Chief Joseph and The Bucket List

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Tomorrow, I’m off on a big adventure. Riding an Appaloosa horse, 100 miles in 5 days, through the Targhee National Forest.

My friend, Janet

Been dreaming about this since I first heard of it 4 years ago. Never really expected it to happen because the ONLY horses allowed on this special benefit trail ride are registered American Appaloosas.

But, that’s the cool thing about wishes. If you declare them to one and all. And, then talk about them incessantly to any poor friend willing to listen…

Sooner or later some wonderful person will step up and help you make this dream come true. If, for no other reason, than to achieve a little peace and quiet the next time you get together for dinner.

Brief History Lesson:

The Chief Joseph Trail Ride is so-named to honor the leader of the Nez Perce. As with most stories of Native American history, there is nothing pretty about this one. When the U.S. government tried to re-locate them - they chose, instead, to seek asylum in Canada. Traveling 1,300 miles over mountain terrain, with the U.S. Calvary in hot pursuit. They credited the athletic ability of their Appaloosa horses (a breed developed by the Nez Perce Indians in the 18th century,) for continually out-maneuvering us whities.

I don’t want to dwell on all the negative aspects of this because it was a long time ago and people back then were… well, too uneducated to know any better. ‘Nuff said.

I’d much rather glorify these stunning spotted horses.

Cutest cowgirl in our tribe.

This is Sable. On loan to me from my dear friend at Acacia Riding Adventures (Click the link! It’s a shameless plug for a horsie vacation! And, oh ~ by the way? ~ I built his website.)

My own little red mare is none too thrilled with this newcomer in her corral. Even more ticked off that I’m stepping out on her for a sweet vacation with the new gal.

Sweet and painful, I might add. 20 miles a day on a horse? Yowza! Now who wants to loan me a comfy gel saddle pad?

* It takes 13 years to complete the Chief Joseph Benefit trail ride - 100 miles each year for a total of 1300 miles. The route follows the Nez Perce flight from the US Calvary in the late 1800’s. It originates in Joseph, Oregon and ends in Bear Paw Meadow, Montana, just 40 miles shy of the Canadian border. Where I am sorry to say, Chief Joseph was forced to surrender.