 13 dawned clear but cold. There was frost on the truck windshield and a snap to the air. Looking at the peaks, a light frosting on snow was still visible from the front that had come through earlier in the week. Our last chapter ride was planned for the Tripod peak area, north west of Smith Ferry off forest road 626 with parking planned at Sage Hen meadows.Members started arriving at the meadows by 10:00 and all were saddled and ready to go by 10:30. In the shade snow lingered and the gravel road to the trail head was frozen and had hard packed snow on it that made for some slippery footing at times. Our party was eight riders and all were excited to be up in the mountains one last time with our stock. The trail bed was frozen in the shade but softer in the sun, making for some tricky footing at times, but the stock did well and we make good time up the trail. After riding for 90 minutes and gaining over a thousand foot of elevation we crested a ridge into a meadow with some logs and rock to sit on and stopped for a shack in the sun and enjoyed the views. We had traveled 3.5 of the 5.2 miles up the the fire lookout. The trail bed was getting slicker as the sun melted the snow so we choose to turn around and make our way back to the trailer. As this was the first weekend of deer season we expected that highway 55 would be heavy with south moving traffic later in the afternoon and wanted to avoid it if possible. It was a great ride and all who attended left with pink cheeks and smiles.

02. October 2019 · Comments Off on Squaw Creek Trail – TR-131 North · Categories: Fun Rides, Work Parties and Projects

On Saturday September 21, 2019 Squaw Butte members Kathy Luke, Rob Adams, Lisa Griffith, Kelly Wilkerson, Ron Fergie, David Benson, Shelly Duff & Kelly Ragland meet at the camping area along Squaw Creek near the trail head for the Squaw Creek(tr-131) and Poison Creek trails (tr-134).  Some of the members had come up on Friday night others were making this project a day ride.  Squaw Creek TR is 18 miles north of Ola, ID in the West Central mountains.By 10:00 we were saddled and on the trail, it is a short ride from camp to the trail head up the access road to the TH parking area.Bill & Marybeth Conger had been up a couple weeks before so the first few miles had been cleared of downfall, but we stopped and did some brushing were the trail was becoming overgrown.

This trail is rocky with some large slabs of granite, on one we stopped for a snack.

When we reached the point where Bill & Marybeth turned around, we started encountering down fall. We also encountered a group of bow hunters with stock. They were hiding in a bush next to a small clearing and became very unhappy when we pulled up, got out the saws and when to work removing a large tree that was blocking the trail. They left to go hunt elsewhere.

By 16:00 we were back at the trailers, having removed 14 down trees and over 1/4 mile of brush. This trail need a crew to go spend a week, doing a major brushing job and some tread work. All had a great time!

18. September 2019 · Comments Off on 9/12/2013 Middle Fork trail near Boiling springs campground · Categories: Fun Rides, Work Parties and Projects

Posted by Marybeth Conger

Another great ride with Bill Conger and our trusty four legged friends Cherokee, Scout, and Sis on the Middle Fork trail, near Boiling Springs campground, Boise National Forest. The scenery on this beautiful fall day was awesome. Completed some much needed trail clearing too with a chain saw and our mighty muscles. It just doesn’t get much better than this. If you look closely at Bill’s left lip, he is starting to smile.

18. March 2019 · Comments Off on Wilson Creek Trail Head – Hard Trigger Loop · Categories: Fun Rides, Public Lands

March 17, 2019 turned out to be a great day to ride in the Owyhee Front, high 40’s temperatures, light breezes and a group of members and guest that were really glad to be out on their horses.  BLM’s Wilson Creek Trail head is the perfect location for a day like this. Lots of great trail, good parking and pretty easy to get to.
Our group broke up in to three separate teams. One team went hiking, the second team wanted to make the 10 miles Hard Trigger Canyon Loop, and the third team wanted to ride up the Wilson Creek trail making a shorter loop.

After everyone returned from their respective rides and hikes we shared various treats and talked about the adventures we had!

30. October 2018 · Comments Off on Hermit Camp – Owyhee · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

Laurie Bryan – Trail Log: 10-25-2018 HERMIT CAMP

  • Trail: Succor Creek Canyon Camp to Succor Creek
  • Miles: 3
  • Riders/Hiker: Self
  • Horses: Jack and J
  • Dogs: Shade and Hank

Notes:  Sometimes I just need to get my hermit on. It’s been a whirl wind year of shooting, IMO, work and just every day life. It was time to make one last hermitage into the Owyhee’s before winter. Destination: Succor Creek Canyon.

Trail Log: 10-26-2018 – Fisherman Rd. To Owyhee Reservoir

  • Trail: Fisherman Rd. To Owyhee Reservoir
  • Miles: 21.8
  • Riders: Self – Lee B.
  • Horses: Jack – J’Lo – Prince

Notes: Met Lee at the beginning of Fisherman Rd. bright and early. Needed an early start to make sure we were back before dark if possible. I’ve been wanting to do this ride for a long time. Lee has driven and hunted the route, but not ridden it. Fisherman Rd. goes all the way in and drops you down onto Owyhee reservoir.

Trail Log: 10-27-2018 

  • Trail: Lonesome Willow – Antelope Springs – Succor Creek canyon loop
  • Miles: 14.15
  • Riders: Self – Lee – Cynthia and Becky
  • Horses: Jack and J – King – Paint and Jude

Click here for full set of photos: Get’in my hermit on

Notes: Well, I thought the previous ride to the lake would have been the highlight of the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised to find today’s ride even better. I met Lee, Cindy and Becky at the head of Camp Hermit on Succor Creek Rd and followed them to a road above Lonesome Willow – previously known as the Bob Davis Ranch. The State purchased the old ranch and turned it into …pretty much nothing. Sure wish they would put it up for sale and let somebody bring it back to life. What an awesome place in it’s day.

30. October 2018 · Comments Off on Fall Ride & Potluck – Sweet/Montour · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

Montour, Gem County, Idaho, USA sits at the base of Regan Butte on the Payette River. At an elevation of about 3300 feet, the peak of Regan Butte rises 800 feet above the small farming community below. Off not far in the distance a little east of north one can see the small town of Sweet, Idaho and off in the distance in the same direction just out of sight is Ola, Idaho. Looking just a little south of west one can see a portion of Emmett, Idaho. The Payette River wraps almost entirely around the butte, bordering about 3/4th of its base. 360 degree ViewIn the early 1860’s the first ranch was established at what is now Montour and it was used as a stage/mail stop along the road to the Boise Basin. Montour was officially platted after the railroad came through in 1911. Montour once vied for the Boise County seat but in 1915 it was incorporated into Gem County, Emmett being the County seat. In 1941 a new highway bypassed Montour which greatly slowed growth and shortly thereafter the school closed.

