Friday, Dec 15 '23 6pm

Everyone welcome. Coyote’s Coffee Den in Penrose. Please join us for our annual RMBCH Christmas, Holiday, End of Year Gathering or “Whatever you call it” Party. If you wish to play the Santa Game, please bring a wrapped gift $10-20 value, serious or funny. Arrive early to purchase your meal at the counter and join us for a nice evening!

Website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TEN9LanKE3fLdLDx9?g_st=ig 

𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐦𝐛𝐜𝐡.𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝. Join now and your membership is good through 2024! We have so many great rides. Or just come see how much fun we are  $5 first RMBCH ride.

It's time to saddle up for an impressive Black Friday ride that embodies the heart of RMBCH's mission: to celebrate the common sense use of horses in our region's breathtaking backcountry.

Grape Creek is a mesmerizing trail that traces the water's meandering path, crossing it over 30 times in one direction. Nestled within the scenic expanse of the BLM's Royal Gorge region, this equestrian easement is a true gem that requires near constant care and support. Nature's marvels in the form of beaver dams and swift-growing willow brush and other flora make it a dynamic landscape that demands our vigilant stewardship. This event isn't just a ride, it's a testament to our shared commitment to responsible horsemanship and preserving these natural wonders for generations to come.

Calling all riders, beginners welcome, as well as green (SAFE in a group) horses! However, we want to ensure everyone is aware that this trail is rated as 'moderate/intermediate' due to the unique challenge of multiple water crossings for horses. While this offers an exciting adventure, it does require some experience in navigating such terrain. Other possible obstacles include shrub overgrowth that impedes the trail and wildlife such as snakes, bighorn sheep, deer, or coyotes. We encourage beginners to join, but recommend being prepared for these potential hurdles on the ride. Rest assured, our knowledgeable leader will be there to offer support and guidance every step of the way.

Your help in maintaining Grape Creek trail is greatly appreciated! If you're able, bringing along a set of pruning shears or loppers would be a tremendous help. However, please don't feel obligated – your presence alone is a valuable contribution to our mission. Together, we'll make a positive impact on this beautiful trail and its surroundings.

So let's "opt outside" this Black Friday by exploring the beauty of our public lands, while working to maintain and cherish this precious resource. Bonus: you'll avoid the crowds and corporate nonsense that normally fills this day. Come join us, be part of the legacy, and ride for a cause that truly matters!

Ride Start - Nov 24, meet @11am, ready to ride at 1130am. We will stage this ride from Ecology Park (https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/ecology-park-361), and ride down into the canyon from there.

Coordinates: 38.418611, -105.260200

CP9Q+HR Cañon City, Colorado

**If the weather has been below freezing for 2-3 days leading up to this ride, we will have to cancel since it will not be safe to take horses through icy creek crossings!**

Please no dogs or stallions; this ride is casual walking speed only, up to 10 miles total.

Sat October 28 Dino Tracks / Spanish Settlement / Hunter Moon Fun Ride - La Junta CO

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗼𝗿 you can join the 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 (𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗠𝗕𝗖𝗛 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿s) RMBCH is hosting a weekend of camping under the full moon in Otero county. October 28th is the Hunter Moon, so why not ride past an old Spanish cemetery during the creepiest holiday season? 

• **If the overnight temperature is forecast to be below 40°, the ride weekend will have to be canceled.

• ** Weekend Itinerary: Friday, 10/27: arrive to campsite/corrals to set up your camp how you like. If time, you will be able to explore the ATV roads on foot or horseback that evening. You can also plan to arrive Saturday morning before the ride, but others will be there to help you set up camp after dark Friday night if needed. Corrals are first come, first serve. 

• Saturday, 10/28: For RMBCH members who RSVP - they can join ride leader Hillary for a full day ride (more than 20 miles roundtrip, with trotting and cantering when/where safe to do so) to view the all that Picketwire has to offer, including Dolores Mission, the cemetery, and of course the largest dinosaur track site in North America. 

• Be ready to ride at 12pm, plan for up to six hours of saddle time with a late lunch (BYO) out on the trail at the halfway point. Our goal is to get to Rourke Ranch (established 1871), but we will turn around at the dino trax if our time is limited due to weather or other issues. 

