Nature's Kruschev.... RIP (but not just yet!)

(a painting I did of Kruschev last winter)

My amazing Russian Orlov Trotter (half Arabian) (thankyou Lari Shea) big black brave athletic horse was about gone. Losing weight gradually this year, significantly over the past month, and looking near death after I got home from Weiser Fiddle festival a couple days ago. At 28 we figured it was his time. I made arrangements for euthanasia and burial on our ranch, sadly accepted his loss. He was no longer eating, and barely drinking. Merri commented that she didn't think he 'could' eat - couldn't or wouldn't swallow.

So a last ditch trip to the clinic, a sad vet pointed out all of his issues - maybe Cushings disease, equine odontoclastic root resorption (we had to pull several loose molars this spring), but the serious issue was fever and an anaerobic infection at the base of his tongue - causing the tongue to swell, thus the difficulty eating. Probably a foreign body had worked its way into the tongue, and festered there. My option for treatment was a week at the clinic on IV antibiotics, and even then the vet felt the prognosis was poor given his overall health. I decided to just take him home and we'd do a ranch burial.

The vet gave him a good dose of banamine and when I got him home he was able to eat a little bit, probably because the pain was less. He had a pretty good drink too. I gave him another dose of banamine at night, but his mouth was full of chewed-but-not-swallowed grass and clover, so he spat out most of it, I think.

I called our vet, set up a time for euthanasia. Called a neighbor with a backhoe, they'd come dig a hole in the morning.

Well in the morning ol' Krusty decided, not yet! When I gave him another oral dose of banamine, his mouth was full of stinky oozy bacterial goo. The infection had opened up, maybe because the banamine let him eat with less discomfort, working his tongue better, or more probably because he knew what that backhoe was doing...

At any rate, he's eating, drinking, and looking bright. I called the vet, said never mind (for now). The hole is dug, hopefully we won't need it for a while.

Dang, I love that horse - nice to have him for a little bit longer.

Steph

Tip of my hat to Top Of The World

The logistics of getting all of the 'Creek People' to a multiday ride can be challenging, but we managed to get it done, and it was a splendid ride! This is a new 3-day ride in a spectacular part of Idaho. Jessica (determined and inspired) and Mike (reluctant but willing) Cobbley did an amazing job of finding the most beautiful basecamp, and some very fine trails in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. We had views of the Grand Tetons to the East, and numerous lesser mountain ranges to the north, south and west. It's high country, basecamp was at 6500 feet, and the stands of pine and fir intermingle with aspen groves, sagebrush hills and mountain meadows to create a very beautiful mosaic of greens. Absolutely gorgeous country.

We had a 7 hour drive from Owyhee, east and north, and passed through dramatic showers and storms as we neared our destination. As we turned off the highway and drove ten miles down a dirt road the storms blew away and a double rainbow escorted us to camp. A good omen! Half of the Creek (Connie and Sarah Holloway and I) arrived a day early as we wanted to settle in and let the horses rest, hoping to ride all 3 days. We had a welcome chilly night (a break from the desert heat), a misty meadow morning from the previous rains, and a short ride to stretch the horses' legs. A lovely peaceful day.

The rest of the Creek (Carol, Merri, Regina) arrived that evening in Regina's trailer and we sorted out horses and pens and stuff. I will admit that I got cranky trying to keep up with sorting out feed, blankets, tack, pens, buddies, riding plans, and my increasingly agitated mare. The sight and sound of feed and buckets drives her crazy, this mare thinks food is the most important part of life, and she was getting hysterical with the other horses coming and going in different directions. I finally got my senses together and we had a 'session' - I'm the boss, remember? It always amazes me how well it works to assert myself, and after that she was fine. And I was better too after a little whining session.

The first day's ride dawned misty and cool and beautiful. I set out with Connie and Sarah, glad to have company on this new 'wilderness' trail, one never knows how it is going to be out there! Our first 25 mile loop was a bit daunting, spectacular views, but the rocky trail was slow and we were a little cranky by the time we got back to camp. (They're not going to use this particular trail next year). Second 25 mile loop was along forest single track trails, and some aspen groves, and a fun technical trail along a creek and meadow. Big beautiful views and looming thunderstorm clouds solicited an afternoon of oohs and aahs.

