Ranch Week, part 1

Sunday found me a few hours west of Kalispell, at McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch. Many people have asked me how I found McGinnis Meadows, so here is the story in a nutshell:

In February I bought a horse and realized I had no idea how to train him. I had seen Buck, and felt a connection with that style of horsemanship. The folks at McGinnis Meadows teach the Brannaman style of horsemanship, and all of the horses are trained in it. What better way to get hands-on practical experience that I can hopefully use with Sport? Plus I've always wanted to visit Montana. Win-win!

Sport.

The ranch is nestled in a long valley carpeted in lush hay meadow. Deer roam the hay fields, ground squirrels chirp and scurry across the lawns, barn cats recline like leopards along the fences, and birds keep an eye on it all from above. Cell phones do not work here. It is truly a natural paradise.

A day at the ranch goes like this: breakfast around 7:30, saddling the horses at 8:30, off on an activity from 9-ish till lunchtime. Lunch is either back at the ranch or out on the mountain if you're having a long day. Afternoon activity from 1:30 to about 4, then dinner at 6:30. You may spend your days learning horsemanship, riding a trail, working with cows - or doing nothing at all! It's your vacation!

My horse for the beginning of the week was Rocket.

I spent the first morning learning how to communicate with him. In the afternoon, we went on a trail ride. It was hot, the flies were awful, and I had so much fun!

                  

.

After 3 hours, a few of us were tired out, and got a ride back home. The rest of the group rode for another hour!

Rocket enjoys some well-earned grain

A bird with a beakfull of spilled grain

Rocket was very patient with me, and taught me a lot. I was very lucky to get to know him.