Montour
In the early 1860’s the Marsh-Ireton Ranch was established as a stage and mail stop along the freight road to the Boise Basin. After the railroad came through the Valley in 1911, the Montour business district and town were platted. They vied for the Boise County seat, but in 1915, the town was incorporated into Gem County with Emmett as the County seat. Dreams of prosperity faded, when in 1941, the new highway bypassed Montour, and shortly thereafter the school closed due to school reorganization.

The last store closed in 1968. In the 1970’s, ice jams along the backwaters of the dam flooded the Valley. The Bureau of Reclamation bought out the landowners and has since turned the area into a wildlife refuge and camping area. A natural landmark is the small butte, generally known as Regan Butte, named after the homesteader who ran cattle there in the late 1800’s.

Riders: Terry MacDonald, Mike & Karen Heilman, Carmen Tyack, Janelle Weeks

Sweet
During the gold rush to the Thunder Mountain Mines, Sweet served as an important freighter’s supply station. At the turn of the century, Sweet boasted of three hotels, three saloons, a bank, a newspaper, two lodge halls, and other business. It was named for the first postmaster Ezekiel Sweet. After the gold rush subsided and a series of fires in the business district, the town began to deteriorate, and was not rebuilt.

Potluck – Was held after the ride at the hobby ranch of Linda & Rob Adams located south east of Sweet. It was well attended by members and guest who enjoyed great food and interesting conversations.  Stories were swapped of our summer adventures and plans started to form for 2019.  No one went home hungry!

08. October 2018 · Comments Off on October 7th, 4 Mile Creek Wild Horse Area · Categories: Current Events, Education, Fun Rides

Sunday morning, October 7th, 2018 was sunny and crisp and had the look of a day for an almost perfect fall ride. The road to the packing area for this ride was still damp from the rain the day before, so no dust, and it had been graded recently so was pretty smooth. By 10:15 all the members who had signed up for the ride where finishing up getting their horses ready and by 10:30 we were heading up the left fork of the road to the gate that allows you to enter the south-west corner of this BLM area.

The gate was open, so we didn’t have to stop and the group spread out to climb up to the top of the first rise. There is no defined trail here, so members were picking their way up the hill side. Shannon, Nancy and two other riders were leading the way and Shannon’s horse wanted to lope up the slope. Shannon tried to slow her to a walk, but instead the mare reversed course and started loping down hill. This lope, turned more buck like and Shannon was pitched face first down the slope. Where she lay not moving. The group sprang into action, with half seeing to Shannon and the others catching her horse and holding the others. The first aid kit was taken off the back of Rob’s saddle and a patient assessment was started. Shannon was awake and aware and was able to tell us what she though was going on. She was able to set up after a bit and indicated she though she might have broken her arm or dislocated her shoulder.Under Shannon’s guidance for the most comfortable position of the arm, we used a down vest rolled up to act as a pillow and place it between her body and her fore arm which she was supporting. We then used her jacket and some vet-rap to fashion a sling. This arrangement allowed Shannon to walk back to the road while other brought her horse. By 12:00 Shannon was on her way to further medical care.  I talked to Shannon at 17:30 Sunday night, and she said that she had dislocated her right shoulder which had been restored to it’s correct location, but she had also damaged some tendon and ligament attachments which would require further medical attention.

The members who continued the ride saw a coyote, hawks, antelope and ten mustangs.

Secure dislocated shoulder, and get patient to a doctor
By Alton Thygerson – BYU

The shoulder is your body’s most mobile joint because it can turn in many directions. But this advantage also makes it easy to dislocate.

A partial dislocation (subluxation) means the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is partially out of the socket (glenoid). A complete dislocation means it’s all the way out.

Both partial and complete dislocations cause extreme pain and unsteadiness in the shoulder. The shoulder muscles may have spasms from the disruption, and this can make it hurt even more.

Symptoms include swelling, numbness, weakness and bruising. Sometimes a dislocation may tear ligaments or tendons in the shoulder. Once in awhile, the dislocation may damage the nerves. The victim will guard the shoulder and try to protect it by holding the dislocated arm in a fixed position away from the chest wall. The victim is unable to touch the opposite shoulder with the hand on the injured side.

The shoulder joint can dislocate forward, backward or downward. The most common (90 percent) type of shoulder dislocation is when the shoulder slips forward (anterior instability). This means the upper arm bone moved forward and down out of the joint. It may happen when the arm is in a throwing position or held up high over the head, as in kayaking.

So what do you do if you come across someone with a dislocated shoulder?

1. Place an ice pack for about 15 minutes over the injured shoulder. (Unable to do where accident occurred)

2. Give the patient analgesics, such as acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain. (We didn’t, but could have)

3. Stabilize the shoulder against movements by placing a pillow or rolled blankets or towels between the arm and chest to fill the space between the arm and the chest wall. Once the arm is stabilized in this way, the elbow can usually be flexed to 90 degrees without causing further pain. Apply an arm sling to the forearm and wrist to support the weight of the arm. Secure the arm in the sling to the pillow and chest with a swath made either from a folded triangular bandage or a gauze bandage. (We used Shannon’s jacket to secure her arm and shoulder. Leaving the left arm of her jacket in place, we used the right sleeve of the jacket, routed under the right arm pit then looped under her forearm and then attached to itself with vet-rap. A down vest was placed between the arm and her body acting as a pillow and supporting the shoulder. We could have use triangle bandages to also build a sling. Shannon indicated that this was the most comfortable position. Shannon was able to walk down the hill to the road and her truck, when Nancy drove he to medical care)

4. Check the pulse at the wrist for signs of circulation. If there is no pulse, medical care should be sought immediately.

5. Seek medical care. Transport the victim in a sitting or semi-seated position.

If you and the patient are in a remote location and far from medical care, an anterior dislocated shoulder can be put back into place (reduced) if you have proper training. It should NOT be attempted when medical care is near or when proper training is absent.

At the hospital or doctor’s office a doctor will examine the shoulder and may order an X-ray. It’s important for the doctor to know how the dislocation happened. Was it an injury? Has the patient ever dislocated the shoulder before? The doctor will place the ball of the humerus back into the joint socket. This process is called closed reduction. The severe pain stops almost immediately once the shoulder joint is back in place.

19. March 2018 · Comments Off on Fun Ride – Wilson Creek Trail Head · Categories: Fun Rides

On March 18, 2018 eighteen members and guest of Squaw Butte met at the BLM parking lot of the Wilson Creek Trail head. The area had been in a winter storm warning only 48 hours before but the forecast hinted at a few hours of blue skies and light breezes. It didn’t take long for stock to be saddled and warm hats to be found and the first of three group started up the trail. A loop was planned that went up the Wilson creek trail, then turned east and crossed the road and worked its way back to the trail head following a series of gullies and 4-wheeler roads.When all were back at the trailers after a nice four hour ride, finger food was shared and stories told. See more Pictures  See Video

06. March 2018 · Comments Off on Where the Wild Things Are – Trailmeister Feb 2018 · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

Last August in Idaho a woman was attacked by a bear. For weeks afterward, local newspapers printed page upon page about the encounter, warning their readers that dangerous animals were prowling the countryside. What if you were planning a ride or a horse camping trip when you read about this attack? Would you stay home, take extra precautions, or venture elsewhere?