My mare Smokey, and Connie and Sarah's horses DWA Saruq, and 'Desi', finished the first day in great shape so we were on for day 2. Beautiful trail!! The most scenic trail I've ridden in a long time, great footing, spectacular views, forest and meadow... glorious. We rode for several miles along the continental divide between Idaho and Montana - and even did a little loop into the neighboring state. It was a very enjoyable morning, we still rode slowly but this time it was because we couldn't quit gawking and taking photos. The second loop was the same 'easy' loop that we did on day 1, still pleasant, still scenic, still fascinating watching the storm clouds build up.

So far, so good, so we set off again on Day 3. I rode with Carol and her horse August all day, it was fun, like old times. (we have ridden many thousands of miles together over the last 25+ years). Another beautiful trail, most forest roads and single track, pleasant and not too demanding. Second loop was the same as previous days, but it didn't feel tedious. The horses knew the trail, we knew the trail, and we just zoomed along. Smokey felt awesome, strong and forward and happy, and she actually won the 'Get-Away Horse' award - the veterinarian's choice of the 3-day horse in best form to make a fast escape if needed! Another wonderful day riding. Great weekend - cool mountain nights, yummy dinners from Spencer's smoker. Good friends, awesome ride!

Steph (and Smokey!)

City of Rocks

City of Rocks, Almo Idaho

It's time to start thinking about our next event. We discovered this treasure in 2010. My son Clay had told me about an amazing place after his in-laws had their family reunion in the little town of Almo. Wynne's family came from the area, and it was a chance for them to revisit the old home place. Clay said "you gotta see this place!" .

So, I found myself veering off the Interstate when I saw the sign for 'City of Rocks' on our way home from Wyoming. Merri and I had been crewing for our friends Rusty, Kevin, and Kevin at the Big Horn 100. Heads full of adventure and beautiful scenery from several days in the Wyoming Bighorn Mountains, warm sunny July day ... just seemed like the right thing to do.

The road to Almo and City of Rocks passes through high desert scenery - farmland in the valleys, surrounded by mountains. We wind our way through the valleys and over a few passes and BOOM all of a sudden there is this immense world of granite.

and it just kept going, past Castle Rocks State Park and then into the City of Rocks National Reserve. An expansive stunning landscape of sagebrush, aspen, firs, pinon pines, cactus, sub-alpine firs, snowy peaks... dotted with cattle and old homesteads. This area was a major crossroads for emigrants as they traveled west toward California, Oregon and Nevada, or north to Idaho. Pioneer journal entries describe the site as "a city of tall spires,” “steeple rocks," and "the silent city."

There are natural granite caves with names and dates of the pioneers inscribed in axle grease, or etched into the rock . There is a very strong sense of awe, and perhaps humility, when confronted by such magnificent scenery, and how it must have affected these travelers.

It didn't take long for the idea (compulsion) of an endurance ride took hold. Perhaps a few seconds. I talked with the park managers - they were very excited about the idea having invested heavily in making the park horse friendly with trail heads and well designed equestrian trail. Oh my, getting better. I spoke with the Forest Ranger (Sawtooth National Forest) and he was very supportive. We met a rancher happy to lease us a campsite. And after one evening in the hotsprings there was no going back...the rest is history. The first ride was a mid summer 5-day 250 mile event with trails going off in every direction. Ambitious? of course! and the 'Crick Gang' spent many glorious days scouting new trail, riding the country, basking in the high altitude sunshine.

I've changed a few things since our first 2011 event - only three days now, and in early June instead of mid summer. With the high altitude and mountain ranges summer thunderstorms can get pretty Exciting, and the heat is intense. So we're doing cooler weather, and simpler rides - and sticking with the most scenic trails and easiest logistics. (smarter with age?)

So, now we're less than six weeks away from the next event. Time to focus. The website with trail maps and link to pre-registration is at
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2017CityofRocks/ .
There are lots of photos too, as well as Merri's awesome Circle Creek video.

