The Show Me Mustang & Burro Club (SMMBC) had its first organized trail ride on July 2nd. The Mustang Spirit Trail Ride had 14 riders and 15 horses at Rudolph Bennitt Park, north of Columbia, MO. Of the 15 horses there, 11 were BLM Mustangs!
Horses and riders set out from the parking area in the morning, and rode for 2 & ½ hours covering about ten miles before returning for lunch and an informal meeting. It was a fun, easy ride on the groomed trail of Rudolph Bennitt, but we still managed to get lost. That seemed to be a good time to take a short break and decide which way to go next.
Lunch was a pot luck affair with grills fired up and people bringing whatever they wanted to eat. Lots of water was brought along for both people and horses. Over cookies and watermelon the group decided to participate in the 2010 Horse Celebration in Columbia MO again after their successful debut as a club in 2009 at the same event. The dates for this event are January 22 & 23, 2010.
We will take part in the Missouri State Fair parade with a riding entry.
September 26, 2009 there will be a “Show Me Your Brand” Poker Run at Knob Noster State Park to celebrate National Wild Horse Adoption Day (Rain date Oct. 3rd). The ride is open to all breeds and prizes will be awarded for High Hand and Low Hand. There will be a BBQ afterwards.
We are also going to have a “Mustang Moonlight” Trail ride sometime in August with the location yet to be determined.
If you're in Missouri and would like information on joining our chapter please contact Judy Ballenger:
judyballenger@embarqmail.com
My daughter and I recently returned from the Wild Horse Corrals in Burns, Oregon, where I picked up my two latest TIP horses. Naturally, I had to share a few photos with the rest of you! Above is a little pinto colt playing king of the sand hill. We spotted him while visiting in May, just a tiny little thing on spindly legs sticking close to his Momma. Now he's big and strong and manly...just ask him! He'll tell you.
The hip brand on this boy signifies that he's over the age of six and slated for Long Term Holding. Most of the horses have already been shipped, but my understanding while I was there last week is that there is no more room, so horses are now being left behind at the corrals. We've all heard the news about the BLM wanting to begin euthanizing horses...without facilities to house our aging population, what will happen to them? If this boy is still hanging around in the spring, I think I may need to pick him up. By then he'll be eight years old. Wonder how independent he is?
These three sorrel geldings are from the Ligget Table HMA. A very small population, all the horses are sorrels. Dark with light manes, light with dark manes, and every shade in between. Small and catty, you'll need a good seat from the sounds of it to ride one of these critters. Great if you want to work stock, turn and burn (barrel racing) or try your hand at reining. These geldings all had a big U on their necks, signifying that they are Sale Authority (over the age of 10.)
They are truly both very big sweethearts and will make very nice mounts. They are both up to date on shots, coggins, and have health certificates. Their BLM titles are on the way.
Lesley Newman was on hand for gentling demos. She's pictured here with a yearling gelding who found a new home with a woman who was just gushing over him all day. It was so heart warming to see people excited about our Living Legends!
Some, obviously, are taking it better than others!