• You also have the option to shorten the overall ride if you trailer your horse to Withers Canyon Trailhead, instead of riding the road from the Picketwire Corrals (shaves 6 miles off the total distance, but the road is very washboarded and takes a while to navigate). After we get back from the ride, if there are no fire restrictions, we can roast marshmallows and enjoy the beautiful full moon (fingers crossed there are no clouds!). 

• Bring a spooky snack to share with others if you would like. 

• Sunday, 10/29: Pack up and head home in the afternoon, stop and check out Vogel Canyon for the petroglyphs if desired (no horses allowed on these short hiking trails). 

• If you plan to camp with your equine partner, be sure to bring adequate water for them. 

• Portable corral or containment needed, there are no places to highline unless you set up between two trailers.

•  There are vault toilets at the corrals, but no other amenities and we can almost guarantee it will be windy there (day and night). 

• As of mid-September, there are no fire restrictions in the area, but please make sure to look before buying anything for a fire. 

• For those interested in riding to the dinosaur tracks, or further to Rourke Ranch, overall the trail is rated as “leisurely/conditioning” (2-3 peppers) except for the first half mile down into the canyon from Withers Trailhead. This section is steep, rocky, and challenging and may require you to lead an inexperienced equine down into the canyon. After that, the rest of the low elevation trail is wide, easy, with rolling hills and beautifully unique views. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and gopher holes. There is one place to get water for horses each way, so make sure your horse is well-hydrated going into the ride! You may want to have bug spray for you and the horses, as the flies could still be out. 

• Horses participating in Saturday’s guided ride must be safe at walk/trot/canter in a group to join. 

• Don’t have horses? NO PROBLEM! You can hike or bike this trail, or sign up for a guided auto tour through the local Forest Service (https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234166).

Sat October 14 Light Work Ride - Grape Creek, Canon City

• Your horse must be ok with water crossings. Please read all below

• rsvp to rmbch.info@gmail.com

• 9 am Ride start time. Please arrive at least half hour early to tack up! Ecology Park Trailhead, right outside Canon City. There is plenty of large rig parking in a circle gravel lot.

• The water can be varied depths. Each crossing is different and there will be at least 30.   Your horse must be ok with water crossings, mud, weird water entries.  You will likely get wet.  Please bring extra set of clothes, and something underneath that you don't mind stripping down to and getting wet if you have to be in the water to clear an entry point, lead a horse etc. 

• It will be Hot - you are welcome to swim! There are plenty of places to sit in the river

• Terrain, some rocks. Mainly gravel road type consistency and sand. Lots of mud at river crossings and there are large rocks in the river. There is cholla cactus so I always bring a tweezers to pull any small spines out of the horse legs at the end.  usually there are are a few.

• This is a work ride where we will be performing trail trimming to make the trail more safe and accessible for everyone at the water crossings. There will be frequent up and down off your horse and we will be tying your equine to trees while they wait.  We will ride to an area that needs work and then typically work that area for an hour or more to clear it. Please bring your garden sheers, Garden loppers and anything you can carry on a horse that trims small branches / willows.   If you don't' have your own, we have some extra loppers but you would need to carry on your equine.

• The group will be out all day.  If you wish to return to the trailhead, you are welcome to but the group will not be required to return with you.  Please make sure you are comfortable returning on a trail on your own, or that you wait until the work day is finished if your horse is uncomfortable leaving the 'herd'. 

• Bring your lunch and LOTS to drink.  It will be hot. Sunscreen, gloves

• No Dogs or Stallions on RMBCH Rides

Wed October 11, 6:30pm MST The World By Horse - Live zoom presentation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4bB87GSRvs&t=1s

Join us for a unique virtual presentation where Peter will share stories and incredible photos of his travels across Europe and beyond, with horses.

He specializes in communication, leadership, trust, and security on the trail, and also offers guided trail rides and training. We believe there is no such thing as "just a trail horse," because it takes a very talented and bold equine to successfully navigate the trails of Colorado, the US, and the world!

Peter and his team want to help you discover the magic of long distance riding because horses are more capable of awesomeness than you may think. Your horse wants to trust you, but you must also learn to trust your horse before you can have that perfect partnership out on the trails.