The great counterweight to the lure of the outdoors is the fear of the unknown. What if the weather turns for the worse? What if my horse acts up? What if I become lunch for a grizzly?

Here’s the hard truth. Most people spend entirely too much time and energy worrying about menacing—but low-chance threats like bears, cougars, and wolves, and not nearly enough thought concerning themselves with the dull and common dangers like bees, blisters, and hypothermia. To confirm this theory, take a quick test. How many times have you been mauled by a bear or a mountain lion? Now compare that figure with the number of times you’ve forgotten a piece of tack, dealt with an unruly horse, or encountered bees on a ride.One reason that riders and campers worry about the wrong things is largely the fault of the media, and writers like me. Adding the phrase “When Grizzlies Attack!” to a title sells more magazine copies, even if your chance of having a stand-off with a bear is much less than that of having a winning lotto ticket magically appear in your saddlebags.

I’m not suggesting that you ignore potential threats like bears, wolves, and cats, but to drop them a few rungs down the worry list. Obviously, if you’re riding or camping in an active bear area, take sensible precautions like making noise, bear-bagging your food, and avoiding huckleberry thickets. But don’t fixate so much on these critters that you spook at every rustle of the leaves, or even worse, fail to enjoy the ride and the trip. It all comes back to the most important outdoor skill anyone can practice: common sense.

Ignoring the hysteria can be hard to do and less than exciting. On rides with my wife, I’ve been guilty of pointing into the forest and reminding her that there are undoubtedly creatures watching us as they sulk in the darkness. For some reason, Celeste doesn’t seem to appreciate my wickedly keen sense of observation. Here are a few words to the wise. Firstly, don’t alarm your wife, husband, riding partner, or others with tall tales of the abundance of apex predators. Secondly, prioritize your outdoor concerns with the help of these two lists.

Pay More Attention to These…

  • Ensure that you and your animals are in shape and condition for trail riding. 610,000 people die each year from heart disease. When I get off and walk it’ because I need some exercise, not because I’m having a moment.
  • Desensitize your horse to scary situations you may encounter on the trail; such as hikers and bicycles, in a safe environment, such as an arena.
  • Wear a helmet. Using data from the National Trauma Databank between 2003 and 2012, researchers found that equestrian sports contributed to the highest percentage of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) for adults.
  • Keep bugs away by applying a DEET-based insect repellant. – According to the World Health Organization, in 2016 there were 94 deaths from the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus. And over 600,000 people die each year after being bitten by mosquitoes bearing the deadly malaria parasite.
  • Have an emergency plan in case a ride becomes “eventful.”
  • The non-human creatures that cause more American deaths than any other are bees and wasps. In a typical year, nearly 100 US deaths are caused by bee stings. This number is probably underestimated, as some bee sting deaths are erroneously attributed to heart attacks, sunstroke and other causes. FAST FACT – Though bees take the crown as America’s most lethal animal, they are not naturally aggressive creatures, and when they attack, they do so in defense against a perceived threat. The key to avoiding bee stings is to steer clear of hives and nests.

Worry Less About These…

  • Bears – Black and grizzly bears have been responsible for 48 fatalities over the past 20 years. Compare that to the 40,200 traffic deaths recorded in 2016 alone.
  • Wolves – These wild canids are much less lethal than man’s best “friends” which kill 30-40 people every year. Since 1900 wolves have been responsible for a total of 4 deaths in North America.
  • Mountain Lions / Cougars – There have been 25 cougar fatalities in the one hundred and twenty-seven years since records have been kept on the subject. Compare that to the 262 rodent spread hantavirus deaths since 1993.

Next month we’ll discuss preparing for your first backcountry horse camping trip. Until then visit www.TrailMeister.com for the largest and most comprehensive guide to horse trails, horse camps, and the tips and knowledge to enjoy them! In February, you’ll also find me teaching the tips and tricks of trail riding at clinics in Idaho and Tennessee. Check the website for details.

11. December 2017 · Comments Off on Trail Riding – Understanding Horses and Mules · Categories: Education, Fun Rides

From: Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads and Campgrounds

USDA Forest Service logo Back | Next – Return to TOC Forest Service Technology & Development logo

Understanding Horses and Mules

In addition to the usual planning considerations, equestrian recreation trails and facilities require attention to the behavior and physical characteristics of horses and mules. The success of horse trails and recreation sites depends on how well planners and designers understand these animals.

An Evolutionary Perspective

Essentially, horses and their kin are prey animals. They developed behavior patterns and physical characteristics over millions of years spent in wide open spaces. Flight is their primary defense. They use their strength, stamina, agility, and speed to escape predators, notably large cats–such as cougars–and wild dogs–such as dingos. Horses and mules constantly monitor their surroundings and are always aware of available escape routes. They may become nervous when routes are narrow or blocked. Horses and mules also prefer to see what they hear or smell.

The Startle Factor

What frightens horses and mules is not always obvious. Anything that moves suddenly or makes an unexpected noise can rouse an animal’s survival instincts and prime it to bolt. This natural reaction–often referred to as a startle reflex–is the result of remarkably acute senses.

Horses and mules have excellent vision, hearing, and tactile senses. They are even capable of feeling vibrations through their hoofs, which often alert them to others long before the rider becomes aware. Horses and mules need a comfortable operating space. When they can see something suspicious from afar, they can more easily evaluate the danger and react accordingly. There is a fine line between what is comfortable for horses and mules and what seems dangerous.

In addition to confined spaces and predators, things that can startle a horse or mule include:

  • Loud or unexpected noises–Buzzing model airplanes, exploding firecrackers, batting practice, or a falling tree
  • Quick or unexpected movements–Fast-moving bicycles, inquisitive children, running animals, or birds rustling in the underbrush
  • Things in unusual combinations–Hikers with large backpacks or vehicles with strange loads
  • Highly contrasting or reflective surfaces–A light colored tread near dark soil, freshly cut logs, black or white rocks, or a manmade object in a natural setting
  • Unfamiliar situations–Activity at a golf driving range or a train nearby
  • Wild or unfamiliar domestic animals–Mountain lions, moose, emus, pigs, or llamas (figure 1-3) Narrow or constricted spaces–Bridges, gates, or tight passages
  • Unexpected trail obstacles–Litter, fallen trees, or boulders

Photo of a family with two llamas being used as pack animals.
Figure 1-3–Anything that appears suddenly, makes an unexpected noise, or is unfamiliar engages a horse’s survival instincts. On the trail,
horses and mules are particularly wary of llamas, hikers with bulky backpacks, and bicycles.

