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)