Tom Vicky and Gaitways trail adventures
Get info on trails and track our horse adventures
Road to Vievos New Journey
We have a blog for our day to day adventures.
http://www.caltrailriders.com/apps/blog/
This page goes oldest to newest...so scroll all the way to the bottom and work your way back up...Mammoth was the last week of our lovely trip.
Mammoth, the last leg.... Boo hoo our last week on the road..
We arrived safely in Mammoth Sunday afternoon. All the horses ran around for a good while before we put them up. They are all drinking and eating without any fuzzing or refusing. They have a beautiful view of the mountains from their stalls. If you look you can see Vievo and Schnapps white manes in the back. We're staying at Sierra Meadows Ranch, off Old Mammoth Road. We met up with Luis, Kelly and my parents to go check into our condo, just 2 minutes away from the ponies.
We fed in the evening, refilled their waters and headed back to the condo for a really cozy sleep. Our own bathroom, a queen bed, cool weather and people we know. We almost didn't know how to act! The next morning we came out, we found Vievo has really learned to relax, wherever we take him. He's also really gotten comfortable with us and Wyat and Schnapps. He knows the sounds of our voices (and has started giving us great greeting "whinnies" even before Wyat and Schnapps do.
Monday, we decided to take the boys for a short ride. Since we had Kelly, she rode Schnapps for us so I could ride Vievo and Tom rode Wyat. Again, Vievo amazed us. We just rode out behind the ranch, but we encountered cars, multiple bike riders, tall standing logs and even a deer. Vievo did outstanding. Although he got a bit nervous, he only needed a rub on the neck and he immediately settled down.
Tuesday, I ditched out on everyone. I went off with Ingrid to ride up above Lake Sherman. It was a great ride. We rode about 5 1/2 hours. Great terrain, great day!!! We even got to take a nice lunch break and Ingrid even brought wine.
No stopping in Susanville. Well we did stop and our plans did not work out to lay over there so we pushed through to Washoe Valley. Our first stressful day. We got a late start from Crescent and knew we had a long slower than usual drive. We only lightly watered the horses hay to encourage them to eat more of it and we fed the Purina before we left. This was to minimize any stress. We drove through beautiful country including Klammath Falls and did have to stop once we crossed over into California. But they didn't even look at our papers. I showed her my book and she sent us on our way. An hour before Susanville we stopped for gas and to water the horses. They all drank a bit, which eased my mind. Bad part, we forgot to open the front windows for them for the first 3 hours of the trip. But they seemed okay, other than a little warm and thirsty. We sat for a bit to let them cool off before heading out for the last hour of the tip to Susanville. We arrived at the planned ranch in Susanville, hungry, hot and ready to get the ponies out for a nice turn out and some lunch. Unfortunately, some unforeseen circumstances prevented the manager from preparing for us and we couldn't even take the horses out of the trailer with the current conditions. Tired and a bit frazzled by the situation, we made the choice to push on the 2 more hours to Washoe. This was our first bad day. I called Matt at Rugged R Ranch, frantic, to advise him of the change of plans. I also called my bestest bested bud, Lanette, who sent them an email to advise them we'd be arriving a day early. Matt called back very quickly and told us to come on down! Love that guy!!! And so we pushed on, one more water break for the horses, who were by now also getting aggitated. 8.5 hours later, we arrived at Rugged R Ranch in Washoe Valley, Nevada. We put all the horses in the huge arena and they sucked down 4 muck buckets of water, than promptly kicked up their heels in protest of how the day had gone. Matt had a huge stall for Vievo and Schnapps and a beautiful stall right across the way for Wyat. This is a really well laid out ranch. It's right off the 395 between Carson and Reno; it has two large round pens, a huge arena and a really cool bar area! An added perk they don't charge for is the view of the mountains..