So, what happens when horses and mules are startled? They have a range of responses, from remaining calm to becoming severely frightened. The more conditioned the animal is to uncomfortable situations, the more likely its response will be subdued. When something makes it nervous, an animal may dance around, inadvertently step on things, or balk. Horses or mules that are severely unnerved may run, jump, spin, or do a creative combination of all these things. When horses and mules feel the need to protect themselves, they may kick, bite, or strike. Experienced riders can hold a well-trained animal in check under most circumstances. There is a point, though, where a stimulus becomes so great that even the best conditioning will not override the animal’s innate fight-or-flight instincts.

Trail stock–especially mules–have highly developed memories for pleasure, pain, fear, people, and places. Many trail animals recognize a previously visited location or trail route (figure 1-4). Once a horse or mule has had a particularly unpleasant or painful experience, the animal will try to avoid that location, condition, or object forever. Recreationists in many areas minimize potential conflicts by practicing trail etiquette that favors needs of horses and mules. Chapter 12– Providing Signs and Public Information lists ways to communicate a trail animal’s needs to other trail users.

Photo of a horse and rider looking over a mountainous landscape.
Figure 1-4–Horses and mules have excellent memories and can easily retrace routes they have traveled in the past. They avoid areas they associate with unpleasant experiences.

31. October 2017 · Comments Off on Final Riding Event of 2017 – Johnson Creek, Montour, ID · Categories: Current Events, Fun Rides

Ten members and guest arrived at 10:00 Sunday morning, October 29, 2017 for the final horse event of the season. The fall weather was picture perfect, blue sky’s and almost no breeze. The group met at the Johnson Creek parking area and quickly got their stock ready to ride. Terry MacDonald lead out and the group followed the dirt road along the creek through the hills until it intersected with the road that passes through the Emmett Horse Park (Little Ranch).

They were back at the trailers by 12:30 and moved their rigs over to Rob & Linda Adams hobby ranch in Sweet.

Twenty two members and guest spent a very pleasant afternoon enjoying the great food and  each other company. Great stories were told, jokes exchanged and plans made for 2018 events.  As you can see all who attended had a great time and hopefully other members and guest will be able to join the fun during the 2018 season!



24. September 2017 · Comments Off on Stacy Creek Project – Payette National Forest · Categories: Fun Rides, Work Parties and Projects


Stacy Creek, is in the Payette National Forest, about 20 miles north west of Weiser, off upper Mann Creek Road. On Saturday September 23, 2017 Seven members of Squaw Butte and a ranger named Matt from the Weiser ranger district met at the parking area at the intersection of Mann Creek and Adams Creek roads.

The first order of business was to work on the trail bed of the Mann creek & Stacy creek crossing. This crossing had some large rocks and a drop off that were not horse friendly.  After spending some time considering options, the team determined that the best approach was to move two large rocks and a number of smaller ones, creating a trail up the slope that a horse could easily handle.  With rock bars we were able to move the circled rocks to new locations.  As hunting season was in full swing, traffic on Mann Creek Road was busy, so we moved our rigs to the southern end of the trail to ride, see Map.

The original plan was to park at the gravel pit, but when we got there it looked like an RV park so we continued to the trail head. Parking there was limited due to someone putting their hunting camp in the middle of the parking area, but as we had Ranger Matt with us, we parked our rigs all around his camp. P1 first parking location, P2 second!


The trail starts from this location and follows what appears to be a logging road for a bit over 3.5 miles. This section of trail is very pretty and shaded and made perfect fall riding. Once you are down to creek level, the trail turns single track and follows Stacy Creek north to Mann Creek road. This section of the trail is around 3 miles long.  If you combine the roads a loop could be made, but do it when traffic is light.


Shannon and Nancy put on their Sawyer protective gear and removed some blow down that was blocking the trail, and Rob and Matt cleared about 200 feet of Hawthorn bush.  The thorn of this stuff goes right through leather gloves so handling takes care and cutting it is not high on fun thing to do lists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We returned to our trailers a bit before 16:00, and were on the road for home by 16:45. Members attending were: Nancy Smith, Shannon Schantz, Janelle Weeks, Lisa Griffith, Lynn & Peggy Garner and Rob Adams

16. May 2017 · Comments Off on BCHI – Boise Chapter “Saddle Up for St. Jude Ride” · Categories: Current Events, Fun Rides

27. February 2017 · Comments Off on Celebration Park, Snake River Birds of Prey, Murphy ID · Categories: Fun Rides

Fun Ride (Public Event) Sunday February 26, 2017

More Pictures





17 members and guest started arriving at the Celebration Park trailer overflow area just before 10:00 on a cold and gray Sunday morning. The wind was light and everyone was eager to spend some quality time on the back of a horse. Stock were saddled and gloves, hats and coats were adjusted for warmth and the first group of six riders lead by Laurie Bryan was off down the trail.
The second group of 11 riders were underway a few minutes later and it became apparent quickly that all the horses and one Burro had lots of energy. They pranced and danced around and we all worked to keep the pace along the river road at something less than a cavalry charge. Once out on one of the many trails in the park we all settled down and the group broke up again into smaller groups following different but parallel trails east to the old corrals.
(does that rock have ears and a tail?)
Once we got to the corrals the group all agreed it was too cold to stop for a break and we continued to the river trail and back to the trailers. When comparing GPS’s group #1 rode a bit over 13 miles and Group #2 a bit over 10. Finger food was shared and questions about BCHI and our chapter were answered.
We hope our guest had a good time and that they will check out our website and attend a another event.

30. October 2016 · Comments Off on Succor Creek – Power Line Loop Ride · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

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Long time members of Squaw Butte know Moosely as the little horse that does!  What every is asked of him, be it carrying barbed wire, chain saws, the kitchen for a pack trip or a load of tin cans full of rocks he happily does it.  On October 29, 2016 he had an assignment that he truly enjoyed,  He was asked to take Rachel Pearce on her first horse back ride.  This ride was on one of our favorite fall rides in the BLM managed Succor Creek area of south western Idaho and South eastern Oregon. Rachel is the daughter of Mitch Pearce who is a good friend of  members Rob Adams & Rob Dhuyvetter.  Rachel has been taking an Equine Studies class at her school, and though it would be fun to ride a horse instead of just reading about them in books.  Moosely totally enjoyed the day, he and Rachel got along fine as long as they both agreed that the best place to be was within 50 foot of his buddy Kestrel who was being ridden by her dad.

Rachel picked a great day for her first ride, we caught a break between weather fronts and had almost perfect fall weather, cool without being cold and just a light breeze.  The rain of the previous days kept the dust down, and the rain with the help of some very busy beavers had the creek that flows through the canyon full of waters with some nice ponds to ride by and through.  Nancy smith  lead the ride and members formed into small groups spread over maybe 1/4 mile.  When all were back at the trailer and the stock taken care of, we shared a variety of foods and deserts before heading to our respective homesteads.  It was a great ride to end the Squaw Butte riding season and I am sure everyone is already looking forward to 2017.  Pictures provided by Mitch Pearce and Rob Adams.

