This photo was taken before the ponies were too worried about what the humans were up to. Early morning, especially in the mountains, has the sort of peace we can all use from time to time. The coffee was already brewed and breakfast was in the works. Chief Joseph Trail Ride folks were variously engaged in grooming (working mostly on the horses), packing, checking gear or taking their horses down the hill for a drink of water. It was cool, but not nearly as chilly as a couple of the mornings spent higher up.
I’ll admit that I’m no photographer, but I do know that late afternoon light is good for making the effort. As I wandered around the Chief Joseph Trail Ride camp Thursday evening on Bill and Ramona Holt’s property east of Florence, Montana, I did manage to catch a few interesting scenes. This one is pretty basic, but it tells the story of day’s end. Horse care comes first, then it’s off to scrub up before dinner.
It’s interesting to watch people and how they choose to make use of the “down” time. Several were reading, lots were engaged in wide-ranging conversations, others decided a nap would be nice. Still others went for walks to get the kinks out after a day in the saddle(Thursday’s ride was 15.5 miles).
I just happened by and must have interrupted an important conversation, but these two Chief Joseph Trail Ride members didn’t mind at all. They had these big smiles, even after four days on the trail. That tells me it’s been a fun week. In fact, the Thursday evening gathering was especially enthusiastic. It was awards night, which was a nice celebration of achievement, but I also think folks were beginning to realize that they had one day of riding to go. For many of the CJTR riders, I suspect there was a wistful sense that the respite from the world’s issues was nearly over. For a few, there may have been a bit of relief. But honestly, everyone I talked with was happy and having a great time.
These are the people who work really hard so that others don’t have to. The crew is responsible for meals (and for most of us, that would be plenty of work), campsite amenities, parking, managing the daily caravan to the next site, distributing the hay supply and a bunch of other chores that riders were able to take for granted. But, CJTR participants do appreciate the crew and develop a warm relationship through the week. One of the fun aspects is seen each morning at breakfast. The crew is likely to sing Happy Birthday to someone, shout out a group greeting or simply engage in friendly conversation. It all helps set the tone for a charmed day on the trail. I’ll join the participants in offering a big THANK YOU to the crew.
Before I move along to Thursday’s photos, I need to call this one the official start. Horses and riders cross Highway 12 at Lolo Hot Springs on their way to National Forest land just up the hill to the right. Luckily, there wasn’t much traffic and the crossing was without incident or much anxiety.
It became pretty obvious that most of this year’s Chief Joseph riders were experienced and well-organized. Everyone was ready to go. It became a matter of bunching up for the crossing in a timely manner.
One of the key logistical questions for the Chief Joe is always about water. How much? How often? Where? In some years, the issue for truckers is access. Can they actually get to the mid-day spot along the trail? Can they actually find there way?
The photo is included just because I thought it was a cool truck!
Day One of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride was a 23-mile test of early enthusiasm. Although most of the ride that day was classified as “level,” the fact remains that it was the longest leg of the week’s journey. In this photo, youth members attached to the Chief Joseph Foundation provide every opportunity for their mounts to take on a full supply of fresh water before heading out.
As you can tell, it was a chilly morning and the sunshine came slowly over the mountains. The transition from restful sleep to full-scale preparations for the day is fascinating to watch and hear. The sounds and the motion start slowly and sporadically, then continue to build until everyone is in the saddle and pointed up the trail. Then horses and riders both are visibly energized and somewhat noisy with anticipation. Real Horse Fun.
One of the truly key members of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride crew is Dr. Dave Rustebakke, a veterinarian from Lewiston, Idaho. He served as a fill-in vet a couple of years ago, but has now decided that he’s having so much fun being part of the CJTR that he’s signed up for as long we’ll have him - or as long as he can stand us, whichever term expires first.
Dr. Dave is invaluable before, during and after each day’s portion of the ride. With 165 horses this year, you can imagine that a variety of bumps and aches require his attention. So, thanks Doc, we appreciate all that you do!
The pre-Chief Joseph Trail Ride briefing included a friendly and humorous lecture covering rules for the picket line. I’ll confess to neglect in my failure to write down or remember everyone’s names, but the picket line commandments were cleverly illustrated and helped make the key points about safety and common sense. Eric Tilleman, in the hat, is a vo-ag instructor in Cascade, Montana. One of his summer activities for the past few years has been to serve as official provider of the picket line.
