Behind the Scenes

It's been a busy couple of months... I've not had many updates here, but there has been a lot going on behind the scenes as we head into the final six months before the ride. Most importantly, we finalized the new route calendar - leaving Baker on May 25 and arriving in Reno on June 21. The road crew is setting their schedule now, assigning "shifts" for each week. We did a little trail reconnaissance last month, exploring days two and three of the ride - from Osceola to Cooper Canyon to Cave Lake to Comins Lake. It's good to get out and see parts of the trail before the ride, to know what's coming and to get excited! Of course we are all fully prepared for last minute route changes as we work around Nevada's unpredictable spring weather. Otherwise, it's lots of little things at this point. Random supplies to purchase. Dehydrating food. Studying maps. Riding. There are so many little arrangements to be worked out. It's only a month, but it feels like we're planning to be gone a year!

The animals are doing well. Sage is steady as always... no surprises. He's nice and shaggy with his winter coat right now. I've put together our riding schedule to begin in January, which will have us both in tip top shape by May. Sandy is hanging out in the "maternity ward" in Dayton. At this point, it's difficult to know how we'll be able to incorporate her into the ride. She's halterable and gentle enough that people can touch her and pick up her feet... but her formal training had to take a back seat while we waited to see how the pregnancy progressed. By all accounts she could foal anytime in the next few weeks - from later December to early January! I'm eagerly awaiting that phone call! Bella is doing well too. Last week we got about 10 minutes into a trail ride when Bella decided she didn't want to go. She turned and hightailed it straight back to the barn where she waited until I got done. I think we need to prepare for the very real possibility that she will spend more time with the road crew than with me on the trail!

In the world of wild horses... roundups continue. South Reno has seen a flurry of roundups in recent weeks and advocates are scrambling to keep the horses from the slaughter auction. Local news stations have run stories but state officials are silent on the issue. The state legislature is set to look at some interesting bills next session, which advocates will be keeping an eye on. The battle is far from over.

I don't want to end on a depressing note so I'll say that the new year is rapidly approaching, and with it the final countdown! I am ready to do this ride. Ready to work with our wonderful filmmaker. Ready to show off my fine mustang(s). Ready to do my part to keep people talking about wild horse issues!

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