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06. March 2016 · Comments Off on Diabetes Ride – Squaw Butte is forming at Team for this Event · Categories: Current Events, Fun Rides

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Lisa & Tom Griffith (lyle_41@msn.com) are forming a team for this years Diabetes Ride which is on Sunday May 16, 2016. This is a fun day for an excellent cause. Contact Lisa for more information and check out the ride website

2016 Ride Brochure       ride flyer 2016        Rosie Flyer

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11. July 2015 · Comments Off on Sunday July 19, Celebrate America’s Mustang · Categories: Current Events, Fun Rides

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It is time for America to come together to celebrate this symbol of the American spirit to help ensure that it will survive and thrive today and for generations to come. Through education we will be able to better understand the needs of the mustang. Through interaction and personal contact we can see and experience their beauty and spirit. Through competition we can fully realize their talents and understand why they played such a critical role in creating the America we know today. America’s Mustang

The America’s Mustang Campaign is focused on raising awareness, providing education, and increasing the placement of wild horses and burros into private care. The campaign involves a series of events and activities organized to help educate the public on how we can all take action to preserve our mustangs and our lands that support them. The national effort will better educate Americans about who Mustangs are, where they are located, what resources they need, and how they can impact the resources they share with other species.

Get Involved: Idaho Celebration

BLM Idaho in partnership with the Idaho Mustang Club invites you to bring your horse and join us on July 19th for an America’s Mustang trail ride through the Hardtrigger Wild Horse Herd Management Area. This is a great opportunity to celebrate America’s Mustang and visit the horses in the areas where they roam on the range!

Ready to ride at 9:00 a.m.
Bring water for your horses
Idaho Mustang will provide the hot dogs, please bring a side dish!
Bring your own beverage and chairs

RSVPs are welcomed: Becky 208-463-0656 or email: idahomustang@hotmail.com

Directions from Nampa: Take Hwy 45 until you cross the Snake River. Follow the signs on to Givens Hot Springs, which is Hwy 78 toward Marsing. Go about 6 miles until you see the Wilson/Murphy fire station on the right hand side (red building). Across from the fire station are signs to the Wilson Creek Feedlot, follow that road past the two cattle guards to the parking lot for the Wilson Creek Trailhead, signs will be posted at all major turns.

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02. May 2015 · Comments Off on Wilson Creek – BCHI meets Just Horsin’ Around · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

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This was our third and last get to know Back Country Horsemen, public fun ride for the 2015 riding season. We had encouraged members to bring friends to the first two rides and did again for this ride. Friend introducing friends to BCHI had been our most successful method of getting active new members. Lou Ann trying to get the word out wider posted the ride on the Just Horsin’ Around web site. It was successful as eight of our twelve guest came from that posting.

When I arrived at the trail head parking lot, a number of trailers I didn’t recognize were already parked. I said to my guest Rose, looks like another group is holding a ride. After unloading my stock, I spoke to a couple of woman saddling up horses at the trailer next to us. I said “What group are you a member of?” Oh, we are here for the Back Country Horsemen ride we saw posted. “oh”. I said, and then “Welcome” and introduced myself. I quick tour of the other trailer had the same results. Soon trailers, I did know started showing up, including Lou Ann. I made her go around and greet all the guest she invited

After all had saddled up, we held a greeting and safety meeting and broke up in to two groups. The first group lead by Terry and Laurie left first for Wilson Creek canyon and the second group followed about fifteen minutes later.

Highlights of the ride was Shannon demonstrating a new technique for creek crossing, Chick’s new Arab gelding, a rattle snake suggesting we take a slightly different route, one that didn’t go quite so close to him, and the exploration of some canyons I had not ridden before on the east side of the road.

The Potluck afterwards featured taco’s and SOAPS (Sin on a pretzel stick)

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24. March 2015 · Comments Off on SBBCHI Succor Creek Annual Fun Ride and Public Outreach · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides · Tags: , , , ,

Get Your Backside in the Saddle

The Outfitter

The Outfitter

If this keeps up we might need a bigger parking area. New faces, including the two legged and four legged kind, participated in the SBBCHI annual Succor Creek fun ride. In an attempt to stimulate interest in new membership, the fun ride has been opened up to the public. Over 20 riders managed to get their butts in the saddle on an early Sunday morning for a stunning ride through the Owyhee desert.

Amongst the riders were a few members who had recently undergone joint surgery of one kind or another; myself included. I’d had a total knee replacement, Bill Conger had a double total knee replacement and Phil was recovering from shoulder surgery. I figured between the three of us, we had enough artificial parts to build one outstanding bionic Squaw Butte member!

RearViewWe split the large group into several smaller groups. Smaller groups are often more manageable with less impact on the terrain. The natural varied paces of the horses usually determine the groups traveling dynamic; the Passo’s, Walkers and Rob’s mustang taking the lead. My horse will walk at whatever pace I ask him too and that is normally in the back of the herd. I can better keep an eye on everyone (not that anyone needs keeping an eye on – but it makes me feel better) and snap pictures without interrupting the flow.

We left the trailers at approximately 10:30 AM. Light jackets against the morning spring breeze were sufficient for comfort.  Several of the members were well on their way as I waited for the last foot to stick a stirrup. I resisted the urge to call out: “Move ‘em up….head ‘em out!”

If it weren’t for Lou Ann – I’d be the most directionally challenged of the bunch. Lou makes me look like an orienteering master! Less than a mile up the road we met Lou Ann coming in from the wrong direction. Well…it wasn’t wrong, exactly, even if it was not the ideal way to enter Succor Creek from Meridian. The important thing was she got there, not how she got there.

A young cowboy, a guest of a member, bailed off his horse, slid into Lou’s driver’s seat and backed her rig off the road. He jumped out, dashed to the back of the trailer, unloaded Lou’s gelding and saddled him before the rest of us could say “Bob’s your uncle.” Turns out 25 year-old Warren works for a Montana outfitter. He all but threw Lou into the saddle and we were off once again. Sort of like an equine pit-stop.

The Chick's

The Chick’s

My small group caught up with the Chicks at the gate leading to what I call the “On Top:” an ATV road running north and south above the campground and below the old Indian Cave.  Chick and Lorraine lost Sammy, Chick’s beautiful Arabian grey of natural causes earlier in the month. Lorraine was riding an up and coming bay Arab/Quarter cross, Casanova. This was Casanova’s first ride outside the training arena. Casanova was a bit nervous. Not uncommon for a young horse amongst a large group of riders. Chick and Lorraine would switch saddles and do a little Pirelli while the rest of us went on. It is against my nature to leave a member behind, but Chick felt Casanova needed some alone time to get beyond the skittishness magnified by the group.

