Since we were had to be at Cowgirls and Cowboys of the West at 1:00 for our trail ride we just hung around the RV this morning. We had lunch before we left on this very cold day. In fact the temperature while I was riding was a cool 37 degrees with a little wind!
We rode out to Los Cedros Ranch and when we got there we missed the turn. I called and the owner told us to where to go – we had just passed it – and that there was a gate there. I asked how we were supposed to get in and she said to open the gate and then ended with “This is the real deal Girl”! We got to the entrance and I got out and opened the gate. This gate was to keep the bulls from getting out! We went down the lane only to discover another gate which I got out and opened. Don’t know what this was keeping in – or out.
Upon arrival we were greeted by two young ladies who were to be our trail leaders today. They couldn’t have been friendlier, more courteous, more caring or more concerned about our safety. After we signed the waivers they took us out to meet our horses. I got lucky because I got Lucky! There was one other person on the ride and she had never ridden before. I mounted first – yep, used the mounting block just like at home – and my stirrups were adjusted. As I mounted and everything was being adjusted Kendra, the cowgirl kept a running commentary on how we should be doing things, e.g. posture, legs, heels, etc. and emphasized safety. She showed us how to keep a light rein on the horse. Riding a quarter horse western style is quite different from what I am used to and the instruction was great. Unlike other trail rides I have been on I had a very comfortable saddle and at the end of two hours could hardly tell I’d been in one. On other trail rides I was a bit uncomfortable after 15 minutes!
This is a real working ranch and the cowgirls are real wranglers. In fact our ride included two chores that they had to accomplish. One was closing another gate on a fenced in area where there were bulls. This ranch is the first in a line of steps to get cattle to the feedlot as this is where the breeding is done.
It was a cold, cold day but what a fantastic ride. Just before the ride I decided to wear my heavy down coat – good decision so I was never really cold although my hands were a bit and I was not sure my feet would work when I dismounted. Fortunately they did and I didn’t fall on my butt when I got off!
If you are ever in the Amarillo area and want an authentic ranch trail ride with ranch horses be sure to check out Cowgirls and Cowboys of the West. You won’t be sorry!
Our next stop was of course to Walmart where we finally got all of Jerry’s meds. What a fiasco! We left there to go to the iconic Cadillac Ranch. I am so glad it was just a short distance and not a main part of our day. What a disappointment. We saw 10 cars, possibly Cadillacs, upended with spray paint all over them. In fact, there were people painting while we were there. The area was littered with cans of spray paint and other trash. Although it’s supposed to be one of the top things to do in Amarillo I would certainly say miss it if you can!
Back to the coach and another cold night. It’s supposed to get down to 19 degrees tonight but fortunately our propane kicks in and we stay nice and warm. With the heat pad going we don’t have to worry about anything in the coach freezing. I think it’s supposed to start warming up Saturday, the day we are leaving!
Let's Go RVing! 