Now... just waiting for springtime to actually arrive! Might be a little snow up at Indian Grove in the high country...

Steph
www.endurance.net

April. It's not funny any more.

April is trying, but I'm afraid it's having a hard time. We had a GREAT Owyhee April Fools endurance ride on April 1, perfect weather for riding - sunny, upper 60's no wind . I did a fun/slow 50 miles on Smokey, rode with Connie and Merri all day, good company.

And a lovely April 9 birthday dinner with family at P.F. Changs (the Boise restaurant with a huge horse statue, had to go there - photo with Joel and Melissa). John and I rode our bikes, a great way to get around town. And thanks for all the birthday wishes - that's the one day I really appreciate Facebook!

And now it's really time to warm up April!! Snow in Boise yesterday, making a mockery of the cherry blossoms and landscaping efforts. Didn't last too long maybe an inch, and then turned to cold rain, and the rivers are even higher - record water flow levels. Mountain snow melt still to come! Aaarghhh..!

Ok April, it's not funny any more!






Steph www.endurance.net

Owyhee April Fools (Tough Sucker)

Time to get ready for the first ride in the Northwest. We've been doing the Tough Sucker ride for many years - it's always fun, always a challenge because ya never know what the weather is going to be like in April. And this year we had the Winter From Hell with snow and ice all winter long. Record snow levels and low temperatures. And of course all that snow has to melt at some point so we've been having record water flows too. Our bridge is sort of hanging in there - under water for several weeks, hauled some new gravel, it is tenuous though..

So our ride is in (gulp) 2 1/2 weeks - the horses are still fat and furry, it will be a long slow ride. but hey, it's a ride, and the first ride of the year so it will be awesome no matter what.

But since we've been doing this same trail for so long, we decided to spice it up a little this year, a little different scenery. The desert is rather boring. We're going to take the first loop for the 50 and 25 mile riders up Toy Mountain. (optional for trail riders). There's still a bit of snow, but we've been able to find the original trail. It should be fun and beautiful up there.

Loop 2 for 50 and 25 milers will drop down into spectacular Sinker Canyon (optional for trail riders) - it's so gorgeous this time of year with all the rapids.


We've also decided to up our game with a dinner catered by Pierre Le Chef, coming all the way from France to cook his specialties for us.


And! we found a great deal on awards. Solid gold trophies made in Slovenia, very affordable and so lovely!


We hope you can join us for the ride! Steph & Team Tough Sucker

Endurance.Net

(further updates will be posted at http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2017OwyheeAprilFools/ )

Goodbye Barney!

I was truly saddened to learn of the recent passing of Dr. Leslie B. "Barney" Fleming . He was a friend from the early years of Endurance Riding.

A generous and enthusiastic man, he and his wife Linda were part of this world, especially the multi-day rides. Barney the vet, Linda the farrier. Riding across the southern New Mexico desert, riding the Pony Express trail across America's west - some of our greatest adventures were during that time.

For several years Barney drove up from New Mexico to Idaho to vet our multi-day 'Owyhee Canyonlands'. Fun times and good memories.

Here's a photo of Barney (left) and John (right) taken on Halloween morning during the 2002 Owyhee Canyonland rides - Barney getting ready to watch riders head out on the trail, and John getting ready to check the marking on the ATV.

Goodbye Barney!

Steph www.endurance.net

Looking back to warmer times...

Well it's been a record-setting snowy cold Idaho, and lacking inspiration for writing something new, I decided to look back at some of the warmer places I've been.

And Malaysia pretty much beats all for warmth! Right?

A little history - in 2005 Malaysia began building an endurance program in earnest. The newly appointed king, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, was a horseman, and had taken an interest in endurance riding. And so it began -

I was fairly high profile at the time with Endurance.Net and my previous international riding adventures, so was invited to come to ride and get involved in the program. What fun, what luck!

Here's the story of my first Malaysia adventure, in 2005. (such a long time ago!)