For example: Thou shalt alternate tie spots so that horses aren’t too crowded; Thou shalt not tie to the metal rings on the line (they aren’t built for that); and, Thou shalt not steal another person’s reserved spot (conversely, if you reserve a particular spot, please use it so as not to confuse the rest of us).
One of the really important and almost spiritual parts of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride is the fact that several young members of the Nez Perce Tribe are participants. Each year Bonnie Ewing, trail boss for the Chief Joseph Foundation, brings four or five of the youth who are part of the foundation’s programs.
They obviously have connections and references points along the historic trail that most of us can’t adequately relate to, but these young people serve as clear evidence that the tradition of this particular trail ride is extremely worthy of preservation. Bonnie has been part of the CJTR for many years and thrives on the role of “granny” to the kids. Always the promoter, during the week Bonnie conducts a silent auction to raise funds for the foundation. If you’d like to learn more about the Chief Joseph Foundation, let us know.
Chief Joseph Trail Ride participants received a full briefing (is that a contradiction?) from Kevin Pullen, ApHC trail and distance program coordinator, Sunday evening. After a hearty meal, there was helpful information and advice for the care and comfort of humans and horses. It was during this session that Kevin reminded riders that Monday’s plans included covering 23 miles. I’ll be interested to hear the stories when I catch up with the ride on Thursday for awards night. I’m guessing that the saga will be larger than life by that time.
“Commander” Bob Swick introduced the scouts and junior scouts for the 2008 Chief Joseph Trail ride during the Sunday evening pre-ride chat. These are the folks who tend to the specifics each day on the trail. Scouts are spaced throughout the line to help with everything from equipment trouble to maintaining the pace. They are critical to the safety and overall management of the ride.
Horses enjoy the quiet of twilight before this year’s Chief Joseph Trail Ride. Although most seemed already accustomed to the picket line, I’m pretty sure being surrounded by tall, fresh grass was a bit of a tease. The gathering camp at Lolo Hot Springs, Montana, had the benefit of easy access just off Highway 12, yet it offered a peaceful and scenic spot for preparations.
The 2008 version of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride will begin on Monday, leaving the assembly camp at Lolo Hot Springs, Montana, and winding through the Bitterroot Valley and ending at the Bolin Ranch near Stevensville. Riders will probably start arriving on Saturday. The Sunday evening activities include an orientation for first-timers, a traditional native blessing and musical entertainment.
I’ll have further reports from the first day and (hopefully) Awards Night on Thursday. This is a “progressive” ride, with the camp moving daily. A caravan consisting of crew and private vehicles moves from one camp to the next while the riders are on the trail. It’s quite a logistical challenge under any conditions, but especially interesting when you consider all the supplies, food, feed and equipment needed for people and horses.
Participants have been cautioned that the first day’s ride is approximately 23 miles. I’m betting there will be stories told around the camp after that one! Stay tuned.
July 6, 2008
National/Youth Shows
The Board of Directors will gather input and consider swapping schedules so that the National Show (open and non-pro) is held during the first week and the Youth World is the second week. Part of the reason for considering such a move is to give youth exhibitors more of a break between the end of school and the shows. There are also conflicts with mandated testing in some states.
Appaloosa Foundation
A new 501(c)(3) foundation will be formed to provide ApHC members with expanded opportunities to invest in research, education, youth programs and other charitable activities.
Breed Standard
The Planning & Review Committee will update the currently inactive breed standard for inclusion in the Appaloosa Handbook.
World Qualifying Points
A group of directors is looking at possible adjustments to the number of points required to qualify for the World Show. It is being suggested that points be adjusted annually to more appropriately reflect the level of competition in various classes and categories.
International Registration Incentive Program
The board accepted the Asociacion del Caballo Appaloosa de Mexico as an approved registry for the international incentive program.
Foundation Pedigree
Beginning in 2009, and every 10 years thereafter, the minimum percentage of FPD eligibility will increase incrementally by requiring one additional horse in the preceding four generations of the applicant horse to be registered with the ApHC; that is 23 out of 30 beginning in 2009, then 24 out of 30 beginning in 2014, and so on.
Horses may enter the FPD program at the percentage level requirements that were in place at the time of their birth.
Medications
Approved administration guidelines for Omeprazole (GastroGard or UlcerGard).
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