The other day, during his stay with friends in Colorado, my father did something I’ve always wanted to do.
He went riding with cowboys!!!
And in a beautiful scenery too!
David and his wife Dawn, friends of friends, had cattle up in the mountains, and when hearing of my father taking up horseback riding in Niger after a 38 year long absence, they invited him to join them for a real cowboy working day as they headed out for the day to check on the cattle!
The journey started with a proper meal, and when seeing a home-made version like the one above rather than what fast food restaurants have to offer, I suddenly understand the concept of hamburgers!
The mounts were in the hills,
…but approached at the sight of Dave,
…eager for the treats they knew awaited them!
Good boys!
Saddling up
I wouldn’t mind a backyard view myself as the one above! I think even the pampered mares of Ishtar’s Ark would be jealous if they knew what cowboy horses were up to!
Hitting the trails
Crossing the creek
My father and his mount Zeb
Ah, the scenery……………
The colours…………..
The expanse…………..
The world is full of amazing places!
The dogs followed them throughout the journey, reminding me of just how much I miss the Sheba’s company on our Nigerien bush rides!
Now, the only question that remains is: where’s the cattle?
Voilà! Healthy and well!
The view over on the other side…
Once the cattle had been checked on, they headed south again.
My father and Zeb striding across the plains
Crossing the creek
The climb downhill
Another creek to cross
Zeb watches where he puts his step!
On their way home, they met another flock of horses - all loose!
David was a bit worried about the outcome from past experience, but Zeb stood his ground,
…and when he and my dad left, the foreign herd followed! How cool is that?
Riding through more pastures…
…in the company of more horses 
What a sight! What a scenery! What an adventure!!
Heading back after 4,5 hours on the trail
Reaching camp before the sun went down!
The day ended with a well-earned meal after such a long ride in Baldwin, Colorado!
For other experiences around the globe, visit My World!
29 users commented in " Riding with Cowboys! "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackWow…that looks amazing! You are gonna have to put that same trip on your “Bucket List!” You know…the list of things you do before you “kick the bucket:-)” Gorgeous…who took the pics?
Wow! What a fantastic adventure your father had! Beautiful, expansive scenery…Maybe you’ll be able to visit those friends of friends in Colorado some day. Were those other horses wild horses, or did they belong to someone?
Your dad had the chance to see the American
West the way it should be seen - on horseback! Looks like a wonderful ride. Baldwin, CO is only a couple of hundred miles from us - close by wild west standards. Hope you get your wish and can ride with the cowboys one day, Esther.
Now that’s a ride. But 4-5 hours bouncing around in a saddle? My back (and butt) are telling me right now not to get any ideas! But for these kinds of photo opportunities? (Not to mention the food.) I could always stock up on ibuprofen.
What an awesome place to ride and a great adventure for your Dad. I’ll bet you were wish you were there also.
That is awesome indeed! Marvelous shots! Feel as though I have been there myself! What beautiful horses!
Esther: What a neat story to tell, what big country he visited.
What an amazing and completely unforgetable experience for your dad!
Janice.
Wow- helt underbara bilder! What a view! Awwww…
What a beautiful place!! Amazing views!! It looks like your dad had a great ride!! I would love to do that, well I do in a way, but it’s different when you get to go to a ranch and go on a ride like that! Fun, fun, fun!!
Esther - How can your father be in CO? I’m wondering where this ranch is located - looks as though it may be just across the pass from me.
Are you sure you’re not in America right now? If you came to Colorado and didn’t look me up, when I’m just 8-9 hours south, you’re gonna be in big trouble, little missy! lol!
Those pictures are great. If you didn’t take them…well then who did? You’re the photographer on this blog, ya know. And who else would take a photo of a hamburger?
I loved that smile on your Dad as the horses are following. Awesome!
And I can tell Dave is real cowboy. Only a true cowboy would wear pink and be manly enough to ‘own it’!
~Lisa
Great photostory!
Love it Esther. Your Dad looks like he was really enjoying himself. If you ever come to the states you are invited to spend some time at the Skoog Farm Bed and Breakfast. You are so right, there are so many beautiful places in this world.
What a great day your Dad must have had. Great photos, thanks for sharing them with us.
Lovely scenic shots and a yumm shot too! Complete in every way. It was a wonderful virtual trip on horse back.
It’s funny I had kind of the same reaction to this post–oh, he’s so close! He should come for a visit. Your blog is so personal that I feel like I know your family. So, yes, come to the US and visit us all!!
Now that was an unexpected location but the scenery was as breathtaking as usual! That´s what you get with horses it seems.
Whoa! This is beautiful scenery! Those beautiful horses and the golden fields! A lovely ride on the trails, very nice photos! I love it!
Pretend holidays on ranches cannot equal a day in the saddle for real when there is a task at hand. Beautiful horses and marvellous scenery.
He looks very handsome in a cowboy hat, too!
That’s just such beautiful country, stunningly gorgeous. Wonderful photos.
What a wonderful experience. I love the vast expanse of land, mountains, paths, rivers… Splendid shots!
I am ohs and ahs ….
your dad looks as if he fit right in. as i look at these beautiful photos, i’m recalling the other sensations of being in on the trail: the insects humming, the meadowlarks and blackbirds calling, the warmth of the sun, the soughing of the wind, the creak of the saddles, the scent of the horses and the dry grass. so absolutely wonderful.
How exciting for your Dad! It’s wonderful to do something you have dreamed/thought about for a long time. Beautiful scenery and gorgeous shots. Thanks!
This landscape is very close to autumn. What a beautiful spot.
That is too COOOL!! Your dad looks way to happy, and he deserves it. Its truely beautiful country..:-)))
I’ve been so busy since we arrived home from France, but now I understand why you left me this link!
Oooooohhhhhh, so envious I am now!
Wow! What a fabulous experience! Such a beautiful place…. those photos - gorgeous!
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