The Horse Drive

I think the highlight of the entire retreat was probably the 400 horse drive, which covered 60 miles, and was completed over the course of two days. We had our own personal drivers and chose where to stop along the pre-defined course from the winter pasture to the main ranch. And winter it still was - there was snow on the ground that morning.

First, we shot at the corrals as horses of all breeds, colors, and sizes came to us in herds, driven in by riders. Many of the cowboys mounts were also fresh off the range and put on quite a show. I've never seen so many horses in one place!



While they counted to make sure all horses were there, we drove ahead to set up our shots. After awhile, the thunder of 1600 hooves started shaking the ground and we knew they were on the way. It was nearly mind-boggling to see all these horses running together.







The rest of the drive was a much slower version of the leapfrog game we played that morning. I was able to get some decent video with my little camera while shooting the herd coming by.



Getting a good roll in while on a break. Of course it's a grey.



Comfort from a friend.





Trotting right up the road. Talk about stopping traffic!



If you're ever up in NW Colorado in early May, the drive is great eye-candy for any horse lover. Such a rush!

Sombrero Steak Fry

Today we had a little time to relax, then had a great steak fry to meet the riders participating in the drive. More great food!

Thanks goodness they had two campfires going, it was snowing a bit on the way up. Figures, sunny and hot in the beginning, now it's freezing. Colorado.

Sombrero Ranch - Day 2

Really, we felt as if there was nothing these guys (and gals!) wouldn't do for us. They drove huge herds of horses though those big pastures, up and down steep hills covered in sagebrush, and through rivers - mostly at a full-out gallop. Ed particularly loved to make a few extra passes for his adoring lady fans.



We started the morning shooting the ranch hands driving the horses through a stream. Then we moved to the biggest pasture I've even seen (fences? couldn't see any for miles) to capture the drama of a large herd galloping towards us. I felt like I was in the middle of a movie, it was amazing!





After that rush, we headed back to the corrals to shoot some roping. There were great opportunities for head shots too. Of course, Ed couldn't resist being a ham. ;)







Roping practice finished and we trooped to the kitchen for another hearty brunch. Man, those gals can cook! And I didn't miss my daily Starbucks too much with their strong "cowboy coffee" at hand.

Once the food had settled, we headed back up the hills so the cowboys could do some more modeling for us. This time they ponied horses down the hill.





Of course, Ed had to barrel down my way at full steam. Scared the bejeebus out of me, but I got this great shot out of it!



Three Amigos or Three Stooges? ;)

Sombrero Ranch - Day 1

Words cannot describe this place and the wonderful people that are part of it. Vast is an understatement. We shot extensively on their main ranch, with thousands of acres of pasture at our disposal. This was the real deal too, not just some show put on by rookies.

Ed, our main wrangler, is a true Marlboro man, modeling for ads overseas (since they're banned here now). His experience and ability to manage the other riders and the horses really helped get the job done quickly. Being easy on the eye and a bit of a ham sure made things easier too. ;)

The first day was quite an experience, let me tell you! First, they gathered up a group of 50-60 head from their winter range. It was really cool to see so many different colors, breeds, and personalities of horses, all in one corral. One by one the hands roped horses out, tacked them up, and gave each one a quick "tune up" since they hadn't been ridden all winter. Talk about a real live rodeo, right in front of our eyes!



There was a brand new baby, who was absolutely adorable, of course!


This shot was taken with my new Lensbaby 2.0 that Candice kindly gave to me.



One of our lovely models galloping after the herd.



Through the stream, again and again...



Driving the heard down the hill





And back up, yet again...



Someone pinch me - I'm dreaming. :D