"There's something very soft and gentle about Malaysia. The air is soft and sweet and humid, the billowy clouds are soft and diffuse, the heat can be intense, but the sun's rays are filtered through the humidity, everything seems bathed in a gentle haze. The people are gentle too - gentle with their horses, gentle with each other. Thinking back on the other places around the world that I've been, with Endurance, with the horses, Malaysia still amazes me... "

Link to 2005 Edaran Classic on Endurance.Net

It's gonna be a long winter...

We haven't seen dirt since early December, and just had two more snow days - close to 2 feet on the ground now. Yikes it's really pretty, but I think it's gonna get old. Merri is doing most of the outdoor horse stuff now, as I have a winter-wimp reputation to uphold.

John is out clearing the road this morning with the tractor, getting Regina un-stuck, and maybe I'll make it to town this weekend. (still have half 'n half though, so it's not an emergency). Horses are eating a LOT, and really furry, so I think they're ok.

John and I are playing music, I'm trying to re-learn the fiddle and he's swapping between guitar, banjo and mandolin. My fiddlin' is getting better and I'm remembering lots of songs we used to play. But still, it is not an easy instrument! We hooked up a midi keyboard to my iMac, and I'm laying down piano tracks to play by - that's been fun.

I wasn't really planning on riding this winter, but now I have an authentic excuse!

Winter on...

Steph

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

'Tis the Season!
Click on the Santa's to hear them sing!

Heart 2 Heart Endurance

I spent some time yesterday making award placques for some amazing kids. Heart 2 Heart Ranch is having their annual awards and recognition party next week and I volunteered to make placques for the Endurance Riding program.

For the past few years the Owyhee Endurance rides have seen a growing invasion of kids on mules. They aren't just regular old mules, they are race bred mules... and the kids aren't just regular kids, they are special needs children who have found a passion and outlet in riding thanks to Trinity Jackson and Heart 2 Heart Ranch. They show up in droves, and they really ride! Trinity usually sponsors the group, but others have stepped in as well.

We've always given discounts to Juniors at the Owyhee rides, but this year we're letting Juniors ride free! And others are contributing to the 'Juniors Ride Free' fund, including our favorite ride veterinarian who donated part of his fee to the 'mule kids'. The kids and mules always liven up ride camp and the vetting area!

At the recent Halloween ride they came dressed as Dalmations (not quite 101, but still a good showing!)

In 2008 Trinity received a grant from Zion Bank - the Smart Women Grant Award for 'Small Business Startup and Expansion'. That was the beginning of Heart 2 Heart Ranch.

From the H2H Ranch website: Trinity Jackson is a former special education teacher with heart. Owner of the newly created Heart-2-Heart Ranch in Parma, Idaho, Jackson teaches disabled children to ride mules.

Unlike many programs that teach kids how to ride an animal around an arena, Jackson hopes her program will give disabled children confidence by letting them compete at mule rodeos and shows.

"We want to teach them from the very beginning to the end, so that at some point they can be a little more independent and maybe own their own animal someday," Jackson says. "This will teach them responsibility and bring them self-confidence and self-esteem."

A mother of three, Jackson used grant funds to purchase additional acreage for the ranch near her home and to buy an arena so the kids can receive training year-round.

"We are trying to make it very affordable, like signing your child up to play T-ball," Jackson says. "We want whole families to be able to participate." The program will serve children across the spectrum of disabilities and in the future will include curriculum for nondisabled siblings as well.

I love it that we can share our sport and our rides with so many different people, and kids. (and mules!)

Steph

Rapa Nui - looking back

A gray November morning, wondering about the coming winter project (I always have some project going!) and thinking back to the years of traveling around the world. November, six years ago, I was just home from an endurance ride on Easter Island - Rapa Nui - a most amazing opportunity, unforgettable images. I thought it might be fun to look back a bit until I get further inspired for this winter's project.

The story and all the photos are on Endurance.Net at http://www.endurance.net/international/Chile/2010EasterIsland/index.html

This photo is of the wrangler (native Rapa Nui riding in flip-flops ) that helped us select our horses for the race.