The first day we settled in and met my parents. They made us a fabulous dinner and we got some very badly needed sleep in normal beds. Woo HOO a bed, in a room, ...with a bathroom!!! We got up early the next morning and headed out. Matt already fed the boys for us so we didn't have to rush. We cleaned stalls, cleaned the trailer, packed away all the feed again and then turned the boys out for another run. Their coats are so shiny from the Purina Equine Adult, it's just amazing. I've seen a huge difference in their condition since we started them on it. And so, we watched as Wyat once again, became "Chuckie the Evil Doll", only this time Vievo fought back and clocked Wyat right on the side of the neck near the jaw. We actually thought it was going to knock him out. Wyat came to an immediate stop, almost fell over than just dropped his head a stood for a few moments. I don't think he's going to try to do that again! They ran it out and played for another 45 minutes. When we got back from lunch and waited out the next rain, we did some training with Vievo. I took my life in my hands and hopped on him in the round pen with nothing but a rope halter. He is so relaxed and light. He was really responsive to even the halter. He's doing just great.
Even Tom took him away from Wyat and Schnapps to the other end of the big arena and did some ground work with him. He really listened and kept his mind with Tom. We were shocked and overjoyed at the events of the day.
We really had no idea how good Vievo was until we took him for a ride around the lake. Tom ponied Schnapps (who wasn't feeling very well) and I rode Vievo. We rode past cars, past trash cans, even past remote control airplanes. We even had a bike ride up behind us and past us. He did wonderful. When we got to the beach, Tom was really tired of holding Schnapps so I took him. In all my lack of coordination, I dropped the lead line. It took Schnapps about 2 seconds to realize he was free and bolted (dead run) down the beach toward the ranch. I realized my pony was not coming back and decided I had to see what Vievo was made of..That darned 3 year old, caught up to him, we herded him, and caught him. I was able to dally Schnapps lead and tow him all the way back to Tom and Vievo wasn't even fazed! It was amazing. This is the only pic I got, considering we had a very fiesty Haflinger to deal with.
Well, it may have only been 280 miles but it was tough driving with a large load and lots of road work. 6 hours later, we FINALLY arrive to WhiteFish Horse Camp in Crescent Lake Oregon. I was really worried about Vievo as he only ate a litte bit of food and wouldn't drink any water. Before even parking correct, we pulled the horses out and put them in the 12x12 stalls and gave them water. Everyone including Vievo sucked down a full bucket. Better yet, Vievo was about as relaxed as he could be. He's made it very clear Schnapps is his new big/little brother. So, not only does our new baby seem to be very adaptable but he will also drink all different water. We took each of them (individually since we're working on preventing buddy issues) for a nice walk to stretch their legs and let them role. Than we drenched them in my special sauce spray to keep the mesquitos off. They were bad. Once we settled in, gave the boys some badly needed lunch and ate ourselves; a nice Thunder boomer let us know there was rain on the way. So, we covered the hay and through the Purina in the back of the Trailer to protect it. It was a quick refreshing storm.
The next day, the horses (including Vievo) all made us painfully aware they were waiting for breakfast so we got an early start. Well, this was the time to see what Vievo was made of. Tom tried to pony Vievo off Wyat, but Wyat (being Chuckie the Evil Doll) tried to eat him. So, I took Vievo and off we went towards Crater Trail. We rode about an hour plus out and then headed back and went to the lake.
After about 2 hours of riding, including traveling along a well used road and ponying Vievo through a non trail forest, we went back and everyone got lunch. Than we saddled up again, this time I saddled Vievo and Tom dragged Schnapps. Vievo is GREAT!!!! Despite my constant messing around on his back with the camera, leaning over his neck to sway away Horse flies and Mosquitos and bouncing boats behind trailers on the nearby road, he kept his cool AND led the ride. I took him up and down all kinds of crazy stuff and I almost thought I was on a seasoned mountain horse/ goat. So, we pushed it another step and I took Schnapps. We ponied Schnapps right on down the trail like it was nothin!!
What a GREAT Day!!! Afterward, we went to see Tom's old friends (see Blog) from Crescent Creek Cottages. These are super cute cottages right on the river. We ate dinner on the lake and enjoyed the cooling air.
Vievo only had one night to settle in at Yakima and we were off again early Monday morning. He loved the Purina so it was easy to get him in the trailer. We found he was very relaxed about everything already. He loaded well and seemed to be excitted about his new life. We took off at sunrise and headed to Crescent Lake, Oregon where we'd spend 3 days horse camping at White Fish.
