8.1.2020 Trail-less Riding

I consider myself one to take the road less traveled, and this meandering 7-mile “trail” ride epitomized the truth that not all who wander are lost.

All I knew is that I wanted to get out. By the time I had the horse in the trailer, I still hadn’t even decided which cardinal direction I’d drive. North? Could be. South? Not a bad idea. East? The thought crossed my mind. West? Probably.

Temperatures were rising out at the ranch and it wasn’t getting any cooler. The dog took a quick swim ‘in the pool’ to cool her jets, while I pontificated gratefully that literally any direction we’d go would hold a beautiful and unique adventure.

Got in the truck, turned the key. Foot off the brake.

There is a level of magic that happens when you take action, and for us the path unfurled as we moved forward.

We ended up in a forested, mountainous area with Pinon, elk and steep rock cliffs. No motorized vehicles allowed: my kind of place!

Watching clouds convalesce with my #1 cowboy horse Tracker

Up and down, up and down, we found 2 elk jawbone sets, 2 live elk cows, a hawk, and a deer. Scaled up steep washes and wound through tight aspen stands.

Also found this partial skull with antler roots still attached

And the jawbones

Like usual, I noticed the elk first; the horse Tracker noticed them next, with Junebug being last to the party — again. But Junebug produces the most EXTREME response to compensate. She chased the elk up the hill yipping and yawing like a wild ‘yote. She had her muzzle on the whole time so wouldn’t be able to mangle any wildlife despite her soul-deep desire.

#1 mountain menace

For the past few months I have wondered whether this horse is ‘directionally challenged’ or just loves to be out in the mountains so much that he refuses to go back towards the trailer.

Honestly it’s a relief to have a horse that doesn’t rush to get back home. If you’ve ever ridden a barn sour horse, you know what a frustration it can be.

But I was also starting to get concerned that if ever in a situation where I lost my bearings and needed to get back to safety, this horse would only get us more lost.

Countless times he’s insisted on going the exact opposite direction of the truck and trailer.

On this ride I finally confirmed my suspicion: he knows exactly where the trailer is… he simply insists on continuing the adventure!

So, as you can see from the map, I indulged him:

We climbed up and down some fun sand washes, traversed steep slopes, and gained expansive vantages.

It was a beautiful day to wander and get lost!

That’s one way to get your RDA of calcium, I guess….

Backcountry and philosophical ethic: you can look back but you don’t need to stare.

Click here to watch a clip from our ride!

Meet Darwin!

Hi there, welcome to my blog, The Backcountry Cowgirl. This is where passion for the outdoors and horses meets arts, career, finance, and the pursuit of happiness.

Dusty trails on Dusty

I am starting this blog because I am an all around person and figure that maybe I will have something to share from what I’ve been learning along this journey of life.

I’m starting it at this point in my life because I’m going through some major changes that lead me into a lot Corners of the universe:

• Started a high paying career and can afford all the luxuries I worked so hard for. (Luxuries means horses and adventures into the backcountry). I am examining the costs and benefits of a stressful work environment and what it means to be a healer in an often sick culture.
• I am in pursuit of purchasing a home. With that comes finances, budgeting,  and MORE lifestyle questions.
• Recently purchased a new horse. He is a 9 year old quarter horse who I have been on a fitness bent with. He was very deconditioned when I got him but we are relentlessly pursuing fitness, health and wellness goals.
• I am an artist at heart. I draw, paint, mold, fix and create as a form of passion.  This is a good venue for me to express and share my ideas, insights and inspirations.
• Product reviews: Much like Robert Pirsig of Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenance,  I value quality over quantity.  I put products through the ringer and hope my reviews give you helpful  and trustworthy information.

Thank you for taking a look at my blog. I hope you enjoy it!

A backcountry cowgirl spotted! Resting in her natural environment.

#lookmomImalifestyleblogger #newmexicotrue #newmexicanadventures #ladylongrider #trailridersofamerica #equinesport #sporthorse #hunting #riding #cowgirl #quarterhorse #wildmustang #westernart #cowgirlsfinances #theartofcowgirl #daveramsey #talesofaduderancher