During the course of our trip this past season, as shown in the accompanying photos, I spent quite a bit of time riding and visiting with one of the owners of the cattle we were gathering, Ray Champ. Ray is one of the states' most accomplished rodeo announcers and in addition, raises quarter horses and cattle as well. He matches my enthusiasm for the guest business while at the same time is always looking for ways to spend his time horseback. One can be in Ray's company for five minutes and feel the infectious energy he has for riding and getting to know complete strangers. You'll see what I mean next fall!

We'll be joining forces with Ray and his family and spending the later October days gathering and moving their herd from the Mitten Lake Country on the Blackfeet Reservation , some of the most awesome country you'll ever have the pleasure of riding in, out of the mountains and foothill country, and taking them east.

This trip begins with your arrival at Bear Creek Ranch by plane to Kalispell or driving directly to the ranch just west of East Glacier. Arrive that Sunday by mid-afternoon, get settled in your cabin, meet myself and Diana, Ray, and the crew, and we'll be off to the barn and arena and will begin matching you to the right horse for the week.  This trip, in particular, will require some good riding right out of the gate! 

 At times, you will want to get after a stubborn cow or calf, or a bunch of them, not wanting to move just because you want them too! You'll need to use your horse and yourself as best you can and push that bunch towards the rest.  Our horses will be ready for the job at hand and so will you!  Every hour that goes by horseback will build your confidence level and by the end of the first day, you will be good to go.

We'll be gathering cattle for at least two days while moving the main herd to a smaller, holding field, and then going back and finding and pushing strays and smaller groups of cows and calves to the same field. We should be ready to take the whole bunch cross country on Wednesday or Thursday and will then be taking them cross country to their winter home at Four Horns Lake, a two-day trip horseback and with any luck, the wind at our backs.

On that note, you will notice a bit of snow in the pics from this past October, well, we had a blow alright, but we kept on riding and had some absolutely gorgeous days as well. We did have some wind but for the most part, it was at our backs! Mornings in this part of Montana will be pretty nippy with the daytime sun warming things up. You'll need a good coat, hat, and gloves. You'll love this time of year.

If there is a trip with us that I'd say might involve a few more hours in the saddle over the period of five days this one would be it. We'll be needing to get all the cattle out of the foothills by the time we're done. We might have an easy day or two but may well have a long day or so mixed in. If you're in good shape and want to be there horseback you'll get it. Nevertheless, I would recommend some riding before you get here. We'll put the right horse in front of you for sure. You do your part as well.