This was sunset and dinner time....
This was the sunrise the next morning. Each of the huge pens had nice sized sheds for the horses. They even have electric for travelers who need to hook up. The ranch itself is about 15 miles off the main highway, so it's easy to find and easy to access.
On to Yakima, Wa to Dan and Sue Starks ranch B Bar S Ranch. They had a wonderful facility with very roomy individual stalls.They also had a great round pen to put the horses in. After it cooled down a bit, we turned the horses out in the large arena and quickly found out that Schnapps was more than ready to protect his new brother, Vievo, from the evil Wyat. It was quite entertaining.
Beautfil Vievo. He's grown up on his beautiful hills with peace and lots of green grass. Trailered only once before, ridden only a few times. After spending the weekend getting him acquainted with his new brothers and the Purina, we threw him in the trailer for our next adventure.. On to Yakima, Wa. He was a bit anxious. He put him between Wyat and Schnapps. Once realized there were yummies in the manger he settled down.
We immediately, put him into the stall between Wyat and Schnapps. Of course, Wyat really just wanted to eat him.He lunged at him and tried to bite him repeatedly, but Vievo could escape under the cover where the side panels were higher. Perfect set up for a new introduction!
We gave Vievo extra water, fed the boys their dinner and crossed our fingers there would be no emergency phone calls during the night.
We got a pleasant surprise the next morning when we found Vievo and Schnapps had become total buddies! After a great breakfast at the Janickis, we went back to Harry's and turned Vievo and Schnapps out in the covered arena for some play time. No doubt, these two were meant to be together!
Aaron arrived shortly after so he could take us around town to pick up supplies. He was delighted to hear Wyat hadn't successfully eaten Vievo yet. We tooted around town, picked up a Draft fly mask and then headed over to Skaggit Country Feed, where I met Jason. These guys were so nice and helpful during our planning, I just had to take a pick with him. We got 8 bags of Purina and 3 bales of Orchard (weed free). We're loving the Purina!! I don't know if you can tell, but both Wyat and Schnapp's coats are getting REALLY shiney.
This is Jason in front of his store. Thank you so much for all your help!!! You were great.
Believe or not, I wouldn't have if I didn't get a pic myself.... But Wyat and Vievo actually had a kissy moment!!!
This is backward, but by Saturday afternoon all were content next to each other.
Friday morning we were off again and on to Mount Vernon to finally pick up Vievo...The above pictures are from Harry's ranch. A really nice friend of the Janicki's who let us put the horses up at his place. We intentionally left the middle stall empty so Vievo would be able to become acquainted with Schnapps and Wyat. Harry had a great indoor arena and wondeful pasture for the horses.
Thursday-although my wildside really wanted to join Jodi,Kent and Lisa; I decided to take it easy on our boys. We would be on the road again the next day and we didn't want to over stress their legs. Tom and I took Gaitway on a nice two hour ride following the beautiful river and lush greens. The trails were soft and easy to ride. We crossed a few bridges and enjoyed watching Gaits play in the water.
It was a beautiful ride. 
( Thank you Jodi for contributing this picture) Our trail scaled this slide.
Than we turned and followed a steep, narrow uphill to another ridge that put us up above the river. It was a great route, definite not beginner but good for an intermediate to advance rider. Up, up and away we went. As we crested the first ridge, we came across a new type of terrain, the trail was narrow and along the ledge, it was heavily forested with beautiful pines, ferns and Beargrass. Sure this was beautiful, despite the flux of Horse flies and other “horse irritating” flying bugs. BUT, the key was a beautiful view of Mt. Saint Helen’s herself.. If you look closely you can see the smoke coming off the top.
This led us to a really narrow trail. No room for error here. Most of this trail is was about two feet wide, but in spots it narrowed down to under a foot. Downhill was a steep cliff, up hill was another steep cliff.
But we made it out and wound up in Red Rock Pass. Will’s plan was to keep climbing to the top of the mountain and follow the top of the mountain back. There was one problem… he didn’t know for sure if this trail went through. We all decided that none of us want to have to turn our horses on their haunches over a steep drop off, so he took us to a lava field. This was one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had..The pictures speak for themselves..