Dripping sweat and labored lungs brought us to the apex of the first of several steep climbs encountered on the ride. I barely got out the words, “Everyone check your cinches,” when I caught sight of Warren methodically going from rider to rider checking cinches and tightening as needed. This must be what it’s like in the days of Lord’s and Ladies of the manner. “Oh, George…I wish to ride today. Prepare the Black for western discipline.” A meticulously groomed and gleaming black stallion magically appears in the outer courtyard awaiting your riding pleasure. Upon returning home, you toss the reins to the always dutiful George and your horse is miraculously returned to his paddock, freeing you to enjoy mint julips on the terrace with Captain Butler and….

I glanced back often hoping to catch sight of the Chick’s. I reached a vantage point that allowed a glimpse of two tiny riders in the bottom of the canyon. Both riders aboard and clipping along at a good pace. No need to fret any longer.

A string of bandits

We followed the trail across the On Top to a gate leading down to the “Hole in the Wall.” Roger dismounts to open the gate. All riders get through ahead of a barrage of ATV’s; one after another filtered through the gate – 14 in all. I thought this might be where we’d lose our young Cowboy. A curvy girl peering from behind goggles did a double take from the back passenger seat of a Yamaha four wheeler. Warren damn near lost his seat as he pushed the front of his felt hat off his forehead. “Well hello! Looks to me like that little gal ‘d be a site happier on the back of this horse than the back o’ that four whiller!”  From the sheer velocity of her head whipping around and lingering glance, I believe he might be right. The boy was not lacking in confidence.

We met the larger group on their way back to camp. Janine and Lou Ann turned back with the others. I wanted to show Marina, Rogers’s granddaughter, the Hole in the Wall. Linda, Devon, Mildred, Roger, Marina and Warren and I continued to the Hole in the Wall. In a normal water year, a waterfall pours over the top of the rim rock pooling in the center of the crescent shaped rock formation. It was not a normal water year. The Hole in the Wall was bone dry; as dry as I’d ever seen it.

Mildred

Mildred

We rested the horses, snapped a few pictures and mounted for the ride back to camp. I marveled as Mildred popped into the saddle. I remarked to Warren, “I sure hope at 80 some years old I can still get my butt into the saddle like that.” While secretly thinking: Who am I kidding – I wish I could get my butt into the saddle like that today! Mildred is my idol and inspiration. I handed her a can of Beanee Weenee’s.  She scrunched up her nose. “You expect me to eat these nasty things?” No Mildred, I’m pretty sure those things would kill you – that can is at least 15 years old. We’ll be lucky if it doesn’t explode before I snap a picture.

Marina put her horse’s feet to work as he danced and fought the bit. This was one 10 year old who wasn’t letting her horse get away with bad habits. The horse jigged to be up with his buddy, Rogers big bay gelding. I stopped asking Marina if she was doing ok when I watched her collect the horse and make him do everything but what he wanted until he stopped misbehaving. Well done, Marina.

We arrived back at camp just as Rob took the last of the burgers and hotdogs off the grill. Some might call it late – I call it perfect timing. As always, the spread of food was impressive.Potluck

I passed Bill coming back from watering his horse. The conversation went something like this:

Bill: Does your knee pop when you ride?

Me: Not when I ride – but when I walk sometimes. It doesn’t hurt, just feels weird.

Bill: Mine feel like they are loose and shifting around, especially when I’m on the tractor.

Me: Come to think of it, mine do that when I’m on the tractor too. And it did start to do it about the last ½ mile of our ride today.

Bill: I don’t like it. It bugs me.

Me: Do you think it’s normal? *Please tell me you think it’s         normal.*

Bill: God, I hope so.

 

The haul back home over one of the roughest, tire popping, gravel roads in Oregon affords ample time to contemplate on the success of another Backcountry Horseman outing. We met some wonderful prospective new members we hope to see more of in the future. We reflect on the sadness of our four legged partners we have lost and look forward with hope in the new mounts that will fill the empty hoof prints they left behind. We glean inspiration from Mildred’s agile horsemanship.  Determination from the likes of Phil and Bill’s tenacity; Hope in the future from Marina’s youth.

No matter the age of the rider or the number of plastic parts they might boast, you just can’t keep a good Backcountry Horseman’s butt out of the saddle.

BootsClick for full set of Pictures on Picasa

 

25. February 2015 · Comments Off on Snake River Birds of Prey Ride · Categories: Fun Rides

???In February, Squaw Butte has an annual event, a fun ride between the cliffs and the river where in the past Indians spent the winter and today hawks and falcons soar.
DSCN5583 This year 16 members and friends meet at 10:00 in the Celebration park trail parking area. It was a sunny day with at time a brisk breeze blowing.DSCN5593 With Laurie, Linda and Janine leading the way we headed east along the river to the trail head. From there we had the choice of a number of different routes, making each ride here unique. IMG_3390 After about five miles of wandering through house size bolder and bowls of sand we stopped at an old coral for a lunch break. This gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs after winter month of not riding. With their heavy winter coats the horses enjoyed the break, getting a chance to cool down. IMG_3392 From the coral the group looped south and rode a river trail back to the trailers. It total the group rode ten miles in a bit over three hours. ?????????

09. February 2015 · Comments Off on Just a Trail Horse :~) · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

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Unconsciously my chin lowers slightly, followed by an imperceptible movement of downcast eyes in answer; “Oh, yeah – he’s just a trail horse.”

“Just a trail horse.” How many times have I been set back by that simple statement? The same statement heard time and again that sets my blood to boil. The same statement I am ashamed to admit has come from my own lips.

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26. October 2014 · Comments Off on Wilson Corral – October 2014 · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

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Wilson Corral Trail Report – Oct 2014
USFS TR 135 trail discription

Nancy & Shannon’s Adventure

Our adventure started early Saturday morning, we left Shannon’s house by 7:30 am, and thought how great we are actually leaving on time. We were so proud of ourselves. Then we get to the cutoff for Sagehen and had to decide which fork to take. That should have been the first clue that things were not gonna turn out good. From the directions posted it said take the 2nd fork. So we did, and boy howdy we had no idea what we were in for. Not only was the road skinny for a horse trailer and no pullouts,but from the rain the night before the black mud was like grease in spots. Once we almost lost traction on a very curvy hill. So needless to say we have calluses from holding the steering wheel and finger prints in the dash .. When we finally reached the expected meet up place we found lots of hunters and no place to turn around, and no Rob either.. We asked the hunters if they had seen Robs rig and they assured us they had not. So we thought well we may as well get the heck out of there, besides how many more gray hairs could Shannon sprout.. ?? The hunters moved vehicles so we could get turned around and we went back 3rd fork which was like a freeway compared to 2nd fork. We came straight back to the Eagle foot hills and rode there just to unwind a little and say we had rode this day.. So make sure you don’t take 2nd fork with a trailer and especially if it has rained.  (The route they took was the middle option, the directions suggest 3rd fork, the blue option)

20. October 2014 · Comments Off on Succor Creek Power Line Loop Ride · Categories: Fun Rides

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On October 12, seven members of Squaw Butte had a great fall ride in the the north eastern corner of the Succor Creek BLM management area. Succor Creek Loop Ride

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27. September 2014 · Comments Off on Bucks Basin Ride – Council Mountain · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides, Horse Camping

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On September 14 a small but enthusiastic group of 4 riders set out into the Payette National Forest to clear trail and explore the Bucks Basin area. Once at the trail head, the lower trail was well defined and in good shape. There were only two areas that required some minor deadfall cleanup. Further up the trail the path became less defined as it passed through a meadow and cattle loafing area. Due to the lack of a visible trail, the group did a bit of “bush whacking” up a rocky slope in search of the trail. Once above the meadow, a few scattered cairn and trial markers guided us to the summit above Lake Basin. The views were fantastic and we spotted a small group of mule deer near the top. After a relaxing lunch in Lake Basin, the group struck back for camp. The weather was dry and pleasant and all rider and mount performed well.

