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Annie Caswell Donkey Prints, Tote Bags and Checkbook Covers
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Designs moved to Zazzle by the Aritist.
Elijah, a Mammoth Jack, at his ranch in North Carolina.
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Author: Tom Strayhorn
Article:
Are you ready for a Cowboy's vacation? Why not take a cowboy
vacation on one of the many Texas dude ranches. Just think
riding a horse western saddle over the plains, across the
streams and over the mountains. If fresh air and wide open
spaces is what you are hankering for a dude ranch may be just
for you! Are you ready for the perfect experience? Let me tell
you a tale..
Jumping into my western wear pulling on my cowboy boots and
putting on my hat, causes my blood to stir. Today is my first
time in a bunk house but I'm not alone. There are fifteen other
greenhorns or tender foots with me. Most of my comrades are city
folk. Sure we've all seen a horse but it was on TV or at the
parade. Today we get to experience the real thing. The question
that flashes through my mind is whether I am ready to learn to
saddle that wild snorting beast.
The door opens and in steps the lead hand. He says "the first
order of business today is to head of to the corral for a lesson
on saddling our horses." So off we go. I look for the smallest
beast I can find who's over in the far side of the corral. Yup
that one's for me. As I tip my hat and approach the small gray
mare grazing at the feed trough I'm a little surprised.
Well actually it's more like I'm shocked. That small gray mare
stands over a foot taller than me. Wow! now what to do. After
all who am I kidding, I'm no cowboy. But with some help I
managed to saddle the monster. Swinging up into the saddle my
mind drifts to a western movie with me as the trail boss setting
off on a cattle drive.
Suddenly with the movement of my steed I instantly come back to
my senses to realize this beautiful beast is walking out of the
corral and I'm about to experience my first adventure. After
many miles of riding along a cool grassy plain our group of
tender foots comes upon a small steam. Perfect, it's time for a
rest.
I swing out of my saddle. My legs and rear end feel like they've
had had the flesh peeled right off of them. The excruciating
pain leaves me moving pretty slow. It seems to take an eternity
to be able to sit down on the cool grass. Wow I must be a wuss I
think. Even with my aching body I feel an exhilaration like I've
not ever felt before.
Looking at the other riders it appeared that they too had
suffered this same fate. Yet even with this new found pain there
is a smile of contentment on all the tender foots faces. As we
stretch out and relax we realize the power of nature that is
forgotten in the city.
My wild snorting beast is down at the stream drinking water with
the other horse. After the horses have a rest it's time to get
back on the trail. Mounting my horse was as pain full as the
dismount was and I cringe as I struggle into place.
My gray mare refreshed from her break was ready to go. But with
each step we took on the slow ride back I was reminded of the
tremendous beating my back side was taking. The chaffing of the
in side of the legs were almost as bad. I was certain I was
going to be a raw piece of meat by the time we returned. Looking
back at the old cowboy who was our guide I saw a relaxed toughen
real cowboy. I wondered how it took him to toughen up.
Back at camp after a slow dismount and some slow stretches it
was time to find some grub. Funny by the time we sat down to a
heaty meal the soreness had began to pass and each of us was
looking forward to the next days adventure. Perhaps it didn't
take that long to toughen us city folks up afterall.
Conversation was hearty and load at the table as we busily
exchanged ideas about our first day as a cowboy on the trails.
There was excitement, pride, and an over all feeling of
accomplishment. So this is how the real cowboy's felt after a
day on the range. Perhaps there really was something missing in
city life.
By the end of my vacation the gray wild snorting horse turned
out to be my greatest companion on all our daily rides. The name
of the gray is Calaway. If you ever get the chance to ride this
horse you will be pleased with her steady but gentle manor. Even
my red western wear shirt, tan boots and my large white hat
never spooked her. After all she is used to carrying and caring
for plenty of want to be cowboys and cowgirls giving each a
story and adventure all of their own.
If you ever get a chance to take a cowboy vacation on a Texas
Dude Ranch you should. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
It will be one of the best experiences you'll ever have, leaving
you with the memory of light blowing summer breezes, soft
scented wild flowers, deep blue crystal clear water, and gently
sloping mountain trails.
The life of a cowboy may be filled with hard work but it's a
lifestyle that no other can compete with. There are few cowboys
that would be willing to give it up. For just a couple of weeks
you too can enjoy the life of a cowboy.
About the author:
Tom Strayhorn is one of the few real cowboys left so why not
saddle up and come visit him at Cowboys 'n Campfires.
Disclaimer
Opinions expressed in articles on this website are those of the author(s)
of each story or article and not necessarily those of Shadow
Ridge. Shadow Ridge does not necessarily agree with, support, or
endorse any definitions, treatments, opinions or statistics stated by
these authors. They are entirely responsible for the content of their
respective story(s) or article(s).
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