The remaining trail was just as spectacular, although we did run into one rough area. It was rocky and steep to go through a wash. Will was convinced this was wrong, but the GPS said differently. And Jodi became his new map reader.
We rode a total of 15 miles, 5.5 hours on Wednesday. It was a fantastic ride and our Oregon group is super cool!!! Lessons learned, although Schnapps didn't get sore, this was a true test of his feet. I should have had boots with me just in case. Sunday, the main gang, headed out for another 15 mile ride. Although the fun side of me really wanted to go, the smart side said "take it easy" because we were heading up to Mt. Vernon the next day, so Tom and I just rode for about an hour, but it was still beautiful!!!!
I must say, if you bring your horses through Oregon, these two places (The Vineyard Stables and Starlite Stables) are worth every penny and more.
We spent Monday evening with Kent, Lisa and my pal Jodi from Oregon. We planned for the next few days adventures in Kalama Washington, beneath Mt. Saint Helen.
Over the course of the first few days. I'd found the horses had really adjusted to their feed, including the Purina Equine Adult. This really kept them very regular and their coats were very shiny. Even with all the time on the road they were really settling in well and didn't seem stressed. Soaking the hay minimized the dust but also made sure they stayed hydrated during travel and this really paid off for us.
This was the airconditioned lounge.... This was the beautifully manicured arena
We met up with our gal pals from FCA for lunch. It was good fun. Than, Gaits and I just couldn't take the heat anymore, so we went for a swim in the pond...
Gaits even found her feline twin... Whiskers, the barn cat..
Next, adventure...Kalama with our new friends from Oregon. We pulled out early again Monday morning to travel to Salem, Oregon. We arrive early to the Vineyard Stables in unbearable heat. Kim was waitiing for us an just like Starlite, we were overwhelmed by the friendlyness and wonderful facility. This facility has trails in vineyards and around beautiful grounds, a fantasitc indoor arena and a beautifully designed in/out stall system the frames the arena. Oh, can't forget the well air conditioned lounge with a kitchen. Above pics don't do justice for this facility!
We really enjoyed Kerry and Ann at Starlite Stables. She had a wonderful facility! Thank you so much Kerry.
Above is a view of the barn with the runs (which are hot wire). Note the nice patio to the right. Right pic is the immaculate alley way. Schnapps and Wyat met a mini donkey and some Llamas. That was interesting. (See more about the donkey on the blog)
Schnapps just really wanted to stay next to the misters and relax.
Day 2-We pulled out before 6 am to beat the heat. We bought several gallons of water to carry since we'd lost our water tank. But we soaked the hay well again. We arrived around noon to Starlite Stables in Medford, Oregon. Kerry (the owner was fantastic and her facility was wonderful. After playing in the well groomed arena and sucking down a few gallons of water, the horses were put in their in/outs. Above picture is Schnapps thoroughly enjoying the mister. He stood like this for almost 2 hours.
Day 1- Heat Wave: We pulled out at 2:30 in the morning to travel 450 miles to our first destination in Williams, Ca. Good thing we soaked the hay well as our water tank leaked out 3/4 of the way there.
We arrived before noon to 108 degree heat. The horses drank well and went down for a nice knap. It was a small home style ranch with a very nice family. See picture above.
Planning:
1. Route on a large map miles travled per day and find facilities in that area (inlcude a back up facility). The details of the places we stayed are on the calendar.
2. Plan food and available food during trip-plan food that can remain consistant throughout the trip
3. Have insurance-trailer, travel, and personal
4. Make sure you have all paper work and documentation of ownership and health records for all your animals
5. ID for the horses: tags for their bodies &/or Saddles: tags for stalls
There is alot more but this is the just of it.
This page tracks our trip, we left July 25th and returned to our boarding ranch August 25th.
http://www.caltrailriders.com/apps/calendar/
To see the wonderful pictures of our visits to see Vievo while he was growing up, just click on this link...
http://www.caltrailriders.com/veivo.htm
See if you can follow us on our journey to Mt. Vernon Washington and back through Oregon, Nevada and Mammoth..I'll be adding notes (almost daily) and adding pictures as often as possible.