MATTHEW DOPERALSKI

More Pictures

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02. August 2014 · Comments Off on Sawtooth Pack Trip – July 2014 · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides, Horse Camping

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Five members of Squaw Butte spend seven day exploring the Sawtooth wilderness.  Pictures of the trip are available on the website.

Rob’s account of the trip           The Chicks Pack Trip Account

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06. May 2014 · Comments Off on Backcountry Skills Clinic Encourages local 4-H Participation · Categories: Fun Rides, Training Events · Tags: , , ,

SawCaseSquaw Butte teamed up with Boise and Gem County 4-H groups to kick off the weekend for their annual Backcountry Skills clinic. Normally open to the public, the chapter decided on something different this year by focusing on the younger generation of future backcountry horsemen and women.

Saturday was filled with an informative presentation by the always popular Dr. Hardy, DVM and packing demonstrations by our local chapter experts, Rob Adams and Phil Ryan.

Pre-ride safety meeting

Pre-ride safety meeting

Threatening weather conditions did little to dampen participation for Sunday’s trail ride at the Emmett Horse Park. Rob Adams started the morning with a pre-safety meeting complete with helmet checks. Anyone going on the ride was required to wear a helmet. Some of us are still getting over the visual of Chick wearing something besides his trade-mark cowboy hat. However, rules are there for safety and safety trumps style. Fashion sense aside, Chick was a trooper sporting his plastic bubble head…two sizes too small.

The large group split up into 3 smaller groups for safety and minimal impact on the environment. Rob, Phil Ryan and Linda Erickson each led a group on a moderate, 3 hour ride over Emmett’s rolling hills.

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“Captain” Phil leading the pack

Back at base-camp, lunch was served: Sloppy Joes, chips, potato salad and brownies to die for. All in all, a pretty decent day in the saddle.  Good food, fair weather and a fun group of kids to share it with.

 

Didn't take long for everyone to trade in their helmets for a dinner plate.

Didn’t take long for everyone to trade in their helmets for a dinner plate.

 

 

Back at home, I downloaded the few pictures I took. I noticed right off that I didn’t take as many as I normally do. I think I know why. There are some things that just ain’t right… and Chick in that plastic bubble head…well, that’ just ain’t right.

 

Click here for full set of pictures!

14. April 2014 · Comments Off on China Ditch – Owyhee Front · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

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China Ditch

Sometime after 1864 Chinese laborers constructed an impressive rock wall and ditch on each side of lower Reynolds Creek. It will still acquaint you with the kind of countryside that has been protected in the new Owyhee Canyon lands wilderness bill. This is a non-motorized hiking area that’s also open to mountain biking and horseback riding. The area is managed by the BLM.

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Riding the ditch wall?

Enjoying the Pot Luck after the ride

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Celebration Park

A new stop on the way to the Triple Crown?

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February marks the beginning of trail riding season for many of us in the Squaw Butte Chapter. We are fortunate to live in a part of the country where diverse terrain and climate allow for adequate riding weather year round.  Deep snow and cold may linger in mountains surrounding arid high deserts of sand and sage suitable for horse and rider.

Celebration Park was again the chosen site for this year’s first of the season fun ride. It is easy to understand why ancient civilizations made this area their home for thousands of years. A natural fortress of rock cliffs borders an edge of the Park with the Snake River flowing with life through the center, spanned by the Guffey railroad bridge, built in 1897, marking one of few Snake River crossings.

Six SBBCHI members saddled ready to ride by 11:00AM on a beautiful February morning – beautiful despite being a Monday! The ride was originally planned for the previous Saturday but Mother Nature had plans of her own – plans of driving wind and rain not conducive to trail riding.

Our group meandered through the desert floor littered with large boulders adorned with petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. We skirted Halverson Lake, crossed a marsh fed by a small spring and tethered to the remains of an old corral for lunch.

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The dilapidated corral is in dire need of repair. Loose barbed wire, rotted rails and a few sound posts are all that remain. We talked about fixing the corral up last year. Unfortunately, the corrals are not part of the park. They are owned by a California rancher and nobody seems to know how to get hold of him. It is not easy for a group of folks who seem to have the “fix it” gene imbedded in their DNA to see such a thing go unattended. I would not be surprised to find the corral in better repair come next year’s fun ride.

We looped around back toward the trailers along a trail hugging the Snake River. Janine and little Hilary had left before lunch so Janine could return in time for work. Rob and Teri rode on ahead while Bill and I took up the rear, chatting  about the best way to cook rattle snake and rock chuck. Bill rode Billy Bob, a large, loveable mule whose personality is reminiscent of Eeyore. I asked Bill if he thought Billy Bob could run. Bill replied he thought so. He has seen Billy Bob run in the pasture and he sure looked pretty. I don’t think my mule, Annie, can run very fast, I commented. She runs real stiff legged. Ruth, the mule Festus rode in Gunsmoke – was the only mule I’d seen that could outrun a horse. An observation that was about to change.Web_Bill_DSCN3034

I had been turned around in my saddle most of the way back talking Bill’s ear off and taking pictures. Thank goodness I’d put my camera away and was facing forward when somebody opened the starting gates. One second I’m strolling along on my mustang, König, the next – I’m pulling with all my might trying to initiate a one rein stop on a runaway mustang. Billy Bob shoots past me at  exactly the speed of 1,126 ft/s. How do I know this? I heard it. 1,126 ft/s is the speed required to break the sound barrier and that is exactly what Billy Bob sounded like as he thundered past me…then past Teri and finally Rob with König and I at a close second. König is not a saddle horse. He has been a pack horse his entire life. I was riding him today only because my horse, Jack, has a respiratory infection. Had I cranked on Jack’s head as hard as I cranked on that mustangs I’d have pulled him over! I finally get König to stop about the same time Bill hit the dirt. I think Billy Bob scared himself. He ran wild-eyed back to me and König with his very best, “WTH?” mule expression. Eeyore my ASS! (pun intended.)