About Peter: I have been riding the trails in the European Alps since 2004 with my own horses while exploring the rest of the world with local breeds. The Alps pose a special challenge for the “horse-man” team – with the goal being to return home safe and sound. The mountains make teamwork a must. We learn to trust our horses, just as much as they learn to trust us. They are capable of far more than most people would ever think. As a guide and instructor I teach what I have learned from them and what it takes to give them the security they need.

Learn more at Peter's website https://www.alpentrekking.com/

Wed Sep 27 Fun Ride - Twin Eagles, (Lost Creek Wilderness) Tarryall CO

• Everyone Welcome! RSVP required by Sep 24 rmch.info@gmail.com Ride free for BCH members and $5 for first ride non-members.

• Please RSVP by Sep 27 to rmbch.info@gmail.com. if no rsvp's are received, the ride leader may ride elsewhere.

• Please arrive by 9:30 for tackup and safety briefing. Ride start 10am.

• Free fun ride in the Pike National Forest and Lost Creek Wilderness. Plan to ride 8-10 miles in 3-4 hours. We will go up about 1800 feet and come down the same with some steep hills. There is a water crossing. Lots of rocks and wildlife. The parking lot can accommodate big rigs if everyone parks nicely. If the lot is busy, parking might be challenging. This is why this ride is on a Wednesday. Share a trailer if you can to make parking easier.

• Twin Eagles Trailhead in Tarryall. From Colorado Springs, head west on Highway 24. Turn right on Tarryall Rd just past Lake George. Go 15 miles on Tarryall Rd to the trailhead parking lot on the right.

• Bring a lunch. There are some water crossings. ATV's may be present. No bathrooms or potable water available at TH. No overnight parking allowed at this location.

• No dogs or stallions on RMBCH rides.

September 24 Fun Trail Ride - Macey Lakes Westcliffe CO

• Everyone Welcome! RSVP required to rmch.info@gmail.com Ride free for BCH members and $5 for first ride non-members. Meet at Horn Creek TH by 10am, ready to ride at 1030am. If bringing friends, it is highly recommended that you "carpool" as the trailhead is very small. Plan for 12 miles of out-n-back riding with steep segments, rocky areas, a couple of water crossings, and very technical obstacles in the last mile of this trail. We will have lunch at the first lake. This ride is considered advanced after passing Copperstain Cliffs, so please be certain you and your equine partner are prepared for the challenge of the entire ride.

• We use a 1-7 rating system for our trails, and most of Macey is a 4-5, with the last mile or so being 6-6.5 in difficulty. There are significant elevation changes, rocky segments, very uneven surfaces, narrow places, various obstacles and rerouted parts, at least three water crossings, rock scrambling, as well as the unexpected. 

• Besides needing to be well-conditioned for high elevation and a long ride, horse/rider teams need to be skilled in navigating very technical/advanced segments.

• Camping: Parking is limited, main lot has a bathroom and one corral for camping, but there is plenty of space to highline or set up electric fencing. Sometimes parking is available near the Dry Creek Access trail, or along the 130 dirt road if the main lot is full. LQ trailers may have difficulty getting a parking space if designated trailer parking is full, but the loop is large enough to turn around if needed.

• No dogs or stallions on RMBCH rides.

September 23 Fun Ride - Cloverdale Basin, Westcliffe CO

• Everyone Welcome! All rides free for RMBCH members and $5 for first ride non-members. Meet at Duckett TH by 830am, ready to ride at 9am. 

• There will be a few steep segments, with lots of very rocky areas along this rugged two-track ATV trail. Shoes or alternate hoof protection are strongly recommend based on the overall length of this ride, with most of it expected to be rocky, but not technical or challenging in terms of obstacles. There are plenty of places for watering horses along the way. The goal for this ride will be to get to Cloverdale Basin for lunch and exploration of the abandoned mines, which means up to 15 miles of riding at just a walk for this full day ride.

• This ride is okay for beginners except for length and elevation. An unconditioned horse will struggle to do this ride safely.

• Trailhead: Duckett TH - https://trails.colorado.gov/trailheads/duckett-creek-2478...

• (38.254780, -105.665295)

• The road leading up here can be a bit rough for low clearance rigs, but there is a lot of space for large LQ rigs in several meadows just before the TH (orange) on the left and right of the road. Do not attempt to drive further up past this loop to the actual trailhead, as it is not large enough for most trailers and there is not an easy way to turn around.