Horses are everywhere on Easter Island - very few cars, so people ride horses, and they basically have open range on the Island. Everybody knows whose horses belong to whom and they just graze them wherever it is possible. (for example beside this moai)

It was fun going back and reading the travel notes. While I was down there I had just seen the film documentary "180 Degrees South" - a road/boat trip down the pacific coast to Patagonia. The sound track by Ugly Casanova always reminds me of this time.

Steph Teeter
www.endurance.net

Mom and Dad

Beautiful service for Phil & Georgie Schroeder yesterday. The entire immediate family, long-time extended 'family' and friends. A Navy gun salute and flag folding, beautiful eulogy, everyone singing along with fiddles-3 and guitar to Danny Boy, Amazing Grace, and Anchors Aweigh. It was sad and sweet and the perfect tribute to two wonderful people whose first meeting was at a USO dance in San Diego in 1943. Love all around.

Dear Diary: Summer is flying by. August 26

August 26

My good friend Christoph Schork is in Namibia this week, for the Walvis Bay Endurance Ride, brings back memories...

In 2006 I spent a couple weeks in Africa - going to this ride, which was the African Endurance Championship, and also the Saldana ride in South Africa. It was a fantastic trip including riding through a game reserve and being chased by a white rhino. (fast horses). Christoph's adventures are going to be equally wonderful, and it's been fun for me going back through my stories and photos and 'being there' again. For anybody wanting to read my stories, they're at

http://www.endurance.net/international/2006Saldanha/index.html - The South Africa trip, and
http://www.endurance.net/international/2006WalvisBay/ - The Namibia trip.

I look back at some of the adventures I've had thanks to the horses, and the sport of endurance riding. Hard to believe sometimes!

An excerpt from the South African 'Saldanha Ride' story- The course wound around the bay - a lovely cove with rocky outcrops, sand shallows at low tide, Southern Right Whales spouting and rolling in the water, dolphins, gulls, cormorands, other shore birds that looked just a little different to me. We crossed several flat or rolling sections of flower covered land - big granite outcrops, smooth gray and white stones thrust in every direction, piled on top of each other. and the flowers were incredible. The whole ride takes place in a Nature Conservation area. Preserving the flora - the special coastal plants and wildflowers, the kudu (large african game animal), the tortoises, the whales, - plus a variety of other mammals. Very wild and natural habitat.

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Dear Diary: Summer is Flying By. August 23

Jose

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Dear Diary: Summer is Flying By. August 16

August 16 (how did that happen??)

Dear Diary: Summer is flying by. July 25

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Dear Diary. Summer is flying by.

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Dear Diary. Let it be Spring. June 19

I finally found a quiet moment this morning to write something and noticed the last post was April 8 !!! how did that happen?

I’m not sure I can even count back and figure out where the spring went.. We had some gorgeous weather in March and early April, and then it seemed the wind never stopped blowing. So the garden and ranch/yard work was spotty - I got behind on a lot of stuff there. It’s really hard to get out when it’s cold and windy…

I did a few rides with Smokey (I love this mare!) - our 50 mile Tough Sucker ride here at the ranch on April 9. We bailed at the Eagle ride April 23 - rain all night, cold and raining and windy in the morning and we found a million excuses not to saddle up and ride. So we played cards in the camper while the hearty ones rode in the weather.

We did a 55 mile ride at Owyhee River Challenge - lots of fun. Then geared up to host our epic City of Rocks ride at City of Rocks National Reserve - 200 miles west of here near the historic town of Almo. It’s a gorgeous place - stunning scenery. We do 3 days of 25 and 50 mile trails. It’s as much a big party as anything. All the friends pitch in, we work really really hard, but make sure we reward ourselves with pizza at Rock City, the local pizza/beer/sundries shop, and daily and/or nightly trips to Durfee Hot Springs - clean pools of water for every preference (I like the hot one the best).

It’s a crazy intense fun exhausting time - we got there on Saturday to set up and mark trail, the actual ride was Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and we made it home on Monday. We had 40 riders the first two days, and 60 on the last - and all the crew, family, friends, staff, Wynne's gang cooking meals for everybody. So many people, camping and riding over the same ground that the pioneers rode (or walked, or drove) in the 1840's. Historians state that during the peak of the gold rush and emigration west over 10,000 pioneers traveled through the City of Rocks.