Thankfully, Bill was not seriously hurt although I imagine the next couple of days would find Bill discovering soreness in places he didn’t know he had.

I pulled away from Celebration Park with a conviction of working on König’s brakes in the days to come and one more reason for the heartfelt prayers that Jack would heal quickly.

Back home I came across a documentary on the great Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. Slew was purchased for the unbelievably low price of $16,000.00. It was said by some that he was not a pretty horse in the sense of what a race horse was supposed to look like. Some said he looked more like a mule than a horse. I pulled up a picture of Seattle Slew and placed it alongside one of Billy Bob….damn if there wasn’t an uncanny resemblance.  I know where I’d place my $2.00 bet.

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12. August 2013 · Comments Off on Rating Trails – How difficult is it? · Categories: Around The Campfire, Fun Rides

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From time to time members ask me about how a trail should be rated. Rating mean
different things depending on if you’re hiking or riding a mountain bike. On horse back it
means something else. Also, the perception of how difficult a trail should be rated is
influenced by the experience of the one rating it. Time of year or weather conditions – a
trails difficulty can change drastically. A level 3 or 4 trail can easily turn into something
altogether more technically with the addition of snow, rain, wind, high water… etc

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26. March 2013 · Comments Off on Fire Lookouts of Southwestern Idaho · Categories: Current Events, Fun Rides

Southwestern Idaho’s Boise and Payette National forests have a long history of fires and fire lookouts.  Many of these lookouts are no longer used, but many are still in service.  All of them have great views and make interesting ride destinations.  There used to be hundreds of active fire lookouts in Idaho, now only a handful are staffed. Some still stand tall but idle. A few have been restored as alluring backcountry rentals. Others are slowly melting back into the mountains. Whatever their condition, lookouts are icons of the state, historic reminders of decades of fire fighting in Idaho.   Eyes of the Forest – Idaho’s Fire Lookouts (IPTV)  “Fire lookouts began as a matter of convenience. A likely tree and likely spot on a mountain top or a ridge top. They would put a ladder, either a wooden rung ladder or maybe they’d drive large spikes in the tree and climb it. In Idaho there were probably a hundred of these tree lookouts in the beginning. They went from there to more of them. A lot were built during the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930s. The earliest cabins were cupola type cabins where you’d live on the ground floor and then a small cab upstairs or maybe just a tent camp. And they went from there to live-in style pole towers. They’d cut the poles on the mountain, sometimes 100 feet tall towers and they were livable towers. And that was the ideal set up because that way the lookout on duty could go about his daily activities and scan the horizon every ten minutes or so all day and night if necessary.”

Tripod Peak Lookout

Tripod Peak Lookout

Tripod Peak Lookout was established in 1921 with a 6′ wooden tower topped by a live-in cab, a 6′ L-4 tower was added in the 1930’s, with a concrete base added in 1956. The present 2-story R-6 flat cab, built in 1977, has been staffed by the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association.  Elevation 8086′
Miners Peak Lookout

Miners Peak Lookout

Miners Peak Lookout was established in 1948 with a gable-roofed L-4 cab salvaged from Krassel Knob and Teapot Dome lookouts, the present 2-story log hip-roofed cab, built in 1989?, is staffed in the summer.  Elevation 7810′
Peck Mountain

Peck Mountain

Peck Mountain was established in 1919, a 30′ tree w/ cab and frame cabin living quarters were built. A 45′ steel Aermotor tower, built in 1935, was removed in 2007. An accompanying R-4 ground cab was used for living quarters. The site is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.  Elevation 5200′
Gold Fork Lookout

Gold Fork Lookout

Gold Fork Lookout established in the 1920s with a 6×6′ log platform atop a rock 1.5 miles east at 8165′ and a log cabin in a meadow 1 mile southwest, an L-4 cab was constructed in 1933. It was moved to 2 miles east of Cascade for private use in 1988.  Elevation 7790′

 

To see other lookout and their locations visit the South Western Idaho Firelookout.com map!

Fire Lookout Map

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18. February 2013 · Comments Off on CELEBRATION PARK Fun Ride! · Categories: Fun Rides

  The fact that it’s technically not quite spring didn’t stop members of the Back Country Horseman of Idaho from celebrating what we hope is the end of one of the longest cold snaps in this part of the country.  Approximately 20 riders saddled up for a beautiful, sunny ride on the trails in Celebration Park: Idaho’s first, and only, archeological park. http://www.canyonco.org/ImportedFiles/Parks,-Rec,-WWays/Celebration-Park-Brochure.aspx

  Celebration Park is an excellent early season ride. Regardless of the weather, the terrain is usually safe and easy on stock, many of which are being saddled for the first time since late fall. Members broke into several smaller groups to make the loop from the parks entrance to Halverson Lakes and back along the Snake River.

  Horsemen and women were not the only folks enjoying a weekend in the park. We met several hikers, explorers, campers and fishermen scattered along the 10 mile loop. Each may have been celebrating in their own way, but most had one thing in common, a cheerful attitude and smile that extended from ear to ear. I guess the Back Country Horsemen aren’t the only folks happy to see the end of broken pipes, frozen spigots and iced over stock tanks for another season. Celebration Park Fun Ride

                                       “Just how do you stuff an elephant into a Safeway bag?”

“Hey Laurie, how do you stuff an elephant into a Safeway bag?” Is this a rhetorical question, Lorraine? I really have no idea how, or why, anyone would want to stuff an elephant into a Safeway bag. I’ve learned a lot since joining the Squaw Butte Back Country Horseman – I’ve learned how to freeze-dry just about anything, how to be a better steward of our natural resources and the benefits of low impact camping. I’ve learned wilderness first aid for both human and horse and how to more safely handle a chainsaw. I have learned proper weight distribution is essential when packing stock and the value of mastering the diamond hitch. Most importantly, I’ve learned that all of this, and more, is an ongoing and ever-changing process. I have not, however, learned how to stuff an elephant into a bag of any kind.

October 7th was on the schedule as a fun ride with an undetermined destination. Rob and Linda would be back east attending their sons’ wedding. Since Rob usually handles this sort of thing, coordination for the fun ride was to fall on me in his absence. I chose Succor Creek State Natural Area.

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_13.php

Read the rest of the story by clicking here.

12. July 2012 · Comments Off on Beat the Heat and head north for the WRT Poker Ride! · Categories: Fun Rides, Ride Ideas

  It does not look like we have any trail projects on the calendar for the weekend of the 28th, so I thought I would share this poker ride flyer coming up the end of the month. If you have never been on a section of the Weiser River Trail, you are missing a great ride. The WRT is an old Railroad track that has been converted into a non-motorized trail for horses, hikers and bikers.

I’ve not been on this particular section of the trail personally, but I hear it is beautiful. The flyer says they are encouraging camping for the weekend and all proceeds go to the Friends of the Weiser River Trail: the folks who maintain the trail.

Beat the heat and head north! Hope to see you there…

Poker Ride Flyer