This handsome yearling Devil’s Garden Mustang gelding didn’t let a rough start keep him down. Pippin was facility-born and rejected by his dam. Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals staff kept him alive and raised him, through ups and down, until he was strong enough to travel. No easy feat and a huge commitment. He arrived …
Category: Stefanie’s Notebook
Aug 13 2024
Acutely and vibrantly alive
That’s what I think horse packing and backcountry riding do for us: We feel alive and present. In a world where we are often numb, stressed, irritated, anxious or distracted (but utterly comfortable because in many ways our lives are easy… We get heat, cool air, coffee, fuel and millions of items online simply by …
Aug 11 2024
“Women’s Work” recap
I left for the wilderness practically right after we got back from Trinidad and haven’t had a chance to share any pictures. We squeezed an unbelievable amount of oohs, aahs and adventure into a whirlwind 30h trip to the opening weekend of Cowgirl Artists of America ‘s art show Women’s Work at the A.R. Mitchell …
Aug 10 2024
Gone Horse Packing
Last week I was on the phone with an old friend. She was my German teacher in middle school. Dorith is in her 80s now. I graduated high school 20 years ago (ouch). We go back a long time and she’s essentially my bonus grandma. She asked what I was doing the following week. I …
Aug 02 2024
Celebrating Mustangs
This afternoon we’re off to honor wild horses and the western way of life in a different way. Cowgirl Artists of America ‘s art show “Women’s Work” begins tonight, “a groundbreaking exhibition that showcases the multifaceted contributions of women in shaping the American West.” “Through the hands of female artists and makers, this exhibition brings …
Aug 01 2024
Riding by App
One of the things I found most intimidating when I first decided to become more self-reliant in backcountry riding and packing was navigation. How to plan, safely get to where I want to go, explore, find my way back and have a way to call for help if needed. The majority of miles Tay Martin …
Jul 31 2024
Doc Update
This video is too funny not to share. That was 5yo Stewart Creek WY palomino pinto Mustang gelding Doc’s second session and his first time getting the “real” halter on, over the temporary halter. What was supposed to be a serious video on a long, warm day turned into impromptu playfulness and laughter. I think …
Jul 31 2024
We’re Back!
Our summer high country pack trip with the entire Ambassador Mustang herd (3 from BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program and one from Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals ) and the Shepherd boys was a fun and laughter filled, occasionally slightly unhinged adventure. We experienced frost, dew, sun, wind, hail, rain, and thunderstorms. We camped …
Jul 31 2024
Out of Office
Tay Martin and I took all 4 of the Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs (pictured, look closely!) as well as both German Shepherds and headed for the high country. It’s Taylor’s and Griffin’s (he’s supervising) first pack trip. I’m typing this on a ridge at just under 12,000ft elevation. We’ll be back before …
Jul 31 2024
Mountain Wanderings
This past week the double duns, aka Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs Divide Basin WY mare Lacy and Twin Peaks CA filly Echo, went on yet another mountain adventure. Michelle Moreland and I had decided to take our trusty steeds and dogs back to a familiar trail to finish what we had set …