We had 150 miles of trail to mark and unmark, tents to raise and bring back down, everybody’s stuff to sort and unsort, fencing and water for all the horses we bring so we can ride and have fun too … it’s like building a little city. We’re still unpacking stuff a week later… Why do we do this? Hard to say, but so far we’re still gung ho. I rode Smokey for two days - fun sorta-fast rides, she’s a really good horse for this sport, and it is such beautiful riding - this is my reward I guess!

(photo by Steve Bradley)

Now I’m home, getting caught up on yard, ranch, garden work. The weather has been pleasant, though we did have another big wind yesterday afternoon. Today is warm and sunny and calm. I’ll ride this morning, then some yard/garden work, play music (I’m playing fiddle again after 35 years! It’s fun). Time to relax and enjoy summer for a while.
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Dear Diary: Let it be Spring. April 8

April 6

We've had crazy weather - summer and winter are still duking it out. This week it hit 80 degrees. (last week it got up to 55). But for the most part Spring has Sprung.

Lilacs are blooming, dandelions taking over the lawn, cherry blossoms, cottonwoods shedding cotton, the trees along the creeks are green now and the hills are green with spring grass. Still a lot of snow on the mountains - this is good!

The birds are mostly back, though I haven't seen the orioles yet. We have a pair of phoebe's that have been nesting in the corner of our porch by the front door for as long as I can remember. They are used to people and dogs and the door opening and closing, even during the rides and clinics they get on with their business. This year I tore down the old nest (mud and stuff) and closed off the hole into the wall, but tradition held, and they built a new nest on top of the porch light.

I've been watering the pasture and gardens since March - it's been dry and windy this spring and I needed to start the water early. The kildeer love it when I set the sprinkler in the pasture. Their cheerful peep peeps are a sure sign of spring.

Steph

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Dear Diary: Let it be spring. April 4

My 16,000 mile American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) patch came today - that’s 16,000 miles worth of endurance rides in the USA!

And here’s a thanks to the horses and the endurance miles they earned for me. Some had short careers for one reason or another (sickness, arthritis, injury, age, attitude) some stayed with me for a long time. Some were ridden by others as well as me. They were all special in some way!

Tiaro - my first Arabian endurance horse! scrawny and ugly but tough and loved to run. 1025 miles (1075 total)

Carrousell Vision - beautiful and capable Arabian. 1075 miles (just me)

Viargo - Carol's horse, a great ride. 50 miles (375 total)

CMR Benewah - fast and barely broke and loved to run. 525 miles (1200 total)

OMR Kalligraphy - ex race horse, awesome ride, retired due to arthritis. 150 miles (805 total)

Nature’s Quicksilve - half Russian Orlov Trotter - amazing mare. 680 miles (2200 total)

Nature’s Khruschev - half Russian Orlov Trotter - fast, safe, sane, tough, the best. 2865 miles (3415 total)

Nature’s Fantastic - half Russian Orlov Trotter - fast, but had a mean streak. 525 miles (575 total)

Bunchuk - pure Russian Orlov Trotter - imported from Russia as a driving horse. fast trot!!! 520 miles (1125 total)

Great Santin i - a rescue horse, Arabian, tough and game. 1305 miles (2455 total)

Sukaro HCC - ranch bred Arabian 'tougher than snot'. 325 miles (3625 total)

Jaziret Bey Musc - the best endurance horse - tough, fast, fun. 4105 miles ( 6620 total)

AM Bold Destiny - Heidi's horse. beautiful Arabian. 100 miles (840 total)

Jose Viola - the most fun horse to ride - happy, willing, tough. 450 miles (3985 total)

Ravenwood Dark Desire - aka Batman - fast and bold, a true superhero. 750 miles (2014 total)

Owyhee Smoke Signal - aka Smokey - born here at the ranch, a strong minded mare, a great ride. Many more miles together I hope! 455 miles (just me!)

Steph

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