ensues. The mule takes off, braying and wringing his tail. He absolutely refuses to put his feet in the bog. Doug and his reliable mare Visa come to the rescue. He dallies up the mule and drags it across the bog. That mule can jump, easily clearing Doug and Visa, right along with the bog. Visa is a trooper. She steps up and does her job, although she’s never pulled anything before, much less a recalcitrant, airborne mule.


The ride that day covered 21 miles. As we traversed each mile I tried to imagine what Chief Joseph and his tribe must have been thinking as they rode through the area, desperate to escape to freedom. On this segment of the Jo we were accompanied by descendants of those very Nez Perce who were with Chief Joseph. What must they have been thinking about? I pondered this often as we rode. During one of our nightly lectures I learned that


many Native Americans came to the Yellowstone area, not just the Nez Perce. It was a gathering place for many tribes. The fertile ground and ample food sources made the area a natural meeting spot. I know I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to ride in one of the country’s natural treasures, knowing that not many people ever get to ride their horses here.


For additional information on this day and other days of the ride go to http://horseadventure. wordpress.com. If you would to receive ride notification, e-mail the author Loretta Waltner at Lorettawaltner@aol.com with “add to list” in the subject line.


www.mcguinnfarms.com fleda1@bellsouth.net


www.pacificview.org www.ridingmagazine.com | March 2014 | California Riding Magazine 39


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