• This ride is part of our ABC Sangres Weekend. Come join us for the free potluck open to everyone after your trail ride! Westcliffe Rodeo grounds - 6pm. We'd love to hang out with you and meet the group for a social hour and good company.

• No dogs or stallions on RMBCH rides.

September 23 Light Work Ride - Macey Lakes Westcliffe CO

• Please RSVP to rmbch.info@gmail.com so we know how many tools to provide. The forest service has removed the last big hurdle on the trail and RMBCH has cleared all the other horse stoppers! 

• So now let's give the trail a haircut to keep it open for the future. We will be trimming the trail from encroaching growth using loppers and small saws and removing a few workarounds with downed trees. We will provide silky saws and loppers.  Any loppers or saws which you'd like to use would need to be carried on your equine - we can show you how. Also feel free to bring your own if you prefer. 

• Trailhead Horn Creek (Macey Lakes) near Westcliffe. 

• This will be a full day work ride. You are welcome to return early but the group is not required to return with you. Those with faster horses etc are welcome to ride on ahead.

• We are NOT planning to do the last technical parts of the trail. We are planning to go up to the copper cliffs meadow below the lake. This trail has a gravel road up to the wilderness area and then single track from there.  It will have a few short areas which are steeper and have some rocks but overall its not a very technical trail up to the copper cliffs. You will be getting off your equine to trim. Your horse will be tied in those cases so needs to be ok with being tied and waiting at trees. 

• Ride start 9am but please arrive at least 30 minutes early to tack up and have safety briefing. 

• FYI this is during our 3 day Sangres work event in Westcliffe. There is a potluck Saturday evening right after this ride 6pm, at the Westcliffe rodeo grounds. Everyone is welcome and there are corrals where you can let your horses relax while you join us for a great wrap up to the ride and social evening. Hope to see you there.

• Bring: plenty of drinks, work gloves, hat, eye protection (sunglasses ok). Parking trailhead is on a loop which can accommodate any size rigs but can fit a limited amount of rigs so would recommend arriving early if you have a large rig.

• No dogs or stallions on RMBCH rides.

September 22, 23, 24 Multiple Trail Rides,  Potluck, Social Gatherings & Work Rides Weekend - Westcliffe CO

• Celebrate the Sangres, a great weekend to ride and enjoy all the trails we've opened! Only 2 hours from Colorado Springs and even closer from Pueblo.  Come see some new trails.  Multiple different trail rides on a variety of trails.  Of course work rides will also be available to clear our adopted Rainbow trails if you wish to give that a shot.  Potlucks, social hours, scouting rides, intro to trail clearing, meeting new riders and see new trails in the Sangre de Christo mountains.  

• Welcome to attend any event  you like (or all!)  We'd love to see everyone on there for our end of year wrap up and fall color viewing in the beautiful Dark Sky Community of Westcliffe.

• Can you ride if you're not a member?   First time riders  - come try a ride for $5.  Following rides (including that weekend) with the group would require a membership.  The rides are open and free to any current BCH member from any chapter. 

• Camping free to RMBCH members, $20 per night for non-members. Electric sites available for extra +10 per night. There are corrals available (RSVP required) to rmbch.info@gmail.com . Portable panels and hotwires also allowed.

• Friday, trail ride, meet some new friends, camping gates at rodeo grounds open by 5pm. 

• Saturday fun ride @ Cloverdale Basin - Duckett Trailhead.  This is an intermediate ride and will be lengthy. (full ride description in event listing below). 

• Saturday 10am fun ride @ Rainbow trail - Duckett Trailhead. This is a beginner ride, approx 3-4 hours max along the Rainbow trail.  Shoes recommended.  Walk only. Flat but pretty trail in the Sangres.   

• Saturday light trimming work ride 9am @ Macey Lakes (full description in event listing below)  

• Saturday 6pmish potluck and social hour at the rodeo grounds. Open to everyone we'd love to see you there!

• Sunday Breakfast served to everyone!

• Sunday fun trail ride @ Macey Lakes (full ride details in event listing below)

•  Westcliffe, CO rodeo grounds. Please RSVP to rmbch.info@gmail.com so we can loop you in to the ride times and waivers etc.